Overview

Could do a lot better

Transport & Parking

Disabled parking adjacent to the entrance but not many spaces.

Access

No information or signage for disabled accessibility. House had a sign at the front saying that there were some solutions and to ask a member of staff but you had to go up steps into the house to find a member of staff. Fortunately I had someone with me who went inside to ask and was told that I could leave my mobility scooter outside and climb the steps then was provided with a non-self propelled wheelchair. The website says that there is access to the ground floor but no idea where that access was. Website also says that there is a “ stair climber” for access to the first floor but although staff were very friendly here, this was not offered. Access to the gardens was better, although paths were gravelled, and there was no accessibility information on the map provided. There were scooters for hire if needed but these could only be used in the garden. Unfortunately my visit was spoiled by a member of staff who, despite the fact that I was on my mobility scooter, sold me tickets for the Japanese garden tour despite the fact that the Japanese garden is not accessible. One of the tour guides said that there was a way around it if I could manage one step and walk a short distance (which I can) but I only got to see a small part and was left sitting on a cold stone step for half an hour whilst the rest of the group toured the rest of the garden. I did get my money back but when I asked why they didn’t tell me it wasn’t accessible I was told “She thought that I would be able to walk round”! She did later apologise but the experience had left me in considerable discomfort and humiliated at being left for half an hour with people staring at me.

Toilets

Staff

The staff at the house were very friendly and willing to help but the information I received did not correlate with the information on the website. Unfortunately I could not say the same for the person who sold me the tour tickets (see above).

Anything else you wish to tell us?

Be aware that the courtyard is cobbled and it is a long walk to the house.