Accessibility at Packwood
We believe Packwood should be open and accessible for all. The historic house and gardens in our care present challenges to accessibility for all, but we are taking steps to make sure that as many people as possible can access the house, garden and estate and its story. Read on to find out how you can 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 which can be emailed to packwood@nationaltrust.org.uk. This web page is designed to help support you when visiting Packwood by providing information on how to access the different areas of the estate, house and garden, and to make the most of your visit.
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. You can find out more about these cards on our Access for Everyone page.
More information about physical disability access is available on the AccessAble website.
Our access statement
We're passionate about making Packwood accessible to all needs and disabilities. For detailed information, this document outlines the various facilities we have in place to cater for your requirements. Here's our full access statement.
Making your visit easier
Available at Baddesley for your visit you will find:
- Parking – Several accessible parking spaces can be found in the main car park for Blue Badge holders or anyone with mobility requirements.
- Hearing impairment – Induction loops are available in all our front facing spaces.
- Visual impairment – Large print guides are available at Visitor Reception on request.
- Assistance dogs – Are welcome in all areas and buildings at Packwood. Dog water bowls are available around the main buildings.
- Eating and drinking – Large-handled cutlery and mugs are available in our food and beverage outlets. Please ask a member of staff if you would like to use these.
- Wheelchairs – There are wheelchairs for visitors to borrow. Talk to our Visitor Reception staff if you'd like to borrow one for your visit when you arrive.
- Mobility Vehicles – We have one mobility scooter and an all-terrain mobility vehicle or “tramper”. These are designed to enable those with mobility requirements to access the wider parkland terrain. Please see below for details on how to hire one of these for your visit.
- Surfaces and terrain – There are flat gravel paths around the gardens, but a few small steps in some areas. There are accessible routes in most of the gardens - ask a member of the team if you need help. In the wider parkland there are gravel and mown grass paths which can be uneven in places. These paths are accessible for chunky-wheeled child's pushchairs but may be heavy-going for a wheelchair depending on recent wet weather conditions and are easier to navigate using a tramper. Please ask for advice in Visitor Reception on your way in.
- Toilets – Accessible toilets are in the Barnyard.
- Ramps – There is a ramp for access to the Barn Restaurant in the barnyard.
- The house – The ground floor rooms are all accessible.
Tramper and Scooter
Packwood has a mobility scooter and an all-terrain mobility vehicle (tramper) available, helping you to explore more of the parkland on your visit.
What is a tramper?
The tramper is an electric all-terrain mobility scooter designed specifically to cover rough ground and grass safely. It can go up and down slopes, over bumps and tree roots, through shallow puddles, mud and soft ground.
Explore the parkland
The tramper can be used to explore the parkland. A member of the team will provide a map and run through it during the induction.
Please note that due to narrow spaces on the visitor route, trampers are not able to access our historic buildings. However, the Barn Restaurant is easily accessible via a ramp, and the trampers are welcomed inside.
Who can use the tramper?
The tramper is for use by anyone over the age of 14, who struggles with walking distances or up hills, or who has limited mobility of any kind. You don’t have to be registered disabled or have a Blue Badge to use it.
It can keep pace with a brisk walking companion, which is great for exploring the parkland together. Because parts of the parkland have gated access, you will need to have someone with you when you hire the tramper.
The Mobility Scooter
You can use the scooter to get round the gardens and the house, but it isn’t suitable for the wider estate.
Both vehicles are available on a first-come-first-served basis and are free, though normal admission prices apply. Any donations are gratefully received to help with the maintenance and up-keep. The vehicles are very easy to operate, and we provide you with a briefing, test drive and route map before you set off which takes around 10–15 minutes.