This review just concentrates on disabled access and is designed to complement the other reviews already written.
Fountains Abbey is one of the great ruined abbeys of Yorkshire and is set in extensive parkland.
There are three car parks but disabled visitors are recommended to use the the West Gate car park. Battery operated cars and wheechairs are collected here. You are advised to book these in advance. Battery chairs are not issued on wet days.
From the West Gate car park there is level access to the abbey ruins, mill and the parkland. There is a leaflet with details of accessible routes. It is recommended wheelchair users stay on to the north side of the Abbey. Gray's Walk has a strange camber which can cause problems for those in wheelchairs. After heavy rain, it can be difficult to get a wheelchair over the grass. Some of the upper paths through the woodland are not suitable.
The Visitor Centre is sited on top of a cliff with very steep paths down to the abbey ruins. These are not suitable for use with wheelchairs. If wanting to go to the Visitor Centre, use the Visitor Centre car park. Alternatively there is a mini bus service between the three car parks. This runs on a 30min schedule. Wheelchairs can be carried on the mini bus, but the person should be able to get out of the wheelchair to get on.
There is disabled access to all of the abbey ruins and also the mill. Fountains Hall has a flight of stairs up to the door and is not accessible.
There are disabled toilets in the Visior Centre and tea rooms, all disabled friendly.
Information is available in braille and there is an audio loop available at the admission points. They also produce an audio tour.
There are no concessions for seniors or the disabled, although carers re admitted free.
