Access

Security Checks

We’re committed to ensuring that your visits with us are safe. Due to the current national threat levels, we may carry out additional security checks. This could include running bag searches and carrying out body scans with a hand-held detector. 

Please note, we’ll need you to agree to this process in order to visit the site. Thank you for your co-operation

 

Mobility / Older Visitors
Accessible Toilets
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Adult Changing Area
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Handrails
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Easy-use Cutlery
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Assistance Dogs Welcome
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Wheelchair Loan
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Site Folders
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Wheelchair Access
Manual wheelchairs are available to borrow on a first come, first serve basis. Mobility scooters are only permitted in the ground floor of the house, due to the narrow corridors on the first floor. Visitors may visit the first floor by transferring to a manual wheelchair. Queen Victoria's Private Apartments are accessible via a lift to the first floor. Whilst we endeavour to provide this service whenever the house is open, there may be occasions when wheelchair access to the first floor is not available. The Nursery is not accessible to wheelchairs. Mobility assistance vehicle from admissions centre to the Swiss Cottage and Queen Victoria's Beach (Apr-Sept only). Swiss Cottage and Museum is accessible to wheelchair users with the exception of the upstairs of Swiss Cottage. Gardens and Grounds: accessible using tarmac and impacted gravel paths. The Walled Garden and Swiss Cottage Garden are heavily gravelled and may be difficult for wheelchair users. The Rhododendron Walk is suitable for robust wheelchairs only. Queen Victoria's Beach paths, cafe, Queen Victoria's Bathing Machine and Alcove are all accessible, however there are two steps up to the beach boardwalk. The beach itself is not accessible to wheelchair or pushchair users.
Entrance / Set Down
Set down directly outside admissions entrance with minibus to other parts of the property.
Disabled Parking
12 disabled parking bays located 50 yards from the admissions entrance.
OnSite Transport
A complimentary minibus service is available between the entrance to the site, the beach and Swiss Cottage. The service runs from April to November.
Stairs
Stairs to the first floor, but lift usually available. Steps down to the beach, and up to the first floor of Swiss Cottage.
Lift Access
Lift to the first floor in the main house.
Seating And Restpoints
Benches and rest point are available all around the garden grounds. Chairs are available at intervals within the house.
Pathways Surface And Gradients
Gravel, concrete and tarmac pathways connect all parts of the property. The Walled Garden, Swiss Cottage Garden and Rhododendron Walk are heavily gravelled and may be difficult for wheelchairs.
Blind / Visually Impaired
Accessible Toilets
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Handrails
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Assistance Dogs Welcome
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Braille Guides
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Braille Signage
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Torches
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Sensory Experiences
Extensive gardens provide a range of sensory experiences. Rhododendron Walk has nature trail with tactile sculptures. Swiss Cottage offers hands-on interpretation.
Handling Objects
Please ask staff on arrival.
Audio Tours
No
Tactile Models
Rhododendron Walk has a nature trail with tactile sculptures. A model of the estate is located near the main entrance.
Areas Of Low Lighting
No
Large Print
No
Deaf / Hard of Hearing
Assistance Dogs Welcome
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Vibrating Fire Alarms
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Tour Transcripts
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Film Subtitles
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BSL Tours
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Audio Installation Transcripts
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Induction Loops
Yes at admission centre.
Learning Difficulties
Accessible Toilets
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Adult Changing Area
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Easy-use Cutlery
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Sensory Experiences
Extensive gardens provide a range of sensory experiences. Rhododendron Walk has nature trail with tactile sculptures. Swiss Cottage offers hands-on interpretation.
Handling Objects
Please ask staff on arrival.
Large Print Material
Please ask at admissions staff on arrival.
Culinary / Dietary
Easy-use Cutlery
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Bottle / Food Warming
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High Chairs
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Special Diets
Please call in advance we will try to accommodate.
Health And Safety
Deep Water
The beach, fountains and a reservoir are obvious and signed.
Sheer Drop
A platform near the Queen's Alcove has a sheer drop down to the beach.
Slip Hazard
Some areas can be slippery when wet. Staff will post signs.
Beware Of Traffic
Be aware of vehicles accessing the adjacent golf club. There are also minibuses operating throughout the grounds.
Uneven Ground
Due to the landscaped nature on the site the grounds are flat or gently undulating. Conditions at the beach varies with the tides.