To download a PDF version of this accessibility statement, please click here.
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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.
Location - Getting here
Pentillie is only 6 miles from Plymouth on the A388 between Saltash and Callington,.
By Car - Half way between the villages of Hatt and St Mellion look for a road sign ‘Paynters Cross’. Turn off the A388 here, go around an S bend and the gates of Pentillie are in front of you. The post code is PL12 6QD for those with a SatNav or Iphone. For full directions download this PDF.
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. As we have so much parking so close to the castle, we do not reserve any specific spaces for those with disabilities. However, if you do require assistance from your vehicle, please do let us know in advance by telephoning the office on 01579 350044, and we will happily reserve you a space next to the castle, particularly if we are expecting a lot of cars.
A floor plan of the Castle is available on the website here or we can send you a copy.
Alarms The fire alarm is an audio visual system, and is checked weekly, usually Friday mornings. It is monitored by the fire brigade.
We have a vibrating alarm clock available for guests to borrow.
Facilities
Television - There are televisions with DVD players in the Morning Room and in the Cellar Games Room and in all the bedrooms. There is a selection of DVD’s available.
Internet - There is free WiFi access throughout the Castle.
Phone - A house phone, 01579 351184, is available for guests to use for both incoming and outgoing calls.
Entry to the Castle
All doors and openings on the ground floor are more than 3 feet wide allowing easy wheelchair access.
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 set up whenever required. Sky Sports is available.
Back Door, North - This door is situated to the left of the front door and approached through a paved courtyard. Access is level with no restrictions.
Loggia Door, South - This French window can be reached by following the gravel path around the lawn from the car park. There is a 2” wooden rail to go over, but ramps are available.
Terrace Access - All these doors have two or three steps which are not fitted with handrails.
Ground Floor Public Rooms
The ground floor is all on one level, and has no steps. All the ground floor public rooms have wide doorways (more than 3 feet) that are easily accessible by wheelchair. There is a unisex toilet suitable for use by wheelchair users.
Bedding
Beds are usually made with duvets and a mixture of feather and hypoallergenic bedding. Rooms can be entirely made up with hypoallergenic bedding, or sheets and blankets as required. Please ask.
Cellar Games Room
This subterranean room has a small billiard/snooker table, a football table, a large TV and comfortable leather armchairs and a sofa. It is normally accessible from inside the castle by a flight of stairs with a handrail on one side only. However it can be entered from outside at the Tennis Court terrace level by a shallow ramp and only two steps. We can direct and assist you.
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 door and stairway and is therefore is not easily accessible by wheelchair. However there are wide steps at the shallow end of the pool making it easy to get in and out once you have got there.
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 - 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.
We will give you a map of the gardens on arrival or can send you a copy. We will show you which paths are suitable for your use depending on your mobility and determination. Please remember that we are there to help you get around as we want you to enjoy Pentillie as much as we do.
East Garden (towards the River)
This path is quite steep and the path surface is not very even. There are a number of steps in several different flights and these do not have handrails. Sadly this lovely route is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.
American Gardens
The paths and steps in these gardens make disabled access difficult but possible. 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 at the moment because the walls and buildings are dilapidated and the garden itself is overgrown. It is not suitable for anyone with limited mobility as it is set on the side of a steep hill. There are plans to restore the garden so we will attempt to improve access during this process.
Mausoleum
The Mausoleum is a fair uphill walk from the Castle but wheelchair users can get there. However we recommend that everybody not in the first flush of youth is accompanied for this walk. There is an estate four wheel drive vehicle available if you would prefer to make this journey in style!
The Lime Avenue, and Best Walk are both suitable for those with limited mobility. Both are spectacular, offering different elements of the garden.
The Lime Avenue does rise to a hill, but the Best Walk remains flat all the way to the orchards which are spectacular at most times of year, most notably, the spring.
SERVICE DOGS
We normally do not allow dogs inside the castle as one dog marking his territory often leads to another doing the same. However, we will happily welcome service dogs. They can be accommodated throughout the downstairs of the Castle (floorboards), including the Warren bedroom, and in the heated Boot Room. Limiting the access of dogs does mean that the castle and upstairs bedrooms remain allergy free.