Accessibility
As Belvoir Castle is a historical building, disabled access is unfortunately limited. We hope that the following information will give you an understanding of the access that is available so you can plan your visit.
Spectacle of Light event
There is limited pushchair parking for this event and we encourage visitors to use baby carriers or slings due to the multiple sets of steps in the gardens. Due to the nature of the castle being built on a hill top, this event is unsuitable for those with limited mobility.
Parking & access to the top of the hill
Disabled Parking is provided for Blue Badge holders on the Castle terrace. On arrival at the main car park, visitors should present their Blue Badge to Ticket Office staff who will provide further instructions.
Owing to the nature of our Grade 1 listed site, the Castle terrace is weight limited and is unable to accommodate vast numbers of vehicles. Visitors without a Blue Badge who feel that they will find the walk to Castle difficult, can arrange to be dropped off and collected from the Castle terrace. Visitors with further concerns can request to speak with our Visitor Experience Team.
Castle Access
The ground floor of the Castle is accessible without ramps or slopes and the entrance door is 80cm wide. Wheelchair users can access the Guard room, Portico, Castle kitchens, Pastry room, Gift shop and Tea rooms, however there is no lift inside to access the first floor.
If some of your party plan to visit upstairs, and you are unable to join, our guides will provide you with our literature and books or keep you company wherever possible.
There are plenty of chairs in the upstairs rooms that you are welcome to sit on to take a rest at any time.
Guide and Assistance dogs are permitted inside the castle.
We do not have a hearing loop.
Garden Access
The gardens are tricky to negotiate due to their location on a hillside. Whilst it is possible in a mobility scooter/power chair to get into the rose gardens, which are paved, the gravel paths that lead to the garden and the gradient can make this hard work with a standard wheelchair.
Toilets
There is a disabled toilet on the ground floor of the Castle: 3.9m long, 1.35m at the narrowest point, opening to 2.7m. There is a baby/child change facility here. We do not have adult change facilities.
At the Engine Yard there are disabled toilets situated inside the café and externally.
Free Disabled Tickets
We appreciate that access is limited for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility so we do not charge a ticket fee to people whose limited mobility means can not access the upstairs State Rooms of the Castle.
Engine Yard
The Engine Yard (which is located at the bottom of the hill) has a variety of shops and cafes. There are dedicated disabled parking places.
There are disabled toilets situated in the café and externally.
All store doors are wide enough for wheelchairs and most stores are ground floor only. Some stores do have upper floors however due to the historic nature of the buildings there are no lifts. Staff will be happy to assist wherever possible.
Pushchairs
Due to the historic nature of the Castle pushchairs cannot be taken upstairs. If you wish to leave your pushchair and walk around the first floor of the Castle, please ask one of our guides who will advise where to leave it. Please also note that due to the location of the Castle and Gardens on a hillside, it may be difficult to navigate a pushchair around the grounds.
If you have a query that isn’t answered on this page please feel free to contact us on 01476 871 001