Accessible Britain

floor has a large step up to it, but staff are on hand to put down a ramp, and there’s a lift
up to the first floor, which must be operated by a staff member. An exhibition room on
the second floor involves a small flight of six curving stairs, and no lift, so it’s not accessible
to wheelchairs. There’s a spacious disabled toilet fitted with grab-rails. Outside,
the garden paths are a little overgrown, but with help wheelchair users can still enjoy
the delightful grounds.
FOOD & DRINK aa There is no on-site coffee shop, but there are numerous cafés nearby.
Refreshments can be arranged in advance for group bookings.
077 Beth Chatto Gardens, Essex
Address: Elmstead Market, Colchester CO7 7DB Web: www.bethchatto.co.uk Tel: 01206 822007 Hours:
Mar–Oct Mon–Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 10am–5pm; Nov–Feb Mon–Sat 9am–4pm, Sun 10am–4pm Dates:
check for Christmas & New Year closures Entry: [D]£6.95; Nov–Feb £4 [C]free [A]£6.95; Nov–Feb £4 [under
14s]free, discount for groups
Almost fifty years ago, Beth Chatto began nurturing a piece of overgrown wasteland
into beautiful gardens, despite the poor soil, gravel and bog conditions she faced. Now
in her late 90s, and winner of ten Chelsea Flower Show gold medals, Beth still lives in a
small house overlooking the site and regularly tends the gardens.
This is not only a lovely spot to spend a gentle afternoon, but a showcase to inspire
the public to contend with their own difficult soil types. The site is broken up into three
independent and informal gardens: the gravel garden is home to drought-loving plants
from around the world; the water garden with its four large ponds is planted with lush
foliage that thrives even in moist silt and sticky clay; and the dark woodland garden,
is especially pretty in spring when blanketed with daffodils. If you feel encouraged
to make a start on your own patch, visit the concrete-floored nursery, which sells
gardening books written by Beth, as well as plants, shrubs and bulbs. Unfortunately
the nursery has some tight passages but staff are ready to assist and will pass on their
knowledge to help you pick the right plants for your plot.
With such a helpful team available on hand, a chat at reception is a useful way to
start a visit, especially if you’d like advice on the best route to take around the gardens.
Parking is flat and close to the entrance, but on the grass; the path to the gardens is
gravel. If you’re in a manual wheelchair, and unless you’re super fit, you’ll need to bring
a companion along to help, as some of the pathways are undulating and have rough
surfaces. But these are gardens to explore slowly and you won’t want to make your way
around too briskly – on the shady route through the water garden there’s a bench every
twenty yards or so. Assistance dogs are welcome, but otherwise dogs are not allowed.
FOOD & DRINK aa A fantastic tearoom overlooks the nursery, serving home-made soup
and other hot meals. The ice cream is local and award-winning – a real treat.
THE EAST MIDLANDS AND EAST ANGLIA
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