Wheelchair Accessible gardens in Dorchester
Sculpture by the Lakes and Athelhampton House and gardens are two beautiful wheelchair accessible gardens in Dorchester, I would definitely recommend.
Sculpture by the Lakes
Pallington Lakes, Dorchester is home to the botanical gardens- Sculpture by the Lakes. It is several lakes surrounded by hundreds of sculptures.
The Makers Yard
As you arrive they have accessible parking in a courtyard area, known as ‘The Makers Yard’. It is gravel but fairly compact and I managed in my powerchair. There is a cafe, known as the ‘Kitchen’ which does nice lunches, cakes and afternoon tea. There is also a gift shop with many handmade products and a pantry where you buy a drink or ice cream.
The gallery which houses a variety of sculptures and paintings for sale has a step, but they have a portable ramp they can put down, so you are still able to access it. There is an accessible toilet.
The Lakes
The Lakes are just off the Makers Yard. There are several routes which you can take around the lakes. Identifying sculptures on the side of the lake and in the lake, from your map on the way.
Some areas are quite shady with trees and other areas have a lot of sun. There are a variety of places to sit with a picnic with the odd table around the lake, or secluded bench by the river.
There is a swing bed which we really enjoyed! I had to entice my Mum off! It was a bit of a risk but we managed to get me on it- by putting my powerchair up to the swing, then Mum holding the swing still while I slide across with Dad. I kind of ended up hanging off, as we couldn’t get me on anymore. It was an extremely hot day and looking up seeing the tall trees protecting me from the direct sunlight, I felt I could just drift off to sleep! I was not sure if we would get me off again or I would be there for the night! Luckily, we did get me off.
It is a lovely place, very tranquil and relaxing, one I would recommend.
It took us around 3.5 hours to walk around the outskirts of the lakes with stopping for a picnic and some time on the swing. However, we didn’t walk around all areas, so you could easily spend longer if you wanted to.
Additional Information
You can get 10% off by booking online in advance. You can get free entrance for a carer, when accompanying a disabled person to Sculpture by the Lakes, you just need to bring a document such as access card with +1 symbol or PIP award letter with you. If you are booking online, book for the rest of the party and then produce the document for the carers ticket on arrival. It is worth noting under 14s are not allowed in.
Athelhampton House and Gardens
Athelhampton House and Gardens is a historic Tudor manor in Athelhampton, Dorchester. There is accessible parking near the entrance, a lovely gift shop, cafe and an accessible toilet.
The Sunday Lunch
We went to the Sunday lunch at Athelhampton. It was a carvery held in the traditional long dining room. The food was delicious, and we look forward to returning. All the food is produced on site using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
The House
Although I didn’t go in the main house it is accessible on the ground floor.
The Gardens
There are stunning views of the outside of the house, ponds, fountain, the lawn, you can walk along the river side and in the little gardens. The sculptured Athelhampton signature tree garden is quite impressive.
Most of the gardens are accessible. The steps are clearly identified on the map. The area which there are steps to access can generally be reached by going the other way around, which the staff clearly advised on. The one small garden area that is inaccessible can be seen from other garden areas.
I felt I got the benefit of seeing all the gardens and would definitely recommend it to others wheelchair users.
Some of the plants you see in the gardens are available to purchase which have been grown on the estate. We bought a purple Delphinium (black night).
Additional Information
You can get 10% off by booking online in advance. You can get free entrance for a carer to Athelhampton house and garden, when accompanying a disabled person, you just need to bring a document such as access card with +1 symbol or PIP award letter with you. If you are booking online, book for the rest of the party and then produce the document proving carer entitlement, to get the carers ticket on arrival.
Overall
They are two lovely wheelchair accessible gardens in Dorchester. Both very different but enjoyable for everyone, disabled or non-disabled. I look forward to visiting them again.
Maybe you know of some other wheelchair accessible gardens in Dorchester you would recommend?
Hannah x
You may like to read: 5 Wheelchair Accessible Things To Do In Weymouth, Dorset
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