Accessibility at Saltram
![A woman in a tramper and a man walk the riverside loop at Saltram in Devon](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/devon/places/saltram/library/future-saltram/woman-in-tramper-with-man-at-saltram-paul-harris-1661817-resized.jpg?auto=webp&width=767&crop=16:9&dpr=2 2x)
At Saltram, we are dedicated to ensuring that our estate is accessible to all visitors. While the historic nature of our spaces and landscape can present some accessibility challenges, we are actively working to make Saltram as inclusive as possible.
We continually strive to enhance our visitor experience and understand the diverse needs of our guests. We welcome your feedback and suggestions to help us improve. Please send your comments to saltram@nationaltrust.org.uk
This webpage provides essential information to support your visit to Saltram, including details on accessing various areas of the estate. We hope this helps you make the most of your time with us.
Saltram trials pioneering technology
This summer, Saltram is trialling NaviLens technology to help blind and partially sighted visitors explore the garden independently. Approved by the RNIB, NaviLens uses QR-like codes to offer audio descriptions and guidance. Saltram is the first National Trust property to test this in an outdoor heritage environment. Download the free NaviLens app, and your phone will read out signs in your chosen language. Funded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund, the trial runs until 25 October 2024.
Tramper hire at Saltram
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A ‘Tramper’ is available through the Countryside Mobility Scheme. Booking is essential.
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Please call 01752 333528 or email saltram@nationaltrust.org.uk to book our Tramper.
Wheelchair hire at Saltram
- We offer two wheelchairs at Visitor Welcome and an additional wheelchair inside the house, all available free of charge for visitors to borrow during their visit.
Wheelchair measurements for Saltram house
- The maximum size for a wheelchair or mobility scooter that can enter the house is 70cm wide and 1m in depth/length at its widest point. We have a mat in Visitor Welcome and outside of the house for visitors to measure the size of their wheelchair.
- Please note that visitors with pushchairs are encouraged to leave them outside of the house under the covered portico for a better visitor experience. Pushchairs are not currently able to be taken upstairs.
- Please also note that there is not currently a lift to the upstairs floor of Saltram house.
![Visitors walking through the archway at Saltram](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/devon/places/saltram/library/visitors-walking-at-saltram-john-millar-1390219.jpg?auto=webp&width=767&crop=16:9&dpr=2 2x)
Accessible toilets
Locations: We have accessible toilets available in the following locations:
- Portakabin outside Visitor Welcome
- Visitor Welcome on route into the garden
Size: All accessible toilets are at least 1.5m x 2.2m, providing ample space for maneuverability.
Transfer: The toilets in the Portakabin are equipped for left-hand transfer.
Facilities: Unfortunately, we do not have Changing Places facilities (WC with adult changing table and hoist).
Baby change: Baby changing facilities are available in both the Portakabin and the Chapel (garden area) with a weight limit of 30kg.
Lighting: All toilets are well-lit with artificial lighting, avoiding the use of fluorescent bulbs to create a comfortable environment.
Facilities at Saltram
We have more toilets at the following locations:
- Visitor Welcome
- Park Cafe (portable toilet block)
- Chapel Tea Room (in the garden)
Sensory-friendly Saltram
- Silent Space: At Saltram, we offer visitors a 'Silent Space' in the tranquil Orange Grove. The Orange Grove provides the perfect spot to unwind. Here, you can listen to the soothing sound of running water and connect with nature and yourself. We dedicate the Orange Grove as a Silent Space every morning from 10am-11am, offering a serene environment for quiet contemplation.
- Sensory backpacks: We offer sensory backpacks for children, available at Visitor Welcome at no extra cost.
- Noise cancelling headphones: For those visitors who may be sensitive to noise, we have child and adult size noise cancelling headphones which can be borrowed from the Welcome Centre as part of our sensory backpacks.
