Accessibility at Ilam Park
- Published:
- 20 August 2024
![Three people on the accessible path at Ilam Park. One person is in a wheelchair and the others are walking alongside her. They are smiling and chatting.](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/peak-district-derbyshire/places/ilam-park-dovedale-and-the-white-peak/library/20240506-peak-district-ilam-park-accessible-path-phase-1dsc03607-for-web.jpg?auto=webp&width=767&crop=16:9&dpr=2 2x)
Plan your visit to Ilam Park and understand more about the accessibility of this special place so you know what to expect when you arrive.
Although historic spaces and landscapes can present challenges to accessibility we are doing what we can to make sure that as many people as possible can enjoy what Ilam Park offers. We hope the information below gives you the information you need before your visit.
Arrival and parking
There are 4 designated accessible spaces in the car park. These bays are approximately 100 metres from the toilets and shop, along a tarmac path, with a slight downward slope. Parking is free if you are a National Trust Member or have a Blue Badge.
Moving around the site
There is a detailed site map at the welcome point with an easy access path marked on it. The welcome team are also present to help advise about the paths around the site. There are a benches around Ilam, some with backs and arms.
The garden is terraced with steps and slopes. Many of the paths have gravel surfaces. The steps onto the Italian Garden do not have handrails, however there is a drystone wall on the right-hand side as you step down 4 steps into the garden.
![A room with a mural on the wall and accessible toilet facilities to the right and a window on the end wall above a changing table.](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/peak-district-derbyshire/places/ilam-park-dovedale-and-the-white-peak/library/1599366-changing-places-facility-at-ilam.jpg?auto=webp&width=767&crop=16:9&dpr=2 2x)
Moving around the buildings
The bookshop has a level entrance and the door is 94cm wide. Staff are happy to offer assistance accessing items on shelves.
You can access the tearoom via a rough gravel path which slopes uphill. There is a handrail on the right-hand side as you walk uphill towards the tearoom. There is a gateway in the wall, which is 100cm wide. The tearoom is accessed via 3 steps, then a short walk, then 5 steps. There is a handrail on both sides of the steps.
During the summer school holidays and summer weekends, the Grab and Go Food and Beverage offer is available in the stableyard. There is level access into the building (there is a small lip in the doorway, marked with hazard tape. The doorway is 76cm wide, or 158cm if both doors are open.
Changing places facility and toilets
The accessible Changing Places facility and toilet is located in the stable yard, which is 100 metres from the car park. The doorway is 80cm wide and the door opens outwards.
It is accessed with a radar key and located on the ground floor of Ilam Hall, next to the archway. It is signposted with the blue changing place symbol. It is open everyday, 24 hours a day.
Spare radar keys are located in the second-hand bookshop and tearoom if needed.
The changing place facility has a centrally placed peninsular toilet with room either side for a wheelchair user. There are also grab rails and drop down support rails. There is a privacy screen beside the toilet. There is a height adjustable, adult sized changing bench and a ceiling track hoist which can be used throughout the room.
Other useful information and resources
Each till point has an induction loop.
Large- handled cutlery and straws are available in the café.
Sensory bags with noise cancelling headphones are available for loan from the Welcome Hut.
There is a permanent sensory trail around the site.
There is no public WIFI or phone signal at Ilam.
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