Accessibility at Kingston Lacy

Improving accessibility at Kingston Lacy in 2024-25

We are making major upgrades to the car park, toilets and welcome building in 2024-25. Kingston Lacy will remain fully open during the project; there will be some disruption so please bear with us, but at the end the property will be more accessible and have better facilities. 

Look out for signs when you get to the property that will tell you all you need to know, and of course there will be staff on hand to answer any questions. 

 

Arrival and parking

There are brown signs from Wimborne Minster and Blandford Forum on the B3082, Blandford to Wimborne road. The entrance is signed, and the main car park is located 0.25 miles from the main road down a tarmac driveway.

There are 14 designated spaces for disabled people in a designated parking area. These are on a gravel surface and bays are not marked. The parking area is 21 metres (22 yards) from Visitor Reception up a tarmac slope with a 1:8 gradient.

The car park consists of tarmac driveways and loose stone and gravel mix for parking bays. The overflow car park is grass.

Visitor Reception has an induction loop.

Mobility vehicles to hire

There are three powered mobility vehicles are available for loan from Visitor Reception. Pre-booking advised, telephone 01202 883402 (line 2).

What are paths in the garden like?

Paths around the property are tarmac, concrete, gravel, flagstone, grass. The Woodland Trail, a circular route of approximately 5 kilometres (3 miles), has a mix of tarmac, wood walk, mud paths and gravel. There are several gates in the garden and parkland.

Silent space

Every Wednesday afternoon, enjoy the tranquillity of the Kingston Lacy garden in a dedicated silent space. Head for the Acer Glade in the Japanese Garden to take time to relax, turn off your phone, rest quietly and connect to the nature around you.

Where are there steps?

Steps are in the following locations:

 – 8 stone steps lead from the Laundry Courtyard to the main north side of house with handrail. These steps are between 150mm-190mm high.

 – 8 stone steps lead down from the terrace with no handrail. These steps are between 100mm – 150mm high.

 – 3 stone steps lead from the gravel terrace path towards the obelisk with no handrail. These steps are approximately 100mm high.

 – 2 stone steps lead out of the Fernery with no handrail. These steps are between 60-80mm high

Can I use a mobile phone?

There is generally poor mobile phone reception, especially close to the house.

Can I bring my assistance dog?

Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the cafe, house and garden. Please make sure they're wearing their identity harness.

How easy is it to access the house?

The main entrance to the house is up four steps and access to ground, first and second floors is via staircases. Floors in the house include tile, marble and carpet.

Wheelchair users have level access to three rooms on the basement level only, via a door located in Laundry Courtyard. Visitor reception staff will be able to direct you; please ring the bell for admission if no one is on duty.

Light levels are low

Natural light levels in the house are low to comply with museum guidelines and standards.

Virtual house tour

There is a virtual tour of the house available in the basement rooms. 

Can I get to the toilets?

During 2024-25, we are making major upgrades to toilets at Kingston Lacy, which will include the addition of adult changing facilities. The accessible toilet is 50 metres (54 yards) from Visitor Reception and is 2.2 metres in length and 1.5 in width. Access is level through an outward opening door. It contains a right-hand transfer toilet with additional handrail available on the left-hand side. There is space to turn a wheelchair through 1,500mm diameter circle. The floor is linoleum and there is an emergency pull cord. 

There are baby-changing facilities are available in all toilets, which are lit by light bulbs and natural lights and have paper towel dispensers. 

Can I get to the cafe?

In the Stables cafe flooring is cobble stones and wood. The main food counter height is 990mm.  Menus are available in large print and large-handled cutlery and straws are available.

There are planned upgrades to the facilities at Kingston Lacy happening soon.

Useful resources

There is a large print and Braille guide in the house; please ask in the entrance hall when you arrive. 

Please ask at Visitor Reception if you would like to borrow a sensory support backpack during your visit. The bags contain a mix of fidget toys, sensory aids (dark glasses and ear defenders), sand timers, and communication aids which can be used to get support, directions or explain how they are feeling. There are five bags aimed at younger children (approx. 3-10 years old) and five bags aimed at older children and adults. Pre-booking advised, telephone 01202 883402 (line 2).

There is an accessibility map, also available as a print out from Visitor Reception.

Please see Upcoming events for British Sign Language tours of the house or garden.

Get in touch

If you have any questions about your visit to Kingston Lacy or would like more information on accessibility across the property, get in touch. Email kingstonlacy@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01202 883402.