Top Five Accessible Days Out This Summer with National Trust
Looking ahead to brighter, sunnier days, we round up some of the best accessible days out for you this summer.
- National Trust is Europe’s largest conservation charity, which started in 1895. It was set up by founders Octavia Hill, Robert Hunter, and Hardwicke Rawnsley to help preserve our natural and historical places.
- With over 500 sites in total, the Trust proudly cares for all our green spaces, coastlines, historic houses, and much more.
- Many National Trust sites are designed with accessibility in mind and make a great day out when the good weather comes.
For over 125 years, National Trust has been dedicated to maintaining our natural environment, as well as history and culture.
Comprised of staff, members, volunteers, and supporters, the Trust cares for:
- Over 780 miles of coastline.
- Over 250,000 hectares of land.
- Over 500 historic houses, castles, parks, and gardens.
- Almost a million works of art.
With summer approaching, we have rounded up our top five picks for accessible days out in the sun. Read on to get inspired!
1. Blickling Estate, Norfolk
Those in and around Norfolk will not regret a visit to the Blickling Estate in Aylsham. The Jacobean mansion is situated in the beautiful Bure meadows, surrounded by gardens and ancient yew hedges.
With its breathtaking scenery and peaceful setting, it makes the perfect place to get out in nature. Plus, it can be explored on foot or by bike and is suitable for wheelchair users with flat, level pathways.
Most areas of the estate have level access, enabling easy entry to the food outlet, shop, and toilets. Mobility scooters can be hired from the Estate Barn and East Wing visitor receptions. Booking for these is recommended during peak times.
There is also a Braille guide to pick up on arrival for those who are blind or partially sighted, and an induction loop for those hard of hearing.
Dogs are also welcome to join you for a walk around the grounds, though only assistance dogs will be permitted in certain areas. These include the house, East Wing, and formal garden.
The birthplace of Anne Boleyn, the Blickling Estate has a rich history that is sure to appeal to historians. With various events and activities for children, it is perfect for visitors of all ages with lots to see and do.
Opening times are slightly varied across the estate, which you can find more information on here.
Learn more about the Blickling Estate
2. Stourhead, Wiltshire
A world-famous landscape garden in Wiltshire, Stourhead offers the perfect location for a summer stroll.
First opened in the 1740s, it was described as ‘a living work of art’. With an expansive garden consisting of classical temples, grottoes, and rare, exotic trees.
Architects will be fascinated by the Palladian Villa - the first of its kind built in England by Scottish architect Colen Campbell. Inside, there is a Regency library, Chippendale furniture, and a collection of paintings.
If you want to make the most of the sunshine, the 1,072-hectare estate offers a range of walks through chalk downs, ancient woods, and farmland. Children will enjoy spotting various farm animals roaming about the countryside.
Garden temples such as the Temple of Flora, Temple of Apollo, and the Pantheon (inspired by the original in Rome), will also appeal to historians.
As for accessibility, the estate has an accessible route with a map available to guide you. This is because some routes in the garden may include stony and deep descents. If preferred, you can have a volunteer-led guided tour of the garden via a buggy. Call 01747 842030 or email [email protected] for availability.
Other features include accessible toilets at the reception, trampers for hire, and a stair-climber. This allows wheelchair users access to the house, with the last entry at 3pm. If you’d like to make use of this service, you’ll also need to book it in advance using the same contact details.
Mountain trike wheelchairs can also be hired, and the estate operates a volunteer-led shuttle bus service. This takes you from the Visitor Reception to the Spread Eagle Courtyard and house. Phoning on the day is recommended for this service.
For shopping, there is a food outlet and shop, where you can buy plants, gifts, and souvenirs. There is also a second-hand book shop for avid readers, and all of these are level access.
Accessible to all and with a range of sights and discoveries, Stourhead makes a great day out for the whole family. Dogs on short leads are welcome in the garden, and children are sure to enjoy the ice-cream shop located on-site.
Opening times vary for different parts of the estate, which you can view online here.
3. Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire
A breathtaking French-Renaissance chateaux, Waddesdon Manor offers a sublime historical and natural visit.
Situated near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, the mansion is a feast for the eyes, with a rich history dating back to 1874. It was built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild to entertain the upper social circle. Later on in the Second World War, it also housed over 100 evacuee children from London.
