Accessibility at Coleton Fishacre

Staff member welcoming visitors at Coleton Fishacre, Devon — Member of staff welcoming visitors to Coleton Fishacre | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

We believe Coleton Fishacre should be open and accessible for all. Read more to discover how you can best access this special place.

We are always looking to improve our experiences and recognise the variety of different needs our visitors may have. We always welcome feedback and suggestions which can be emailed to coletonfishacre@nationaltrust.org.uk.

Access statement

We're working in partnership with AccessAble to provide full, detailed accessible information to help plan your visit to Coleton Fishacre. The access guide includes images, dimensions and details on what to expect in every corner of Coleton Fishacre, from the house and garden to the cafe and shop.

Access guide for Coleton Fishacre

Arrival and parking

Accessible parking spaces can be found in the main car park. Please note you do not need to have a blue badge if you would like to use these. Parking is all hardstanding and there are hard standing paths to the main visitor areas. The Welcome team can help direct you on arrival.

In peak season, our overflow car park may be in use, and there is usually a volunteer driven car operating from the overflow car park to Visitor Reception. This is free to use and can carry seven passengers but is not wheelchair accessible.

Bicycle posts are available near to the car park hut. Bicycles can be left here at the owner's risk - there is no car park security.

Moving around the site

The Visitor Welcome team will provide a leaflet on your arrival which features a map showing where the toilets, cafe, shop and house are, as well as different routes around the garden. They can also advise on step free routes and answer any queries you may have.

There are a limited number of manual wheelchairs available to hire free of charge, and one Tramper - for details please see below.

The house

Entrance to the house is through the front door.There is a step with an access ramp that is wide enough for buggies and wheelchairs. The Tramper cannot be taken into the house. A member of the team will be at the entrance door at all times during opening hours and can advise visitors as to the best routes to see the house.

The ground floor of the house has level access rooms, excluding the Saloon which has curving steps down in to it. It is possible to see into the room from the corridor. There is an access ramp from the Dining Room leading out to the loggia. Access to the First Floor is by stairs, however, a photograph album giving visitors the opportunity to experience the upper rooms is available. There is no lift.

At the entrance to the house, there is a self guided tour with information on each room along with a sensory station, complete with a range of items to assist you in visiting the house.

On the first floor at the back of the house is an Omni Interactive sensory projector, providing inclusive motion-active activities for visitors to take part in.

Assistance dogs only are welcome in the house.

Two adults and a child walking down a stairwell with wooden banisters and red carpet at Coleton Fishacre. — Visitors on the stairwell at Coleton Fishacre | © National Trust Images / Chris Lacey

Induction loops

Induction loops are available at all till points, including the Visitor Welcome, Café Coleton and the shop.

Toilets

There are male, female and accessible toilets in the main visitor courtyard. These are all level access, and the accessible toilet is suitable for wheelchairs.

The toilet is right hand transfer. There is an emergency cord. There is a baby changing area adjacent to the accessible toilet with a changing bench and chair.

Eating and drinking

There is level access to Café Coleton, with a low level counter. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, some seating with arms and a small area of booth seats. Large-handled cutlery and mugs are available, along with high chairs. 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.

Families

Baby changing facilities are available in the main accessible toilet outside Visitor Reception.

There are step free routes around the garden - please be aware that most paths are gravelled or slightly uneven with slopes. The Visitor Welcome Team can provide you with a map of the garden, highlighting these.

We welcome breastfeeding everywhere at Coleton Fishacre. If there is anything you need such as a quiet space or hot water for bottle warming, please speak to a member of staff.

Useful resources

Wheelchairs

There are a limited number of manual wheelchairs available to hire free of charge. If you'd like to borrow one, please call 01803 843235 to speak to Visitor Welcome, or ask on the day.

The Tramper

The Tramper is an electric all-terrain mobility scooter designed specifically to cover rough ground and grass safely. It's able to go up and down slopes, over bumps, through mud, soft ground and shallow puddles.

The Tramper can be taken around the garden. Due to its size and area required to turn, it cannot be taken inside any of the buildings. You'll receive a full explanation of where to go during your briefing with the Visitor Welcome team on arrival.

To book the Tramper for your visit, please call 01803 843235 to speak to the Visitor Welcome team, or email coletonfishacre@nationaltrust.org.uk

Bookings can be made more than a week in advance, but please do let us know if you change your mind.

If you would like to hire the Tramper, you must become a member of Countryside Mobility to ensure you are covered by insurance. You can choose either a two week taster membership (£2.50) or annual membership (£10). Once you’ve signed up for membership, you can use Trampers at 50 Countryside Mobility sites across South West England, and return to your favourite spots again and again.

If you hold an Outdoor Mobility Scheme Membership (formerly known as Lake District Mobility), you are also able to use that membership.

On the day of your booking, we'll give you a briefing of the route, a map and a short introduction to the Tramper if you are a first time user.

Please be aware that all Tramper users must be accompanised by one other person, and that mobile signal is not available on site.

Anyone can use the Tramper - as long as you are able to use the handlebar steering and hand controls.

You don't have to be registered disabled or have a Blue Badge to use the Tramper.

If you're a first-time user, please read the important medical and health information, terms and conditions and watch the introductory video.

Large print and Braille guides

Large print and Braille guides for Coleton Fishacre can be borrowed for free from Visitor Reception or at the house entrance.

Mobile phone reception and Wi-Fi

Due to the location, there is no mobile phone reception at Coleton Fishacre. National Trust free Wi-Fi is available for you to use in and around our main visitor facilities.