Although we are an 11th Century Castle with very obvious difficulties in terms of access to some areas, we do try to provide visitors who are disabled with the best possible visit.

The path can take a wheelchair on the flat from the top car park right to the main body of the building where there is a ramp and then double doors into the tea-room. The tea-room has the gift shop within it. Both wheelchair and frame users will find the tea-room accessible.

The main compound of the Castle is grassy and flat (bumpy in parts) so in dry weather the whole compound, ruins and box gardens are accessible.

The Herbery is a sensory garden and entrances are made so a wheelchair or frame can get right into the herbery. The same applies to the boxed flower gardens.

The Great Hall of the Castle is not accessible as stairs are the only access, but we have a policy that a guide will go down to the tea-room or terrace with artefacts and spend time with a disabled person, answering questions and explaining elements of the Castle that may be of interest. Do remember to tell us in the Great Hall of anyone waiting downstairs.

A vehicle may be brought right up to the main building by permission of the ticket office who will inform the Castle.

Toilets with bars can be found in the main car park.

The toilets in the marquee are also “on the flat” and disabled access is available.

Guide dogs are very welcome and water is provided. People with sight difficulties may pick and smell herbs in the herbery – they are all safe!.

We welcome visitors with a range of special needs. If a party booking is being considered, do telephone first and we will arrange for a Guide without extra charge.