Stair Climber enables hundreds of visitors to access Wimpole Hall for the first time

A Successful Trial and Positive Impact

Following a successful trial in 2024, 788 visitors were able to experience Wimpole Hall who might otherwise have missed out. This highlights the significant impact that improved accessibility can have, not only for individuals but also for families and friends, who are able to share in this experience together.

A Practical Solution for a Historic Site

The Stair Climber is a state-of-the-art mobility solution designed to help wheelchair users and those with limited mobility navigate staircases safely and comfortably. Unlike traditional lifts or ramps, which may require invasive structural changes that could damage the historic fabric of a building, the Stair Climber offers a non-permanent, practical alternative. This innovative approach aligns with the conservation charity’s commitment to preserving heritage sites while improving access for everyone.

Iain Stewart, Senior Collections & House Manager at Wimpole Estate, said:

“The National Trust is for everyone. We want our disabled visitors to have a great experience with us, and we are always working to improve the accessibility of the places we care for. We’re therefore pleased to be working with The Stair Climbing Company to make our historic properties more inclusive.

“The Stair Climber provides a practical way for visitors with mobility challenges to explore the hall, it removes a physical barrier without the need for permanent structural changes, thus preserving the site’s historic character. Knowing that so many people can now visit because of it, is something we’re incredibly proud of. We’re hoping the Stair Climber will enable many more people to access and explore Wimpole Hall in the future.”

Expanding Accessibility Across National Trust Properties

Chris Persey, Operations Director at The Stair Climbing Company, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative:

“At The Stair Climbing Company, we are committed to creating accessible places, and this collaboration with the National Trust is a major milestone in that mission. By introducing Stair Climbers, we are providing a viable, non-invasive accessibility solution that ensures inclusivity without altering the fabric of historic buildings. We are excited to work with the National Trust to make more of their properties accessible to all.”

Wimpole Estate, located in the heart of Cambridgeshire, is one of the National Trust’s most visited properties. With a rich history dating back to the 17th century, it features a grand mansion, a working farm, and beautiful parkland, drawing thousands of visitors each year.

In addition to the Stair Climber, Wimpole Estate offers several other accessibility features to ensure that visitors can explore the site with ease. At the visitor welcome centre, powered mobility scooters, manual wheelchairs, and mountain trikes are available to hire. There’s also an eight-seater golf mobility buggy, driven by volunteers, that operates daily, transporting visitors between the welcome centre, Stables, Wimpole Hall, gardens, and Home Farm upon request.

Stair Climbers have now been installed at two further historic properties in the region: Peckover House and Garden, in Wisbech, and Blickling Estate in Norfolk. Across the rest of the country, visitors can use Stair Climbers to access Belton Estate, Basildon Park, Nuffield Place, Greys Court, Arlington Court, Ilam Park, and Hardwick Hall.

A Step Toward Greater Inclusivity

Iain said: “This is a step in the right direction. We will continue to listen to what people need from us, and work in collaboration with others to find solutions that will ultimately improve access to incredible historic treasures like Wimpole Estate. We hope this latest change will give people more choice when planning their day out.”