Everyone deserves to enjoy a relaxing experience when they are out and about, and there are many businesses in Rutland who offer a fully accessible venue, or can provide specific access information to help you plan your visit.
Changing Places Facilities in Rutland
Changing Places are toilets and changing facilities for people with a physical disability or with profound learning disabilities, accessible by a RADAR key. Rutland Water have two containing a toiltet, showe, hoist and a height adjustable bed and sink. These are located within the car parks at Normanton and Whitwell, were accessible tracks, cafes and other facilities can be found.
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 along and there is a 2 mile long all-ability trail, which gives access to a wildlife hide with wheelchair and pushchair access. 0300 067 4340
Accommodation
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.
www.lodgecountrypark.org.uk | 01572 768073 | [email protected] | Market Overton, Rutland, LE15 7PL
The Stables at Ayston offers two beautiful barn conversions. lovingly created for all guests, including dogs! Accessible self catering accommodation in the heart of Rutland. Close to Uppingham, Oakham and Rutland Water.
07921 108983 | [email protected] | Preston Lane, Ayston, Rutland , LE15 9BL
Greetham Valley 3* hotel in Greetham have two accessible rooms www.greethamvalley.co.uk | 01780 460444 | [email protected] | Wood Lane, Greetham, Rutland, LE15 7SN
The Falcon Hotel in Uppingham have two accessible rooms
www.falconhotel.co.uk | 01572 823535 | [email protected]
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.
www.theolivebranchpub.com | 01780 410355 | [email protected] | Clipsham, Rutland, LE15 7SH
Things to do
The link on each business name takes you to their access information on their own website, however here is a brief snapshot.
Rutland Water Fishing Lodge were the first venue in the country to offer a Wheelyboat, 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
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
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.
Call for further information; 01780 752451
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.
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
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
Deene Park has accessible toilet facilities and non-motorised wheelchairs are welcome on the ground floor of the House.
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.
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
Stamford Shakespeare Company at Tolethorpe Hall has specific wheelchair spaces available to book on Row 'O' in the Theatre. 01780 756133
Rutland Cookery School is wheelchair friendly with full disabled access and facilities including a dedicated height adjustable work station. This is also suitable for people unable to stand for any length of time. It is essential that you advise when booking if this station is required – there is only one. 07391 679208
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
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
