Access for Elderly or Disabled Visitors

Caerhays gardens are situated on a tall hillside and, consequently, the routes to the top of the gardens and back down towards the house are steep. Some of the garden is therefore not easily or readily accessible for wheelchair users. There are also some steps on the last piece of the Blue Route garden walk which are impossible for wheelchair users to negotiate.

Elderly or disabled visitors should not however be put off from enjoying those parts of the garden which are flatter and more easily accessible. In particular the area around the castle and the Green Route up the main drive which is tarmaced, is readily accessible to wheelchair users.

The Red Route is also designed specifically for those who do not want to walk very far and there are several seats along the way as indeed there are throughout the garden.

Those wheelchair users who have help and are accompanied should be aware that the main garden paths are wide and reasonably hard underfoot. Once the paths to the top of the garden have been negotiated the core of the main garden is then fairly flat. By using the Green Route back to the house the steps on the Blue Route can be avoided.

THE IMPORTANT THING IS THAT ELDERLY AND DISABLED VISITORS SHOULD ASK FOR ADVICE ON ARRIVAL TO ENSURE THAT THEY ENJOY THEIR VISIT TO THE FULL.

A new toilet block which includes new disabled toilet facilities was formally opened in March 2004 in time for the spring season.

The tea rooms are now easily accessible for wheelchair users and close to the disabled parking area.

The top and bottom lodge gates at Caerhays have low stone arches and it is impossible for coaches to enter the grounds. However, following alterations and improvements it is now possible for some coaches to use the emergency access gates to drive up to the Castle to discharge their passengers before returning to park at Porthluney Beach, which is the main car park for the gardens. By prior arrangement parking can also be arranged nearer the entrance for groups with elderly or disabled guests. Please contact the Estate Office on 01872 501310 for more information about size and access if this would be of help.

HEALTH & SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR GARDEN VISITORS

1. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear (ie boots) for your trip around the garden which will extend to around 1 1/2 miles and involve some steep slopes if you opt for the longest routes.
   
   

2. Slipping and tripping hazards are very real in a woodland garden like Caerhays especially after spring gales and heavy rain. Please therefore stick to the paths at all times and proceed with particular care when conditions are wet underfoot.
   
   

3. The woodland gardens and pathways were laid out and created long before modern health and safety requirements were even thought of so please explore carefully.
   
   

4. The garden does contain hidden hazards especially for children (eg steep slopes and quarries) and it is therefore essential that children are accompanied at all times.
   
   

5. Those with disabilities should seek more detailed help and advice on arrival.

6. While the Caerhays Estate has taken reasonable measures to eliminate risks for visitors it is not possible to remove every conceivable risk in a woodland garden of this sort. The responsibility for the safety of visitors should therefore be seen to be shared between visitors and the Estate.

    

Opening Times 2010

Gardens Open

15th February to 31st May

seven days a week 10.00 to 5.00 (last admission 4.00)

House Open

15th March to 31st May weekdays only (including Bank Holidays)

tours 12.00   1.30    3.00 (reservations advised)