Accessibility at East Riddlesden Hall

Arrival and parking

• On‑site car parking is available, including three designated Blue Badge bays and two reduced mobility bays.
• The accessible parking bays are located approx. 62m from the visitor reception.
• Transfer from the car park to visitor reception by golf buggy can be requested, please contact us before your visit.
• Visitors with access needs can borrow a manual wheelchair from the visitor reception.
• Some routes from the car park involve steep ramps/slopes or uneven surfaces,  mobility‑impaired visitors may prefer step‑free areas or use the wheelchair loan service.
• Toilet facilities with disabled adaptations are located next to the gift shop and accessible soon after arrival.

Moving around the site

• The Airedale Barn, Great Barn, gardens, and ground-floor areas of the estate all offer step‑free, level access.
• The shop and play areas also provide step‑free access, though some internal areas may vary.
• The route to the meadow walk involves steep ramps, slopes and grassy surfaces. 

• Various routes around the property include very steep ramps/slopes or uneven surfaces, meaning not all paths are easily accessible. 

• Paths around the grounds comprise grass, gravel, compact earth, and uncompacted earth; the Meadow Walk includes tarmac, muddy, and grass sections. 
• Several paths are wide enough for wheelchair users, though surface conditions vary with the weather. 
• A manual wheelchair can be borrowed from Visitor Reception. No trampers or powered mobility vehicles are available for hire on site.
• The Meadow Walk trail is approximately 0.5 miles, circling the meadow and picnic area. 
• Bench seating is provided in the gardens for regular rest points. Picnic benches are available on the lower fields, but not along the meadow walk. 
• Accessible picnic benches are available at the front of the hall, in the trim trail play area and on the lower fields. 
• Mobile phone reception is typically strong due to the site’s urban setting. 

Moving around the house and buildings

Inside the hall

• The ground floor is accessible, with step free entry. Upper floors accessible via stairs only, there is no lift, so some visitors may find movement inside limited.
• The staircase in the Great Hall has a handrail all the way to the first floor.
• Braille guides are available on the front porch. 
• A digital tablet is available on the porch which has images of the upstairs rooms for those who are unable to access the upper floor.
• There are chairs available in each room for resting, please check with volunteers if you are unsure which chairs are usable. 
• Some spaces have lower light levels, which may affect navigation inside the building.
• Touch tours are available but must be booked a mimimum of one week in adavnce. The tours are ran by our dedicated team of volunteers who have all completed their sighted guide training with Guide Dogs UK. Please email eastriddlesden@nationaltrust.org.uk to book. 
• The touch tours last around one hour and are about our history and collections. Visitors are invited to feel original features in the hall and some replica items. The tours take place between 10-11am or 2 - 4pm when the house is less busy.
• The house is usually quiter in the morning, 10am - 11am or in the afternoon, 3pm - 4pm. 
• Assistance dogs are welcome.

Inside the tearoom

• The tearoom is located on the first floor, accessible by stairs only with no lift available. 
• Ground‑floor tables, assistance and service ensure visitors can still fully enjoy food and drinks without needing to use the stairs.
• There is good lighting in the tearoom and downstairs seating area. 
• Seating with and without arms are available in the upstairs and downstairs seating areas. 
• Large print menu available on request.
• There is an induction loop available at the tearoom till. 
• Cutlery with larger handles are available for use. 
• Cups with handles, lids and spouts are available, please ask the staff when ordering. 
• Assistance dogs are welcome.

The shop

• The shop has step‑free access inside, making browsing easy for wheelchair users and visitors with mobility needs. 
• The most accessible entrance includes a slight slope/ramp leading into the shop.
• Located on the ground floor, the shop offers clear space and easy movement.
• The area is evenly and well-lit with overhead LED spot-lights. 
• There is an induction loop available at the till. 
• There is a lowered section of the reception desk and till area which is suitable for wheelchair users, it is 755mm or 25.75 inches in height. 

Facilities 

• An accessible toilet is available in the main toilet block, located in front of the shop, making it easy to reach shortly after arrival.
• Toilets include adaptations for disabled visitors, such as appropriate space and support rails.
• A dedicated baby change area is available in the main toilet block. 

• A clearly signed hearing assistance system is available at the visitor reception and the Airedale Barn.

Useful resources

• Sensory packs are available on request, helping visitors who benefit from additional sensory support as they move around the grounds. Please ask the team at the visitor reception desk.