Accessibility at Kingston Lacy

Arrival and parking

There are brown signs from Wimborne Minster and Blandford Forum on the B3082, Blandford to Wimborne road. The entrance is signed, and the main car park is located 0.25 miles from the main road down a tarmac driveway.

There are 14 designated spaces for disabled people in a designated parking area. These are on a tarmac surface and bays are marked. The parking area is 29 metres (32 yards) from Visitor Reception up a tarmac slope with a 1:20 gradient.

The car park consists of tarmac driveways and loose stone and gravel mix for parking bays. The overflow car park is grass.

Visitor Reception has an induction loop.

Mobility vehicles to hire

There are four mobility scooters, three all-terrain manual wheelchairs (Mountain Trikes) and three wheelchairs available for loan from Visitor Reception. Pre-booking advised, telephone 01202 883402 (line 2).

What are paths in the garden like?

Paths around the property are tarmac, concrete, gravel, flagstone, grass. The Woodland Trail, a circular route of approximately 5 kilometres (3 miles), has a mix of tarmac, wood walk, mud paths and gravel. There are several gates in the garden and parkland.

Silent space

Every Wednesday afternoon in the summer, enjoy the tranquillity of the Kingston Lacy garden in a dedicated silent space. Head for the Acer Glade in the Japanese Garden to take time to relax, turn off your phone, rest quietly and connect to the nature around you.

Where are there steps?

Steps are in the following locations:

 – 8 stone steps lead from the Laundry Courtyard to the main north side of house with handrail. These steps are between 150mm-190mm high.

 – 8 stone steps lead down from the terrace with no handrail. These steps are between 100mm – 150mm high.

 – 3 stone steps lead from the gravel terrace path towards the obelisk with no handrail. These steps are approximately 100mm high.

 – 2 stone steps lead out of the Fernery with no handrail. These steps are between 60-80mm high

Can I use a mobile phone?

There is generally poor mobile phone reception, especially close to the house.

Can I bring my assistance dog?

Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the cafe, house and garden. Please make sure they're wearing their identity harness.

How easy is it to access the house?

The main entrance to the house is up four steps and access to ground, first and second floors is via staircases. Floors in the house include tile, marble and carpet.

Wheelchair users have level access to three rooms on the basement level only, via a door located in Laundry Courtyard. Visitor reception staff will be able to direct you; please ring the bell for admission if no one is on duty.

Light levels are low

Natural light levels in the house are low to comply with museum guidelines and standards.

Virtual house tour

There is a virtual tour of the house available in the basement rooms. 

Can I get to the toilets?

There are two toilets for disabled people, one with a Changing Places unit including hoist and adult-sized changing table. The accessible toilets are 119 metres (130 yards) from Visitor Reception. Access is level through an outward opening door.

There is space to turn a wheelchair through 1,500mm diameter circle. The floor is linoleum and there is an emergency pull cord. 

There are baby-changing facilities are available in the family toilets, which are lit by light bulbs and natural light and have paper towel dispensers. 

Quiet room

There is also a quiet room by the family toilets, for those who need a moment of calm. There is comfortable seating and some sensory toys.

Can I get to the cafe?

In the Stables cafe flooring is cobble stones and wood. The main food counter height is 990mm.  Menus are available in large print and large-handled cutlery and straws are available.

Useful resources

There is a large print and Braille guide in the house; please ask in the entrance hall when you arrive. 

Please ask at Visitor Reception if you would like to borrow a sensory support backpack during your visit. The bags contain a mix of fidget toys, sensory aids (dark glasses and ear defenders), sand timers, and communication aids which can be used to get support, directions or explain how they are feeling. There are five bags aimed at younger children (approx. 3-10 years old) and five bags aimed at older children and adults. Pre-booking advised, telephone 01202 883402 (line 2).

We have created a visual guide to help you find your way around Kingston Lacy before you visit.

Get in touch

If you have any questions about your visit to Kingston Lacy or would like more information on accessibility across the property, get in touch. Email kingstonlacy@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01202 883402.