Accessibility at Staunton Harold

A view of the water tower, positioned on a slight grassy hill with a large tree to the left at Staunton Harold — The water tower at Staunton Harold | © Severn Trent/Daniel Wildey

Owned by Severn Trent and cared for in partnership with the National Trust, the reservoir at Staunton Harold and 209 acres of surrounding land is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, and the Tower Windmill dominates the skyline. Enjoyed by families, walkers and nature enthusiasts alike, there are many walking trails including a route to neighbouring Calke Abbey, as well as space for family fun and picnics. Read more to find out how you can best access this special place.

Arrival and parking

The car park entrance is accessible 685m (750 yards) from a T-junction with the B587, with brown signs in place nearby (picnic area symbol).

When approached from the direction of Ashby-de-la-Zouch, heading towards Melbourne, the left-hand turn onto Calke Road is sharp.

The car park is situated on a slope, but each parking level is flat and surfaced with tarmac. There are 4 speed bumps along the entry and exit road.
The car park is situated on a slope, but each parking level is flat and surfaced with tarmac.

The payment machine for the car park is located near the visitor facilities. Parking is free for National Trust members and blue badge holders.

There are 8 marked, designated spaces for accessible parking.

There is also a drop-off point at the main entrance, which has a dropped kerb.

There is level access from the car park to the visitor facilities.

Access from the car park to the play area and start of the walks is down a tarmac slope, or via 4 steps.
All dogs, including assistance dogs, are welcome throughout Staunton Harold, including inside the dog-friendly café.

There are water bowls outside the visitor facilities.

Dogs must be kept out of the water, for their safety.

Visitor facilities

There is a Changing Places facility next to the car park.

There is step-free, level access to the facility, and a RADAR key is required.

The facility contains a toilet, wash basin, changing bench, hoist system, privacy screen and electric shower.

The wall-mounted changing bench is height-adjustable. The changing places hoist is powered and covers all areas in the cubicle.

There is fluorescent lighting in the Changing Place.
In addition to the Changing Places facility, there are ladies and gents toilets, as well as one accessible toilet.

Lighting in all of the toilet facilities is a mix of natural and fluorescent lighting.

Baby changing facilities are located in both the ladies and gents toilets.

There are automatic hand driers in all toilet facilities: these are hot air dryers and considered quite loud.

In the accessible toilet, a pull cord alarm activates both sound and light.
The café is located within the visitor facilities building. From the closest accessible spaces, the café is 23m. The path approaching the café is tarmacked and level.

There is a ramp to the café with handrails on both sides, as well as a stepped approach with handrails on both sites.

Entrance to the café is via one of two doorways. Staff can assist with opening the door if required.

There is level access throughout the café.

There is hard flooring throughout with no soft furnishings, which can cause sound echoes. There is occasionally background music.

There is a lot of natural light within the café, as well as ceiling LED lights.

There is an induction loop at the till point.

Staff will assist if visitors experience difficulty queuing, finding a suitable table and/or carrying food and rinks.

Double-handed mugs, large-handled crockery and straws are available.
Sensory bags including ear defenders and fidget toys are available to borrow. Please ask a member of staff to provide this.

Inside the Changing Place facility at Staunton Harold, Derbyshire | © National Trust / Steve Franklin

Exploring outdoors

There is one way-marked route at Staunton Harold, which is 1.5 miles (2.5km) in length. This wildflower meadow walk has a crushed stone surface which can be muddy when wet.

The route leads through woodland from the southern end of the car park, past the sailing club and along to the wildflower meadow, with reservoir views for most of the walk.

There are wooden seats at intervals.

The walk has a variable gradient but no steep slopes.

There is also a walk across arable fields and through woodland to Calke Abbey, which is 1.7 miles (2.7km) in length, one way.

There is a map to show these routes on the welcome sign in the car park.
There is a map showing walking routes on the welcome sign in the car park.

This includes a walk across arable fields and through woodland to Calke Abbey, which is 1.7 miles (2.7km) in length, one way. There is a walking trail online with step-by-step guidance of this walk.