Works undertaken to make historic stable yard more accessible at Belton House near Grantham

A team has been working hard to improve access in a historic stable yard at a landmark near Grantham.

Staff at Belton House have been working to improve access within the historic stable yard, as part of the National Trust’s ambition to welcome everyone to the site.

The original granite setts (paving blocks) have been specially crafted and re-laid to improve access for visitors with buggies and wheelchairs.

The pieces have been carefully cut to create smooth and level pathways to key visitor areas, including the indoor play café, stables café, and the gift shop, whilst maintaining their previous historic shape and character.

Ian Cooper, general manager at Belton House, said: “We know that some visitors found the uneven surface of the historic cobbles and granite setts hard to navigate, so we are delighted to be able to improve access for everyone, whilst keeping the stable yard’s historic character and charm.

“We’ve already received a lot of positive comments from visitors about the improvements, and we’re really pleased to see this project bring us one step closer in our ambition to become more accessible.”

Belton House has also recently launched three sensory bags, available to loan for the day from visitor reception.

These contain ear defenders, a fidget spinner, sunglasses, and other sensory items that aim to make Belton a more comfortable environment.

A new braille guide can be requested in the mansion, and updated maps can be found for the site which aim to highlight accessible routes and information on hiring mobility scooters.

Belton’s car park improvements will include new accessible parking bays and a redevelopment of the existing visitor reception building into a new Welcome and Access Hub.

There will also be a new accessible toilet facility.