- Garden maintenance schedule: Saltram has a working garden, and while our gardeners make every effort to minimize noise during visitor hours, we cannot guarantee that machinery sounds will be completely avoided. If you'd prefer a quieter visit, please contact us in advance, and we’ll do our best to coordinate our strimming and mowing times around your visit. You can reach us at saltram@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Guides in alternative formats
Large print
We have a large print guide of Saltram House for those who may be partially sighted, and it’s designed to be used with a large print map (Size A4) of the house.
Braille
We have a braille access guide of the site, which will soon be available from the Welcome Centre. We will soon have a braille guide of Saltram House including tactile images of the collection available for those who may be partially sighted or blind. This will be available from the Entrance Hall in the house.
Visual story
This is coming soon. The Saltram visual story is a pre-visit tool, which outlines what you can expect on your visit to Saltram.
Virtual Tour
We will soon have a virtual tour available on a tablet for those who are not able to access certain spaces in the house or garden, whether you have a mobility issue or would like to plan your visit, you can explore these places virtually in an experience controlled by you. This will be available from the Entrance Hall in the house or please contact our Business Services team on 01752333500.
Hearing loops
For those visitors who are D/deaf, hearing impaired or have a hearing aid we have a hearing loop set that can be loan for your visit. It connects with most Bluetooth hearing aids, however, headphones are available for those who do not have a hearing aid. This system can be borrowed from the house Welcome Centre.
Sighted Guides
Staff and volunteers have been trained as sighted guides through partnership with Guide dogs, charity number 209617, if you would like to be assisted by a sighted guide during your visit please contact our Business Services team on 01752333500
Dementia friends
Saltram is a dementia-friendly site.
![A woman with her dog pays for a coffee at the kiosk in the grounds of Saltram](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/devon/places/saltram/library/cafe-kiosk-in-the-park-at-saltram-paul-harris.jpg?auto=webp&width=767&crop=16:9&dpr=2 2x)
Carers and companions entry information
We offer free admission to the garden for the essential companion or carer of disabled members or visitors. Visitors do not need to be members to request a companions' free entry.
Blue Badge parking
Saltram offers a car park for visitors, featuring an open-air layout with a combination of tarmac, grass, and compacted earth surfaces. The vehicle route from the main road to the car park includes speed bumps. Parking is free for Blue Badge holders and National Trust members, while charges apply for all other visitors. The car park is equipped with maps and information boards for visitor convenience.
There are over ten Blue Badge parking bays, each measuring 240cm x 560cm, with hatched zones on both sides but not to the rear. The nearest Blue Badge bay is located just 15 meters from the welcome centre.
Please note that the car park is level tarmac but access to the Welcome Centre and shop is via historic and uineven cobbles obstacles. For easiest access from the Blue Badge car park, there is a level tarmaced path around the side of the pond, through the park cafe.
There are no designated parent and child parking bays or a designated drop-off point available at this moment in time.
Assistant dogs at Saltram
Assistance dogs are welcome inside in all buildings, including the house, garden, Chapel Tea Room, Park Cafe, shop and second-hand bookshop.
Moving around Saltram
Most paths in the garden are accessible and generally level, with the exception of the sloping paths behind the Orangery leading to the fernery. While the majority of paths are gravel, those made of grass or bark are not suitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters, except for 'off-road' Tramper scooters.
Certain areas are gated to restrict access, and seating is available throughout the garden. Please note the traditional Ha-Ha in front of the house, which is a steep drop and may not be visible from a distance. Additionally, there is a World War II vehicle inspection pit and some exposed tree roots on the path linking the lime avenue with the Orangery.
In the wider parkland, there is a tarmac path leading to Point Beach, Stag Lodge and the forest school. Other paths are mostly gravel, soil or grass. They have uneven ground and feature some steep inclines. They are not suitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters. ‘Off road’ Tramper scooters can access a number of the paths and signposts indicate routes which are not accessible.
Access statement
Please click the link below for our full access statement.