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Accessibility at Belton Estate

Outside the Belton Shop in winter, young girl in a wheelchair exploring the new even paths that provide level access into the shop.
We're working to improve accessibility at Belton | © National Trust Images / James Dobson

We've been working hard to improve access and make Belton a welcoming place for everyone who visits. Read more to discover how you can best access this special place and for full information on accessibility for those with disabilities or additional access needs.

Everyone Welcome

Top tips for enjoying your day

  1. Contact us before your visit so we can ensure you have access to everything you need ready for when you arrive. (Please note, you don’t have to do this, but it can help.) You can phone us on 01476 566116 or email: belton@nationaltrust.org.uk
  2. Plan your route ahead of time to make the most of your day.
  3. Dress for the weather. Comfy flat shoes recommended.
  4. Speak to our team at any time if you need advice or assistance.

Parking 

Accessible parking spaces can be found in the main car park, near the Information and Accessibility Hub. Parking is all hardstanding and there are hard standing paths to the main visitor areas. The team in the admission points can help direct you on arrival.

Information and Accessibility Hub

The Information and Accessibility Hub provides a destination for those that require assistance on the day at Belton, with step-free level access and an automatic door. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available to hire out and we have garden and park walk maps to pick up, which also highlight gradients and seating.

At the Explorer Station, you can collect a bag and build your own explorer pack for your visit. The station includes items such as: ear defenders, binoculars, compasses, sunglasses and fidget toys.

A member of the Belton Team is available in the Information and Accessibility Hub for anything else you need on the day.

Changing Place Toilet

Changing Places toilets are larger facilities that have equipment designed to support disabled people who need assistance. Equipment provided includes a changing bench and a hoist. Belton’s Changing Place toilet is located in the Information and Accessibility Hub, please speak to a member of the team for a radar key.

The Changing Places space comprises:

  • Bench – height adjustable, adult sized, wall mounted.
  • Hoist – ceiling, loop.
  • Peninsular toilet and adjustable washbasin.
  • Floor space (sq. m) – 12.0
  • Emergency alarm and privacy screen
  • Accessible shower
  • Colostomy shelf
  • Drop down grab rails and wall grab rails
  • Door width (m) – 1
  • Ceiling height (m) – 1.4

Getting around on your visit

There are wheelchairs, mobility scooters, off-road/all-terrain mobility trampers, and rollators to hire for the day. It is highly recommended that these are booked in advance, where this is possible. Pre-book mobility scooters and wheelchairs by calling 01476 566116 ext. 130. If there are no bookings on the day you visit, they can be used on a first-come, first-served basis.

Two young women enjoy a day out in the parkland. One is wearing a black coat and has a black assistance dog. The other is wearing a grey jumper and is riding a mobility vehicle, alongside her golden-coloured assistance dog.
Assistance dogs are welcome everywhere at Belton | © Annapurna Mellor

Visiting with dogs

All dogs on short leads are welcome in the garden, wider grounds, in the shop and bookshop, and in the Stables Café. Assistance dogs are welcome everywhere at Belton. Dog water bowls are available around the main buildings.

Accessible visitor shuttle bus

Shuttle service available, please request a pick-up by asking a member of the Belton Team. The shuttle bus can access all areas apart from the garden and adventure playground – the team will be able to take you to the garden and playground entrances.

The Mansion

The Upper Ground Floor rooms are accessible via steps at the front. The side entrance in the West Courtyard has a stair climber to assist entry to the upper ground floor (visitors will need to transfer into this facility). Manual wheelchairs are offered in the mansion, but we’re unable to accommodate mobility scooters.

On the Upper Ground Floor, visitors can access the Ante Study, Study, Tapestry Room, Marble Hall, Saloon, Tyrconnel Room, Chapel Drawing Room, Chapel Gallery, Blue Dressing Room, Blue Bedroom, Staircase Hall, Breakfast Room, Red Drawing Room, Hondecoeter Dining Room, Servery. There is seating available in some of the rooms.

Access to the First Floor is by stairs, however, a photograph album giving visitors the opportunity to experience the upper rooms is available.

Surfaces and terrain 

Due to its historic setting, the ground at Belton can be uneven with cobbles and gravel paths. Hard-standing paths provide level routes from the car park to the main visitor area, and a recent project has created smooth and level pathways to the Stables Café, Belton Shop and the indoor play café.

There are flat gravel paths and ramps within the gardens, but a few small steps in some areas, such as the Conservatory.   

In the parkland there are gravel and grass paths which can be uneven in places. These paths are accessible for chunky-wheeled child's pushchairs but may be heavy-going for a wheelchair depending on recent wet weather conditions and are easier to navigate using a tramper (available to hire). Please ask for advice in Information and Accessibility Hub on your way in.

Induction loop

Induction loops are available at all till points, including the Information and Accessibility Hub, Stables Café and other food outlets, Belton Shop, and the admission points.

Braille guides

A Mansion braille guide is available upon request.

Eating and drinking 

There is level access to the Stables Café and indoor play café at Belton. Large-handled cutlery and mugs are available in our Stables Café. If you need help with carrying your items, please ask a member of the team.

If you have an allergy or intolerance, please speak to one of our team to check the current allergen information, as we sometimes change our recipes to improve quality and flavour, including the ingredients.

Shop and second-hand bookshop

There is level access into the shop and bookshop. The team will be happy to help you with opening doors, reaching items, or reading price tags. There is a ramp inside the Belton Shop to the upper level.

Toilets 

Accessible toilets can be found in the parkland toilets, the Stables Café, the indoor play area and outdoor adventure playground.

Mobile phone reception and Wi-Fi

Mobile phone reception is limited throughout the site. National Trust free Wi-Fi is available for you to use in and around our main visitor facilities.

A very frosty morning by Statue walk in the gardens at Belton House, Lincolnshire

Discover more at Belton

Find out everything you need to know about visiting Belton, including how to get here, things to see and do on your visit, and more.

A hot cup of tea on a table in the Stables Cafe at Belton
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Eating and shopping at Belton 

Rest and refuel in a historic setting or treat yourself to something special to take home. Find out about our dog-friendly café and other places to eat and shop.

Visitors sat at a table with hot drinks in the garden at Attingham Park, Shropshire with a tree branch in the foreground
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Access for everyone 

We welcome disabled visitors, companions, carers and assistance dogs. Find out about our Essential Companion card for individuals and Links Pass for groups.

Dogs on a walk at Charlecote Park
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Visiting Belton with your dog 

Belton is a three pawprint rated place and offers plenty of opportunities for bounding, jumping and sniffing for dogs. With 1,300 acres to explore, come and join us for a wander with your four-legged friend.

A very frosty morning by Statue walk in the gardens at Belton House, Lincolnshire
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Visiting the gardens at Belton 

Explore the gardens at Belton, including the Italian Garden, a Conservatory and a Dutch Garden with formal bedding schemes. Whatever time of year you visit, the shifting seasons provide a great variety of colour and wildlife to see.