
Visited 9 April 2024
Alford Manor House, build in 1611, is a grade II listed, thatched building. Considering the age of the building great effort has been made to make the house as accessible as possible.
Parking – there are two designated spaces for people with disabilities, both of them close by the house. The carpark had various surfaces, mainly undulating compressed gravel, however it can be negotiated by wheelchairs and people with some walking impairments.
Doorways – the main door can be opened wide. Doorways and thresholds inside the house can be challenging. To enter some rooms there are level changes, usually by just one step.
Ease of movement – considering the age of the house, access was good. Most spaces have room to manoeuvre a wheelchair. Floors are slightly uneven and sloping, but negotiable. Downstairs has good access apart from one room. There is access to the first floor using an elevator. On this floor some rooms are different levels. There is also a room between the ground and first floor which can only be accessed by stairs.
Lighting – the lighting indoors was gentle and subdued.
Sound – there was no background music, only a few people talking.
Colours – no bright colours, mostly shades of brown, cream and green.
Cafe – it had good access, but the chairs needed to be moved to move through the cafe seating area. The menu was good, it had hot and cold food and also offered vegan options. Also it was reasonably priced.
Exhibits – each room had information boards which were easy to read. There was also the Alford Mill room with interactive displays.
Signage – minimal signage, no floor signs.
Toilets - there are two disabled toilets, one on the 1st floor and one on the ground floor in a separate building, passing through a marquee.
Staff – staff were helpful and informative at the Manor House and the Museum of Rural Life.
Museum of Rural Life – The entrance was a concrete sloping ramp with a ridge over the threshold. Inside the barn the floor was even. And even though the place is very crowded with interesting exhibits, there is enough space to move around.








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