Everyone welcome

Access for people with disabilities

The National Trust has a variety of ways individuals with specialist requirements can access places free or at discounted admission rates.

Contact the Supporter Services Centre to discuss your specific requirements in relation to the passes outlined below:

Essential Companion Card - free admission for one companion or carer of a disabled person

Essential Companion Admit Two Card – as above but for more complex care needs

Access for All Admittance Pass – in situations where it may be more appropriate for the disabled person to go in free with a paying companion

If you need to bring a carer or essential companion to accompany you as a disabled visitor, you can now book a carers ticket in advance, free of charge.

To find out more contact the Supporter Services Centre:

Tel: 0344 800 1895 (9am-5.30pm weekdays, 9am-4pm weekends & bank holidays)

Send an enquiry via email.

More information about physical disability access is available on the AccessAble website.

Access statement

We're passionate about making Boarstall Duck Decoy accessible to all needs and disabilities. For detailed information, this document outlines the various facilities we have in place to cater for your requirements. For Boarstall Duck Decoy's full access statement please look at the homepage.

Arriving at Boarstall Duck Decoy

Introduction

This rare example of a seventeenth-century duck decoy provides a fascinating insight into a rare aspect of British rural life. The decoy at Boarstall is surrounded by beautiful woodland, with an array of spring flowers including a large display of bluebells, and an abundance of bird life. It comprises natural paths (a mixture of grass and hoggin) which can be uneven in places, or more difficult to use in wet weather, but there are no steps along the main route.

Arrival and parking facilities

The site can be a little difficult to find, as it is tucked away at the end of a farm track. The turning into the site is about halfway between Bicester and Thame, and signage is displayed at the turning into site. Follow the National Trust signs through the farm being mindful of animals and vehicles. You will go over a couple of cattlegrids before reaching the NT car park.

The car park is all grass, and there are accessible bays closest to the main entrance way.

You’ll find the welcome point around on your right as you go from the car park towards the main woodland site.

Woodlands

The main route around the site is a circular route around the woodland parts of the duck decoy. The ground is made up of mainly grass or hoggin pathways which can be uneven in places and more difficult during wet weather. There are no steps along the main visitor route.

The circular route takes approximately 1 hour at an ambling pace, but some may complete this much quicker.

There are benches found towards the beginning of the walk in our picnic area, but limited benches along the main route.

There is a large body of water, but this is made clear on the visitor maps, and the main paths do not get too close to the edge.

Dogs Welcome

Boarstall Duck Decoy is a two paw-print rated site. Dogs are welcome anywhere on site, and should be kept on a lead at all times.

Services and facilities

Toilets

There is one accessible portable toilet unit near to the entrance of the site during public opening. It uses hand sanitiser and paper towels.

We do not have an adult changing table, baby change or hoist available.

T-loops

Induction and T-loops are available at the following locations: welcome point.

Free access equipment

There is a manual wheelchair that is free to hire during your visit. If you wish to make use of this, please speak to a member of the team on arrival.

Catering

There is currently no catering available at this site. You are more than welcome to bring your own light refreshments and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy on site.

Digital information

Mobile phone reception and Wi-Fi

Mobile phone reception is sporadic. There is no wifi available on site, and data coverage is mixed. If you need assistance during your visit, please speak to a team member.