Accessibility

We are committed to making our facilities as accessible as possible for all visitors.

• Disabled Parking & Café Access
  Disabled parking is available directly next to Quackers Café. From there, visitors can access the Café via a level entry. There is also a ramp (however this is quite steep) to bypass the steps into the Café garden or additional access around the side of the cafe.
  Depending on where you wish to sit, there is also level access available via the side entrance. Both wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be accommodated in these areas.

• Pathways & Grounds
  The majority of our paths are gravel, some of which are quite steep. This may be challenging for manual wheelchair users. However, most mobility scooters can navigate them without issue, depending on the wheel size.
  Please note there are stairs in certain areas, especially near the main house, and stepping stones across some small streams. That said, step-free routes are available to most areas of the gardens. Please see the map below for step free routes around the gardens, these are also available at the entrance gate.

• Facilities

  • Disabled parking is located near the Café.

  • An accessible toilet is available within the Café.

  • A Changing Places facility is not currently on-site. Find our closest Changing Place

• House Tours
  Due to the historic nature of the Hall, the house tour involves a significant amount of walking and includes some steps. There are many seating areas along the route.
  Unfortunately, there is no lift access. However, we can accommodate wheelchair users with prior arrangements. Please contact us in advance to discuss your needs.

Contact Us

If you would like more information regarding accessibility or wish to discuss any specific requirements, please feel free to contact us at 01629 640617 or email info@thornbridge-estate.co.uk

Sensory story

This is an amazing story...

💛💛💛💛

"Something beautiful happened yesterday. We stick to the allotment or the forest as much as possible to keep Theo regulated.

Crowds, noise and the unknown overstimulate and dysregulate him. We went to visit Thornbridge Estate, knowing we would have a few meltdowns, as we usually do on day trips. We got to the duck pond and didn’t make it any further for the entire two hours.

Theo started lining up the ducks in his little corner. He worked really hard and was focussed and engrossed. Some kids naturally tried to knock them down, so we redirected them from the little corner, to the entirety of the rest of the pond.

Usually, we are met with hostility, this time the parents lead with kindness and used the rest of the 95% of the pond. Theo then asked them if they wanted to knock them all down with him and play together, after he’d admired his hard work for a few minutes. Next thing, all the kids in the pond are lining up ducks. The kids all worked together, previously in small groups, now as one big group, to help link the ducks around the ENTIRE pond. And I mean the entire pond, with absolutely no gap. Two hours later, and very naturally, a handful of knock backs, they persevered and succeeded.

The coming together, with kindness and understanding was both beautiful and unexpected This is why I will always advocate for autism understanding. Instead of a very overwhelming day, Theo got to have fun and enjoy his surroundings like everybody else.

We hope next time we get to explore further. His special interest is Lego and birds and I know you have both of these!! It’s a 2 hour round trip but we can’t wait to come again!!! It’s a wonderful place " - Vicky Hutchins