Wentworth Castle Heritage Trust Access Statement
Wentworth Castle Gardens is a heritage site, covering 600 acres of the
Pennine foothills. Paths may be muddy, uneven or steep in places.
Some parts of the Garden are accessed by steps, although there is
always an alternative route which can be used if necessary. The
Trustees and staff consider the safe and easy access of all visitors to be
a high priority. It is our intention to continue to improve access wherever
practicable, and we welcome suggestions from all members of the
public, staff and volunteers.
1. Visitors are advised that there are steep gradients (1 in 7) in certain
areas of the grounds. A golf buggy is available for hire for a
recommended donation of £5 for use in the 50 acres formal garden, but
this is not available for use in the parkland. Booking is advisable on
01226 776040. Buggy drivers must be over 17 years for insurance
purposes and must pass a competence test before taking the buggy out.
2. Dedicated parking spaces for disabled visitors are available close to
the Long Barn Visitor Centre. Please follow signs through the main car
park and around to the Visitor Centre.
3. Registered Assistance Dogs are welcome in the formal gardens. All
dogs on a lead are welcome in the Parkland.
4. A lift is available for public use at the Long Barn Visitor Centre.
5. Toilets with facilities for the disabled are available at the Long Barn
Visitor Centre; two on the ground floor, and two on the first including in
St. James’ Hall. Additional toilets are available at the Victorian
Conservatory including a disabled toilet.
6. For those with sight and/or hearing difficulties:
a. Our branding guidelines offer 9 colour options and 2 font styles for
clarity.
b. Our website homepage offers text control to adjust appearance and
alter font size.
c. Informative Braille signage is available at Long Barn Visitor Centre.
d. Listening posts are available at key areas around the Gardens.
e. An introductory video plays on a loop on a widescreen TV at the Long
Barn Visitor Centre.
7. There is a hearing loop at Admissions in the Long Barn Visitor Centre
and at the Potting Shed interpretation gallery in the Victorian
Conservatory.
8. Wheelchair users: Our staff on Admissions will gladly offer advice to
those in wheelchairs on the best route around the gardens.
9. Our information boards are at a height suitable to most wheelchairs
users, as are our listening points.
10. Information on food served in the café that may contain allergens, is
clearly labelled. Visitors are welcome to ask members of café staff if
they have any dietary concerns.
11. Paths in the lower half of the Gardens are surfaced, whilst those
higher up the gardens are grass paths.
12. Seating is provided throughout the Gardens.
13. Visitors with particular needs are welcome to ring the Visitor Centre
in advance (01226 776040) if they need any information to help them get
the most out of their visit.
To be reviewed: Annually Owner: Learning & Community Education
Officer