Welcome to Rutland
Everyone deserves to enjoy a relaxing and enjoyable experience when they are out and about, and Rutland is proud to offer a warm welcome to all visitors. Across the county, many businesses have made accessibility a priority — from step-free entrances and accessible toilets to clear signage and staff who are always happy to help. Whether you’re visiting a local café, exploring independent shops, or attending an event, you’ll find venues that are fully accessible or able to provide detailed access information to help you plan your visit with confidence and ease.
Changing Places Facilities in Rutland
Changing Places are specially equipped toilets and changing facilities designed for people with physical disabilities or profound learning disabilities, accessible using a RADAR key. Rutland Water have two containing a toilet shower, hoist and a height adjustable bed and sink. These are located within the car parks at Normanton: Normanton Park Road, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 8HD (for more information on facilities click here) what3words: scanty.suffice.loving and Whitwell: Bull Brigg Lane, Whitwell, Rutland, LE15 8BL (for more information on facilities click here) what3words: firelight.publish.diplomats
Accessible route guidance & further details here.
Normanton Changing Place
Whitwell Changing Place
There is a Changing Places facility at Fineshade Wood, which has blue badge parking in front of the visitor centre. The cafe and meeting room are accessible and there is a 2 mile long all-ability trail, which gives access to a wildlife hide with both wheelchair and pushchair access. (for more information on facilities click here) 0300 067 4340
Accessible Accommodation in Rutland
Discover welcoming and inclusive places to stay in the heart of Rutland, where accessibility and comfort come first. Our range of accessible accommodation includes hotels, cottages, and B&Bs designed to meet diverse needs — featuring step-free access, spacious rooms, adapted bathrooms, and accessible parking. Whether you’re visiting Rutland Water, exploring the charming market towns of Oakham and Uppingham, or enjoying the area’s beautiful countryside, you’ll find accessible options that ensure everyone can experience Rutland with ease and confidence.
The Castle Chase Cottages have been beautifully renovated with every guest in mind — including those with mobility needs. Enjoy level thresholds, non-slip flooring, and spacious roll-in showers designed for effortless comfort and independence. Two of the cottages offer dedicated wheelchair-accessible features and electric car facilities, reflecting our commitment to inclusive, sustainable travel. Nestled in the picturesque village of Ayston, at the heart of Rutland, The Castle Chase Cottages blend rural charm with modern accessibility — the perfect countryside escape for all visitors.
07921 108983| [email protected] | Main Street, Ayston, Uppingham, LE15 9AE
For Castle Chase Cottages full accessibility information see here.
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The Lodge Country Park offers two wheelchair accessible self-catering cabins with a level shower room. Set in ten acres of meadowland and with a country cafe onsite, each cabin has a double and a twin bedded room and has been awarded 3* Gold Award by VisitEngland.
01572 768073 | [email protected] | Market Overton, Rutland, LE15 7PL
For The Lodge Country Park's full accessibility statement see here.
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In The Stix offers six geodesic glamping domes in rural Rutland with five of these having step-free access.
07958 378971 | [email protected] | Rutland Glamping Brook Farm, Wood Lane, Oakham LE15 7SN
For In The Stix's full accessibility statement see here.
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Access to Broccoli Bottom is via a sloping tarmac drive with mostly level parking and paths. Lettuce Lodge and Parsnip Place offer the easiest, step-free access and good wheelchair space, though not specially adapted. Carrot Cottage is single-storey with step-free living areas and two small steps to bedrooms. Fennel Folly and Mange-Tout Maison are first-floor apartments reached by external stairs
07702 437102 | [email protected]| Broccoli Bottom Wing Rd, Oakham LE15 8SZ
For Broccoli Bottom’s full accessibility statement see here.
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Stretton Lakes offers year-round stays for caravans, motorhomes, campervans, and log cabins, with accessible facilities throughout the site. Roads are mostly level and well-lit, and each pitch has electric and water hook-ups. The heated shower block includes unisex and accessible bathrooms with non-slip floors, grab handles, and an adjustable shower chair.
01780 410507 | [email protected] | Stretton Lakes, Stretton, Oakham, Rutland LE15 7QS
For Stretton Lakes full accessibility information and statement please see here.
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Spanhoe Lodge offers eight ground-floor guest rooms, one of which is specifically designed for guests with mobility challenges, featuring a wheel-in wet room with drop-down shower seat and raised toilet. The property provides accessible parking, level concrete pathways, and a gentle ramp to the main dining room, ensuring ease of movement for all guests.
