Overview

It was delightful to return to Dunham Massey on a beautiful summer's day. This was my first visit since I became disabled. I was apprehensive, however was pleasantly surprised how do-able it is there. Gentle slop down to visitor centre, which is step free, completely level and large, with toilets, cafe, seating, shop, second hand bookshop and plant shop. The visitor centre alone would make a lovely place to come for lunch and a bit of shopping. We were offered a wheelchair but opted to use my walker. We were advised to exit to the right and go over the bridge, then up a path (too steep for me really) to the deer gate, to enter the estate. It was quite challenging for me to walk up to the house and garden but I didn't know at that point the buggy was so easy to mount. We didn't visit the house because I wanted to see the gardens. We followed the paths under advice of how to get to the rose garden, which I especially wanted to see. The paths are mostly level and crossing on the grass is allowed. Lots of benches meant there was always one I could rest on. One step up to the orangery. Lots of people were sitting on the grass chilling out, which was nice to see. The rose garden and nearby kitchen garden were delightful. Next time we go, we will get the buggy up to the house and garden and conserve my energy so I can look round more. Perhaps when the weather is cooler we will try the house.

Transport & Parking

We drove. Large carpark with two different sets of disabled spaces. The ones behind the admission shed are nearest to the ramp into the visitor centre, whereas the others are nearest to the steps that have a good handrail.

Access

Considering the site, the access is pretty good. Fairly gentle curving slope into visitor centre, which is large and all level. However, from there, over the bridge, there is a fairly steep slope up to the deer gate. The path is bound gravel and very wide but to go under the arch there are some uneven old blocks and then cobbles. There is an alternative route but it was a longer way round. Some tricky terrain but do-able, once through the arch. Garden is fairly level paths and the odd few steps can be avoided. Plenty of benches for the weary. The staff on the gate were incredibly kind and helpful. We didn't go in the house this time but I was told there is a wheelchair platform lift to the main floor. I was dreading the hill going back down but fortunately I was able to use the buggy, as the driver put the ramp down and I simply glided on, he even tethered my walker. The buggy delivered us back to the car park via the deer park, though I had to go back into the visitor centre for the toilet before we left. I highly recommend the buggy.

Toilets

There are two accessible toilets in the visitor centre, one lh transfer and one rh transfer. I didn't see a changing places toilet. Enough space and easy to find, just turn to the right as you go in. There are also accessible toilets near the stables cafe but we didn't use them on this occasion.

Staff

The staff are absolutely brilliant. Every single one of them was helpful, kind and full of smiles. It was great to feel so welcome. Particularly kind was the one on the admission desk who listened very carefully and gave good advice. She promised to pass on my feedback about photos being very helpful in accessibility statements. (they used to have them but they don't in the new one).

Photos