Blickling Estate

I was able to hire a mobility scooter which was very comfortable and straightforward but after that I was a bit disappointed with my visit. I went round in circles trying to understand the map and what I could access much of the statues and monuments were up steps so could only see from a distance. If you are able to walk or be pushed in a wheelchair then the house is accessible but other than that it’s the ground floor only. There is a lift but again you have to be able to walk in case of fire. You can drive up to the front door in the scooter and walk round with aids but you exit the house at the opposite end and have to get back to the front door to pick your scooter up!! Overall I felt a lot more thought could have gone into the accessibility options. I know it’s an old house and mobility scooters were not invented when it was built but come on a little common sense would solve a few issues and open up the house to more restricted visitors.

A beautiful building with the access issues you would expect from a historical building. Our visit was marred by outdated and patronising attitudes about physical disability but worth a visit if this improves.

This is a fine, old Stately House set in the grounds of a large estate. It is administered by the National Trust. Not only is it a stunning building with extensive parkland but it goes out of its way to make itself accessible to all those with mobility problems. As with all NT properties, there is a well written Assessibilty Statement online. They have a fleet of well maintained mobility scooters which vary from small vehicles for the house and garden to ones which are far more robust and capable of doing the park (open countryside) trails. All these vehicles are free to use. The main house, well worth a look, is accessible on the ground floor only. They have a lift to the first floor but it is presently out of order with long term problems. Apparently it is due to be replaced in due course.