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 Tower 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 Tower's full access statement please look at the homepage.

Arriving at Boarstall Tower

Introduction

This fourteenth-century moated gatehouse and its beautiful gardens are tucked away just off the main road. The main tower building can be explored with a guide, and the gardens explored at leisure. Due to the nature of the building, most of the interiors are accessed only via steep spiral steps. The garden is made up of gravel paths and lawned areas.

Arrival and parking facilities

The site can be a little difficult to find as it is tucked away immediately off the main road. The turning into the site is about halfway between Bicester and Thame, and signage is displayed at the turning into site.

The car park is immediately on your left on the grass field. The accessible spaces are against the hedge directly in line with the driveway.

Once parked, you’ll head out of the car park through a gap in the hedge at the far end, and make your way down the driveway towards the main tower entrance.

The entrance has slight stepped access.

Tower

Due to the nature of the building, most of the interiors are accessed only via steep spiral steps.

The entrance/exit doors are usually propped open in warmer months. The team can assist with these doors if required.

Inside the tower, the rooms can be small and most rooms are accessed via steep spiral staircases.

The interiors are not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs.

We recommend sturdy shoes. High heels are not permitted due to the uneven steps.

Most floors are even and made of hard materials e.g. stone or wood.

Garden

There is no designated route around the gardens, and you can explore these at leisure.

The ground is made up of mainly lawn, grass or gravel pathways which can be uneven in places and more difficult during wet weather.

There are some steps in places, but these can be avoided if needed.

There are benches found dotted throughout the gardens.

The gardens are surrounded by a steep slope that drops to the moat (body of water). There are deep water signs in place and the body of water is obvious.

Dogs Welcome

Only assistance dogs are welcome throughout Boarstall Tower and the gardens. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the building and the facilities available no other dogs are allowed on site at this time.

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.

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 in the outdoor areas 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.