Accessibility at Hatfield Forest
We want to make sure that Hatfield Forest is accessible for all visitors. The estate we care for present challenges in creating access for all across the different areas, but we are taking steps to ensure that as many people as possible are able to experience Hatfield Forest's beauty and history, throughout the year. Here you’ll find information about access across the different areas of Hatfield Forest and how to make the most of your visit. 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.
Arrival and Parking
- The main car park in the central area by the lakeside has a drop-off point and six Blue badge parking.
- There is a welcome point at the entrance to the property and a visitor hub at the entrance to the lakeside area.
- It is a short walk from the main car park to the toliets and the cafe, on a hard surface path.
- There is also a car park at the entrance to the property. This has an uneven gravel surface. The lakeside area my be reached by following the access road, with a variant branching of on a boardwalk to reach a hard surface path across the end of the lake.
- In the summer, there is also a car park by Elgins, about half way to the main car park. This is a grassy area which may present challenges to a wheeelchair or PMV user. The lakeside area may then be reached by the access road.
- There are induction loop facilities at the property.
- There are bicycle racks just inside the lakeside area.
- All well-behaved dogs, including assistance dogs are welcome.
Moving around the site
- There are limited hard surface paths in the Forest. These include the road from the entrance car park to the main car park, the immediate area around the car and the Shell House and the footpath across the end of the lake. A board walk connects the entrance road to the lake path. There is also an access road to the main plain which has a gravelled surface. These may have a certain amount of mud and other debris transferred by visitors and animals that have been exploring further into the Forest.
- Otherwise, the wider area of the Forest has no marked, formal paths. Some of the terrain is uneven, due to being muddy in the winter months or baked hard in the summer months. In addition, there are also yellow meadow ant hills and rabbit holes. This may be accessible with a more robust all-terrain PMV.
- All gates on pedestrian routes have at least 1000mm of space to pass through and these will usually self-close with a weight, spring or hydraulic ram.
Moving around the Shell House
- The Shell House is accessible with assistance.
Facilities
- There is an accessible toilet, with baby change facilities, at the lakeside area.
- Some of the picnic tables have wheelchair accesssibility.
Useful Resources
- We have manual wheelchairs and a Tramper (Personal Mobility Vehicle) available for hire. Please contact us in advance at hatfieldforest@nationaltrust.org.uk to reserve it for your visit, at least 24 h in advance.
- Site maps are available.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about your visit to Hatfield Forest or would like more information on accessibility across the property, please get in touch, by e-mail hatfieldforest@nationaltrust.org.uk or phone: 01279 870678.