01780 450328 | [email protected] | Spanhoe Lodge, Main Street, Laxton, NN17 3AT
For Spanhoe Lodge’s full accessibility information and statement please see here.
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The Wisteria Hotel offers a number of comfortable ground floor rooms, ideal for guests who prefer easier access. As the hotel does not have a lift and bedrooms are spread across two floors, guests are encouraged to contact the hotel directly request a ground floor room.
01572 722844 | [email protected] | Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6HW
For The Wisteria Hotel’s full accessibility information and statement please see here.
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Cuckoo Barn Lodge offers three comfortable ground-floor bedrooms, including one with a wet-room en suite. Please note the property is built across two levels, with access to the living area via a ramp or a flight of 12 stairs.
07768708220 | [email protected] | Tickencote Road, Exton, LE15 8BA
For Cuckoo Barn Lodge’s full accessibility information and statement please see here.
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Pibbles nook offers on-site parking for one vehicle and the convenience of unloading directly outside the front door. The entrance has a low step and the front door is 93 cm wide. Most of the living accommodation is located on the ground floor. Guests are encouraged to discuss any specific requirements in advance.
07703350985 | [email protected] | Empingham, Rutland, LE15 8PT
For Pibbles Nook’s full accessibility information and statement please see here.
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The Falcon Hotel in Uppingham have two accessible rooms. There is disabled access at the rear of the hotel, immediately next to the car park. The two easy access rooms are found on the Ground Floor, complete with wet rooms and safety bars in the bathrooms.
01572 823535 | [email protected] |The Market Place, Uppingham, LE15 9PY
For The Falcon’s full accessibility information and statement please see here.
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Rutland Hall Hotel offers two accessible rooms on the resort and provides buggies to assist guests who require transport around the grounds.
01572 757901| [email protected] | Oakham, Rutland, LE15 8AB
For Rutland Hall Hotel’s full accessibility information and statement please see here.
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The Olive Branch 4* Inn offers a fully accessible family suite on the ground floor. Ideal for the family it has two separate bedrooms, the first a double with views overlooking the rear garden and the second a smaller room can be set as a single or with twin beds. The bathroom decorated with large chocolate tiles is a ‘wet room’ which allows for full accessibility, with a walk in or ‘wheel-in’ shower and a separate double ended deep bath.
01780 410355 | [email protected] | Clipsham, Rutland, LE15 7SH
Accessible Activities in Rutland
Rutland offers a wide range of accessible activities so everyone can enjoy the beauty and charm of England’s smallest county. From step-free nature trails and wheelchair-friendly paths around Rutland Water to inclusive sailing, fishing, and cycling experiences, there’s something for every interest and ability. Many of Rutland’s attractions — including local museums, gardens, and heritage sites — provide accessible facilities, guided support, and sensory-friendly experiences. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure or relaxed exploration, Rutland makes it easy for all visitors to get involved and make lasting memories.
The link on each business name takes you to their access information on their own website, however here is a brief snapshot.
The Great Outdoors
Rutland Water Fishing Lodge were the first venue in the country to offer a Wheelyboat (from £22, blue badge holders only), specifically designed to improve the enjoyment for disabled anglers, enabling wheelchair users to fish inconspicuously alongside able-bodied anglers. Fly fish for trout and preditor fish for pike, perch and zander (seasonally). The boat can take two wheelchair users and booking is required, the attached Waterside Cafe is also fully accessible. | 01780 686441
Easton Walled Gardens offers step-free parking with designated disabled spaces and an alternative pick-up point, and The Courtyard, including the shop and main disabled toilets, is accessible via slopes and double doors. The upper gardens are wheelchair accessible, while the lower gardens are not, though there is an alternative sloped path with handrails to avoid steps. The Applestore entrance is ramped for wheelchair access, but the exit has a step, requiring use of the entrance for leaving. | 01476 530063
Barnsdale Gardens has been recognised with an award by the Rutland Access Group for its accessible facilities, which include: accessible parking, accessible toilets and ramp-access to parts of the gardens where necessary. They also have wheelchairs and a mobility scooter, which visitors are free to use. However, they are very popular and it is therefore advisable to pre-book before arrival. There are just a few areas that cannot be accessed by wheelchair and there is plenty of seating for everyone to sit back and take it all in. | 01572 813200
Rutland Water Nature Reserve is accessible at both their Egleton and Lyndon visitor centres and many hides provide disabled access. A mobility scooter is available for hire at both sites, booking essential. | 01572 737378
Fineshade Wood has blue badge parking in front of the visitor centre. The cafe and meeting room are accessible along with the accessible toilet. There is a 2 mile long all-ability trail, which gives access to a wildlife hide with wheelchair and pushchair access. | 0300 067 4340
Aqua Park Rutland are open seasonally and strive to provide a safe, enjoyable experience for all, with accessible courses designed to challenge and boost wellbeing. Please inform them of any additional requirements before booking.
