Accessible Britain

Temple of Flora and Palladian Bridge at Stourhead
however, the real draw is outside. Stourhead’s grounds are a feast of colour for most of
the year and offer breathtaking views around the lakeside setting. A level accessible
path leads around the lake for just over a mile. Other trails, such as the two-mile path to
Alfred’s Tower folly (also reachable by car), are less straightforward. Surfaces vary from
gravel to grass and compacted woodland soil, and some paths are undulating, or can
get muddy in wet weather. Staff can provide a map showing accessible routes (a Braille
map is also available).
Otherwise, visitors with limited mobility can take a tour of the grounds in a golf
buggy, subject to availability of drivers. In high season (mid-Mar to Oct), there’s a
shuttle bus service between the car park, the house and the lower gardens. The house
itself is accessed via thirteen steps with no firm handrail, but a stair climber is available,
which must be booked in advance. Once you’re inside, all the public rooms are on one
floor, with level access. There’s an accessible toilet by the main entrance and in the
courtyard adjacent to the house. The car park has designated disabled spaces and is an
even, four-hundred-yard walk from the house.
FOOD & DRINK aa The fully accessible restaurant by the entrance serves locally sourced
produce – some even grown in the kitchen garden at the house. A cosy and splendid
pub in the courtyard, The Spread Eagle (01747 840587, www.spreadeagleinn.com), serves
hearty meals and cream teas – there’s a two-inch threshold step but once inside all is level.
THE SOUTHWEST
050 Exeter, Devon
With its Roman origins, glorious cathedral and picturesque quayside, the
city of Exeter (www.heartofdevon.com/exeter) is a rewarding and easily accessible
destination in the beautiful county of Devon. A good place to start your
visit is the Cathedral Church of St Peter (01392 285983, www.exeter-cathedral.
org.uk), one of the oldest and most magnificent cathedrals in England. It’s home
to the world’s longest stretch of unbroken Medieval Gothic vaulting, stunning
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