I have written separate reviews covering the history and background of the castle and also the guided tour. This just covers disabled access.
The main car park is 400m walk from castle entrance. Ask at the ticket office as you enter the castle about disabled parking. It is possible to drop off disabled visitors at the castle gatehouse. There are two disabled parking bays by castle and disabled parking in courtyard by shop and cafe.
Wheelchairs are available from the castle entrance hall and can be used round the outside of the castle. Others available from the Coach House are for use around the grounds and gardens.
There is level access into ground floor of the castle which has a DVD about the castle for disabled visitors. There are steps from the entrance hall to the rest of the castle and no wheelchair access.
The walled garden with its yew hedges and ornamental pond is on a slope so wheelchair pushers may need to be strong. Roads round the deerpark are tarmac.
There is level entrance to the cafe in the old stables, through the shop. The disabled toilets at the end of this block. There are none in the castle.
Assistance dogs are welcome inside the castle and gardens. Well behaved dogs are allowed in the deer park.
Visits on Sundays and during the week in July and August are by free flow. Large print information sheets are available. There are chairs to sit on in the different rooms. In April, May, June and September, admission is by guided tour. These take 75 minutes.
Disabled visitors are charged at the concessionary rate. Those who unable to access the castle can be admitted to the castle to view the DVD with the parks and gardens ticket, costing £5. Carers are also charged at the same rate.
Staff are excellent, understand the needs of the disabled and willing to help.
