Get up to Windsor Castle If You are Disabled
Takeaways
| Key Points |
|---|
| Windsor Castle is situated atop a steep hill, which can pose challenges for visitors with mobility issues. |
| There is an uphill walk from the High Street to the Admission Centre, followed by another incline within the Castle grounds. |
| Inside the Castle, several sets of steps lead to areas like the State Apartments; however, alternative step-free routes are available, including platform lifts operated by Castle staff. |
| Manual wheelchairs and rollators can be borrowed free of charge during your visit, and motorised wheelchairs or mobility scooters are permitted, provided they are compatible with the lifts. |
| Accessible toilets are located near the Security Hall, on the North Terrace, and off the Inner Hall; some require a RADAR key, which staff can provide if needed. |
| Please note, there is no parking available at the Castle itself; the nearest disabled parking bays are on the High Street outside the Harte & Garter hotel and Nando’s, with the Admission Centre a short uphill walk away. |
Introduction
Visiting Windsor Castle, a historic royal residence, is a remarkable experience. For visitors with disabilities, careful planning can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit. This guide provides detailed information on navigating the Castle’s terrain, available facilities, and services to assist those with mobility challenges.
Understanding the Terrain
Windsor Castle is situated atop a steep hill, which can present challenges for individuals with mobility impairments. The approach from the High Street to the Admission Centre involves an uphill walk. Once inside the Castle grounds, a further incline leads up to the main areas of interest. It’s important to note that while the access road to the Admission Centre is pedestrianised, occasional vehicle traffic may occur, so caution is advised.
Navigating the Admission Centre
Upon arrival at the Admission Centre, visitors will find that the path continues uphill towards the State Apartments. Along this route, seating is limited, so those who may require rest are encouraged to plan accordingly. The Castle staff are available to provide assistance as needed.
Accessing the State Apartments
The entrance to the State Apartments presents several sets of steps:
- Initial Entrance Steps: Nine stone steps lead up to the entrance door.
- Inner Hall Steps: After the initial entrance, eleven further steps are inside. After the first seven steps, there is a landing area.
For those requiring step-free access, alternative routes are available:
- North Terrace Platform Lift: A platform lift on the North Terrace provides access to the Inner Hall. This lift measures 232cm in width and 145cm in length and is operated by Castle staff, with a Warden positioned at both the top and bottom.
- Inner Hall Platform Lift: Six steps are down to the State Entrance within the Inner Hall. A second platform lift, measuring 95cm by 139cm with a weight limit of 500kg, offers step-free access at this point.
- Grand Staircase Lift: To reach the State Apartments, visitors typically ascend the Grand Staircase, which comprises 28 steps. However, step-free access is available via a lift located next to the Cloakroom in the Inner Hall. This lift measures 137cm by 100cm and has a weight limit of 630kg.
Visiting St George’s Chapel
St George’s Chapel, a highlight of the Castle, has its own accessibility considerations:
- Entrance Steps: The main entrance features three stone steps.
- Alternative Entrance: An entrance without steps is available; visitors can ring the bell at the main Chapel entrance to request access.
- Interior Navigation: Inside the Chapel, there are six sets of steps, ranging from one to three steps each, all equipped with access ramps. A one-way route is in operation to facilitate movement.
Wheelchair and Mobility Scooter Provision
Windsor Castle offers several services to assist visitors with mobility aids:
- Manual Wheelchairs and Rollators: Available to borrow free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis for the duration of the visit.
- Motorised Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters: Permitted within the Castle precincts and inside the Castle, provided they are compatible with the lifts. Visitors should be aware of airport-style security arches, tight corners, and narrow spaces that may need to be navigated during the visit. The main lift to access the State Apartments measures 137cm deep and 100cm wide, with a weight limit of 630kg.
Flooring and Surface Considerations
The Castle features a variety of flooring types:
- Interior Floors: Most rooms are carpeted with thick pile carpet or have polished wooden floors.
- St George’s Chapel: Features stone floors.
- Exterior Areas: Some outside areas have cobbled and uneven surfaces. Certain floors may be uneven as a historic building, so visitors are advised to take care.
Seating and Rest Areas
Limited seating is available in the State Apartments upon request, and seating is provided in the Nave of St George’s Chapel. Visitors are welcome to use walking sticks or folding stools with seat attachments, provided they have rubber stoppers.
Assistance Animals
Assistance animals are welcome throughout Windsor Castle. It is recommended that, if possible, animals wear a jacket or lead slip to identify them as working. Staff reserve the right to ask visitors to remove their animal if it is deemed not to be behaving appropriately. Arrangements will then be made for the visitor to return without their animal.
Accessible Toilets
Windsor Castle provides several accessible toilet facilities to accommodate visitors with disabilities:
- Post-Security Hall: An accessible toilet is available immediately after the security search area.
- North Terrace: Another accessible toilet is located along the North Terrace. This facility requires a RADAR key for access; if you do not have your own key, please ask a Warden for assistance.
- Inner Hall: An accessible toilet is situated off the Inner Hall, near the Undercroft Café.
- Changing Places Facility: A Changing Places toilet is available in Engine Court. This facility also requires a RADAR key; if needed, please request assistance from the Warden in the Courtyard.
Please note that the sink in the Changing Places facility is currently fixed in position while awaiting repairs and is not adjustable.
Parking and Transportation
While no parking is available within Windsor Castle itself, the nearest disabled parking bays are located on the High Street, outside the Harte & Garter Hotel and Nando’s restaurant. An additional disabled parking space is available on Park Street. The Castle Admission Centre is a short, uphill walk from these locations. Please refer to the Royal Collection Trust’s mobility access guide for more detailed information on parking and transportation options.
Undercroft Café
The Undercroft Café offers refreshments during your visit. Platform lifts are available to provide access to the café area, ensuring that all visitors can enjoy this facility.
Additional Support and Information
Windsor Castle is committed to providing an inclusive experience for all visitors. If you have specific accessibility requirements or need further assistance during your visit, please do not hesitate to contact the Castle staff. They are trained to offer support and can provide information tailored to your needs. For more comprehensive details on accessibility, including services for visitors with sensory impairments and other disabilities, please visit the Royal Collection Trust’s accessibility page.
By utilising these facilities and services, visitors with disabilities can have a more comfortable and enjoyable experience when exploring the historic Windsor Castle.