National Trust has continued its legacy of decadence, with a host of events and entertainment celebrating food and wine. The Manor restaurant offers a range of delicious food and drink, brought together by its talented in-house chefs.
Elsewhere, there are plenty of other options for food with the Food-To-Go and Coffee Bar, Stables Cafe, and Takeaway.
The Gift & Wine Shop will make a great visit for any wine enthusiasts, including Rothschild selections. You can also find one-off pieces and plenty of gifts and souvenirs to make your visit memorable.
Inside, Rothschild’s fine collection of art is on display, plus an impressive collection of furniture. Outside, the Victorian-style gardens feature a Parterre plus various fountains and statuary. There's even a Rococo-style aviary will appeal to all.
Those with limited mobility will find lots of accessibility features in mind to assist them. These include accessible toilets, designated parking, a lift, ramp access, and wheelchairs for hire.
Blue Badge holders can travel on the free shuttle bus with their companions, and assistance dogs are welcome in the house.
There are some steps and uneven terrain around the property in places, though these are clearly marked. There are four different walks around the estate to help you make the most of the views, ranging from 25 minutes to an hour in duration. You can find out more about the walks here to plan ahead for your visit.
With a woodland playground, children will be well entertained and able to enjoy the open air. There are also silent spaces around the estate for those who want to sit and observe nature for a while.
The grounds are open from Wed-Sun from 10 am – 4 pm (last entry at 3pm). You can view prices and book tickets online here.
Learn more about Waddesdon Manor
4. Trelissick, Cornwall
Located in Cornwall just a stone’s throw away from Truro, Trelissick House offers stunning Cornish views and a range of woodland walks.
Situated on its own peninsula, it presents panoramic views over the Fal estuary, from its south-facing rooms. The house oozes history, while the woodland walks will be enjoyed by all – including furry friends.
The gardens boast formal lawns, herbaceous borders, and exotic plants, plus an orchard. Meanwhile, the countryside offers a historic park, Iron Age promontory fort, and 18th-century quay.
In the house tearoom, you can treat yourself to a slice of cake while enjoying the view. Crofters Cafe also offers a range of refreshments including hot and cold lunches, afternoon teas and children’s packed lunches.
If you feel like doing some shopping, the shop offers a wide range of gifts, local produce, and plants. There is also the Cornwall Crafts Association gallery and a second-hand bookshop in which to have a browse.
The property has an accessible route for those with mobility issues, and there are accessible toilets at the reception. Most of the garden is level access, while there is ramped access to the house.
Designated parking near the reception make parking easy, and you can hire powered mobility and wheelchairs. However, these are in limited numbers so booking is highly recommended.
Fixed induction loops are available at till points for those who have hearing issues, and you’ll find level access to the shop and food areas.
For information to help plan your visit including opening times, head to the National Trust website.
5. Dunster Castle and Watermill, Somerset
Last but not least is Dunster Castle and Watermill in Somerset. The ancient castle and country home is situated on a wooded hill and goes back to Norman times.
The medieval gatehouse and ruined tower will fascinate historians. While the terraced garden offers varieties of Mediterranean and subtropical plants. The Castle also has a historical working watermill, located near a riverside wooded garden and natural play area for children.
Enjoy panoramic views over the Bristol Channel, as well as the surrounding countryside. Wandering down to the Grade II listed parkland, you’ll be able to spot various wildlife including otters, kingfishers, and salmon.
The 17th-century stables have been given a slightly modern turn, housing the Castle’s giftshop. Here, you’ll also find Gatehouse Books, a second-hand bookshop that’s sure to help you tick off some of your to be read list.
The Watermill Tearoom and Tenants’ Hall pop-up cafe provide plenty of food and refreshments during your visit.
Although the Castle is situated on a hill, there is an accessible route designed for wheelchair users. Designated parking and accessible toilets can be found on-site. Plus wheelchair and powered mobility vehicles for hire.
The Castle also has a stair climber available for wheelchair users to provide access to the interior. Booking for this service and hiring both manual and powered wheelchairs is recommended in advance.
Only assistance dogs will be permitted inside the castle. Normal dogs will be welcome around the garden and grounds provided they are on a lead.
Opening times for the grounds, watermill, castle and shop will vary, which you can find more information on here.
Learn more about Dunster Castle and Watermill
Your Motability journey at Vertu Motors
We hope you’ve found lots of inspiration for accessible days out this summer! Whichever you choose, you are sure to have a fantastic day out.
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