Glendurgan Gardens, National Trust

Glengurgan Gardens is a National Trust property in Cornwall. It is based in Mawnan Smith near Falmouth and has over 300 acres of ambling woodland and rugged coastline - offering access to the Helford river.

Glendurgan has three valleys, with scenic walks full of exotic wildflowers. Varied mobility access throughout. The gardens are open to the public every Tuesday-Sunday from 10.30am - 5pm. A standard adult ticket costs £10 each, however there is a concession for a free carers ticket. National Trust members can enter for free. There is also a charge for car parking (£2 for two hours, or £4 for all-day).

There is a full “access statement” on the Glendurgan website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/glendurgan-garden

Cafe

The cafe is approximately 45 metres away from the accessible parking area, with a tarmacked slope leading down.

The cafe can also be accessed via a flat entrance through the gardens. There is limited circulation space between tables, however various options to sit indoors or outdoors. Some outdoor benches have spaces for wheelchair users.Staff are able to assist when required in carrying items to the table.

The cafe counter is at a height of 850mm. No induction loop.

Selection of toasted sandwiches and cakes available to enjoy.

Parking

There are 8 accessible spaces in the main car park. The entrance to the main car park is tarmacked, and there is also some light gravel - which should not cause any trouble for wheelchair users.

There is also a large overflow car park for regular vehicles. The car park has two pay and display machines - (£2 for two hours, or £4 for all-day).

Mobility

An all-terrain mobility scooter (tramper vehicle) is available to hire from reception for those who cannot walk long distance. This is supplied via Countryside Mobility and needs to be pre-booked to hire from 2.30-4.30pm.

There is a recommended walking route and map for wheelchair users - as some parts of the gardens have steps / steeper slopes. Path gradients vary between 5 and 14%. The main cobbled section is at the first junction when entering the gardens. No steps have hand rails.

The maze is not accessible for wheelchair users as it has steps throughout.

There are numerous seating benches located around the gardens.

Vision and Hearing

Only assistance dogs are allowed in the gardens. All other dogs are restricted to the cafe and car park.

One part-time member of staff is trained in BSL.

All areas are well lit with natural lighting.

There are no glass screens that would impair lip reading.

Induction loop is available in reception.

Glendurgan often hold specific events called “silent spaces” in two areas of the gardens, where people can embrace the tranquility of the orchard. These spaces are held on certain dates and times, so it’s best to keep an eye on their website.

Toilet Facilities

There is a combined wheelchair/baby change facility in the main toilet block beside the car park and cafe.

The accessible toilet is accessed via a short ramp. Inside, there is plenty of turning space for a wheelchair user - with automatic hand dryers, easy to turn taps and grab rails.

No Changing Places facility on site.