Leicestershire and Rutland Historic and Architectural Properties and Gardens

Leicestershire and Rutland Castles, Abbeys, Churches, Houses, Estates and Gardens, Industrial Heritage attractions and museums (English Heritage / National Trust / others) many with brief details of disabled access.
Along with the attractions listed on this page you may also find places of interest on the Leicestershire and Rutland Attractions and Nature pages. We suggest that you also visit the pages for the neighbouring counties to see what else there is in the area.

We support ‘Accessible Countryside for Everyone’ in providing a brief guide as to the access / facilities for the sites listed

1620s House and Garden (formerly Donington le Heath Manor House) - Coalville - has undergone refurbishment in order to tell the story of its former owners and residents, restored period rooms, gardens laid out in early 17th century style, tea room, events, activities - Assisted wheelchair users are welcome, however there is restricted access to the upper floors of the House, accessible toilets, baby changing, hearing loop
www.doningtonleheath.org.uk

Ashby de la Zouch Castle (EH) - (ruin)- began as a manor house in the 12th century and reached castle status in the 15th century, audio tour, climb the tower, walk the underground passage between the tower and the kitchen, picnic area, shop - Accessible Toilets, Wheelchair access is limited to the grounds only, Induction loops are installed around the shop counter area
www.english-heritage.org.uk/.../ashby-de-la-zouch-castle/

Barnsdale Gardens - Exton, Oakham, Rutland - "The Barnsdale Garden was originally created by Geoff Hamilton for the BBC2 series Gardeners’ World...now has 39 individual gardens and features", tea room, gift shop and nursery - "The whole site is on a flat level area with 90% accessible by wheelchair users. There is no reduction in enjoyment for visitors with impaired hearing...The accessible toilet is situated 9 metres (10 yards) from the entrances to the gardens/tea room, gift shop and nursery"
www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk

Belvoir Castle - Grantham - ancestral home of the Dukes of Rutland currently by the current 11th Duke of Rutland. The first castle which was begun in 1067, by 1464 the Wars of the Roses had taken their toll on the building and it was more or less in ruins. Some 60 years later it rose again, but as a nobler structure with a central courtyard, parts of which can still be recognised today, But in 1649 that too was destroyed, by Parliamentarians after Royalists had seized it during the Civil War. Its third incarnation, began in 1654 was designed as a large family home with no connotations of defence or war. The castle you see today finally emerged in the early 1800s and was built for the 5th Duke and Duchess of Rutland between 1801 and 1832 by architect James Wyatt. Guided tours, historic collections, fine art, formal gardens, "Capability Brown" planned landscape in development, country pursuits, cafe - - There are WCs for disabled visitors in the castle and ticket office car park, wheelchair access to ground floor of castle only
www.belvoircastle.com

Guildhall - Leicester - one of the finest medieval timber framed halls in England, dating back 600 years, visit the Medieval Leicester galleries and the old cells - Limited wheelchair access, accessible toilet, induction loop
www.leicester.gov.uk/.../guildhall/

Rockingham Castle - Rockingham, Market Harborough - A royal castle, William the Conqueror ordered a motte and bailey Castle to be built about 1070, In 1544 Henry VIII granted Rockingham Castle to Edward Watson who turned the Castle into a family home and it remains in the Watson family. Tour the Castle, 18 acres of gardens with the 400 year old “Elephant Hedge”, formal 17th century terraced gardens, rose garden, wild garden, tea rooms - Wheelchair access to the castle is via the ramp to the Gift Shop, there is a ramp providing access to the Restaurant in Walkers House. The Castle Courtyard is gravelled as are the paths in the formal garden. An audio tour is available, full disabled WC situated adjacent to the Ticket Office
www.rockinghamcastle.com