The Rutland Belle is open seasonally and is accessible for wheelchair dependant persons from Whitwell Harbour, North Shore, for round-trips. There is a vehicle drop-off area beside the pier. | 01572 787630
History & Heritage
Burghley House has accessible parking close to the house entrance and accessible toilet facilities. Confined by being Grade One listed, two chair lifts are available to access state rooms and the restaurant on the first floor, these do not take a wheelchair and will require one to transfer. Movable ramps are in use for other areas of the property. It is not possible to take mechanised wheelchairs into the house.
The Garden of Surprises at Burghley is completely accessible as is the Brewhouse visitor entrance and interpretation centre. The Sculpture Garden has mown grass and bark chipping paths which are accessible in good weather. The park has tarmac paths and roads, whilst the road to the gardens is gravel, although a strip to the side is swept to make it easier. | 01780 752451
Rocks by Rail has a flat, surfaced access route from the car park, generally the routes around the site are suitable for wheelchairs. | 07974 171068
Rockingham Castle is a site of varying levels and offers an accessible entrance through the gift shop and accessible WC in the visitor car park. | 01536 770240
Oakham Castle is fully accessible with smooth access into and around the building. Close parking and 2 accessible toilets are onsite. The grounds are uneven with no paths. A selection of replica and original items which can be handled on request provides an interesting feature for the visually impaired. | 01572 757578
Rutland County Museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with a wheelchair available to borrow on request. | 01572 758440
Nene Valley Railway welcomes everyone to enjoy its heritage railway sites and trains, aiming to provide an accessible experience within the limits of its heritage status. Some areas may not be fully accessible. NVR accommodates hidden disabilities, wheelchair users, mobility scooter users, and buggy users, with most sites suitable for manual wheelchairs, though some gravel areas may require assistance. | 01780 784444
Shows & Theatre
Stamford Corn Exchange The theatre is designed to be as comfortable and accessible as possible for all visitors. Due to a steeply sloped aisle, guests with mobility issues are advised to sit in the back third of the auditorium. Accessible entry is available via the Theatre Lounge or main doors, with a removable ramp and lifts to all floors, including the stage and dressing rooms. The venue includes accessible toilets, a hearing loop system, and welcomes assistance dogs. | 01780 766455
Stamford Arts Centre The Ballroom, Gallery, Box Office, and Coffee Shop are on the ground floor and fully accessible. A platform lift leads to the Theatre, which has two wheelchair spaces that can be reserved in advance, along with companion seats. The Cinema offers Audio Description headphones and WatchWord smart glasses for captions. Headphones can also play film or theatre audio with adjustable volume. Accessible toilets are near the Theatre and Ballroom. The main entrance is ramped, and a side door on St George’s Square offers pushchair access, parking, and baby changing. | 01780 763203
Stamford Shakespeare Company at Tolethorpe Hall has specific wheelchair spaces available to book on Row 'O' in the Theatre. | 01780 756133
Food & Drink
Ferneley’s Ice Cream & Dairy Barn Café offers a large car park with dedicated disabled parking. The café is fully wheelchair friendly, featuring wide entrances for easy access, a spacious accessible toilet, and an adventure golf course designed to accommodate wheelchair users. | 01664 474461
Pick’s Barn Café provides clearly signed designated parking spaces at the front of the building, with paved, gently ramped pathways leading to both the main entrance and the café at the rear. The café features tables approximately 80 cm high, suitable for wheelchair users. A spacious accessible toilet is located near the back of the foyer. | 01572 827912
Garden Centres
Gates Garden Centre is set on a large sloping site and has wheelchairs available for customer use. Lifts have been installed throughout the centre to enable all visitors to access different areas. | 01664 454309
Rutland Garden Village the garden centre is fully wheelchair accessible and under-cover so come rain or shine you are sure of a warm welcome. | 01572 723583
Countryside for All
There are three accessible countryside routes available in Rutland, each with no stiles and surfaces suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs: Egleton Nature Reserve, Rutland Water and Exton
Radar Key's are available to purchase at Oakham Library, Catmose Street, LE15 6HW - 01572 722918
