Accessibility
Access Statement for Pentillie Castle and Estate
Description
Pentillie Castle and the surrounding gardens are situated on a promontory of land high above the River Tamar. The land slopes steeply down towards the Tamar on the north, east and south. The approach driveway from Paynters Cross and the American Gardens rise above the castle to the west.
Assistance
Because of the steepness of the ground surrounding the castle some areas are difficult to reach in a wheelchair or independently by those with limited mobility. Pentillie staff are available and will guide and assist anyone in need of assistance.
Disabled Access
Wheelchair access is restricted to some areas immediately surrounding the castle. There are also some steps between the terraces and in the gardens without handrails that some people may find difficult.
Parking
There is a tarmac flat car parking area large enough for 20 cars immediately in front of the front door of the castle. There is also plenty of alternative parking (for up to 80 cars) within 300 yards of the castle.
The Castle
Entry to the Castle
Front Door, West. There is a small 2” step and the bottom rail of the door frame to negotiate but wooden ramps are available and will be emplaced whenever required.
Back Door, North. This door is situated to the left of the front door and approached through a paved courtyard. Access is level.
Loggia Door, South. This French window can be reached by following the gravel path around the lawn from the car park.
Ground Floor Public Rooms
All the ground floor public rooms have specially widened doorways that are accessible by wheelchair. There is a unisex toilet suitable for use by wheelchair users.
Disabled Bedroom
There is one double bedroom on the ground floor (Warren Bedroom) that has been designed and fitted out for use by anyone in a wheelchair. The bathroom is laid out as a wet-room with a shower and seat.
First Floor
The first floor bedrooms are only accessible by using the front and back stairs and thus are not suited for disabled use.
Office and Courtyard
The Office and Courtyard rooms, consisting of the Boot, Garden and Staff Rooms, are all accessible by wheelchair. Additionally there is a unisex, disabled toilet facility directly accessible from the courtyard.
Swimming Pool
Access to the swimming pool, adjoining the courtyard, is restricted by a narrow stairway and is therefore is not suitable for disabled use.
Terraces
Upper Terrace
The upper terrace, at the same level as the ground floor of the Castle, can be accessed directly via 2 wide steps (not fitted with handrails) from the Main Stair Hall and the Dining Room. Wheelchair access is either around the castle from the car park or from within via the Loggia doorway.
Middle Terrace
This is only accessible by steps down from the Upper Terrace or upwards from the Lower Tennis Court Terrace and it is not possible to gain wheelchair access.
Lower Tennis Court Terrace
The main access route from the Castle is down two wide flights of steps that have a parapet wall but no specific handrail. There is an alternative route for wheelchair users around the outside of the courtyard buildings following the signs to staff parking. This route can be followed by wheelchair or car. There is a wheelchair accessible toilet in the Pavilion Building at the north end of this terrace.
The Gardens
East Garden (towards the River)
This path is not suitable for use by the disabled as slopes are steep and loose, additionally there are no handrails are fitted to the steps.
American Gardens
The paths and steps in these gardens make disabled access difficult. The advice and assistance from a member of the Pentillie staff should be obtained before venturing into them.
Kitchen Garden
This garden is not accessible to unaccompanied visitors because it is overgrown and is not suitable for anyone with limited mobility.
Mausoleum
The Mausoleum is not accessible to those with limited mobility except by using an estate four wheel drive vehicle.
To download a PDF version of this accessibility statement, please click here.