Dedicated disabled parking bays are available near the main entrance, which features low reception counters. All facilities, including entrance gates, restaurants, shops, and venues, are wheelchair friendly with automated doors and an open-plan, single-level layout. Wheelchair-accessible toilets are equipped with sensor-triggered features and an alarm system. Pathways around the estate are accessible. While the vineyard tours may require buggies due to terrain, all main areas are fully accessible. Specific dietary requirements need 48 hours' notice, and booking tours is advisable.
Best Vineyards for Accessibility in West Sussex
Downland slopes aside, many West Sussex vineyards have invested in level access and adapted facilities. A quick call ahead helps tailor parking, seating and route choices. The aim is simple: keep attention on the wine, not the logistics.
Downland slopes aside, many West Sussex vineyards have invested in level access and adapted facilities. A quick call ahead helps tailor parking, seating and route choices. The aim is simple: keep attention on the wine, not the logistics.
Featured vineyards
The winery, restaurant, shop, and tours are fully wheelchair accessible, including lifts where needed. An accessible drop-off point is available at the shop door for guests with limited mobility, providing flat access to the restaurant and shop, as the main car park is on a slope. Visitors are advised to contact the estate before booking vineyard tours to ensure all specific access requirements can be met.
Ashling Park Estate provides good accessibility with dedicated accessible parking less than 50 metres from the main entrance, offering level access to reception, the cellar door shop, gardens, and ground floor facilities. The tasting room, spread over two floors, is fully accessible via a lift. Accessible toilet facilities are available on both ground and first floors, featuring grab handles and an emergency cord system. While the vineyard tour itself is uneven underfoot and may be challenging for wheelchair users, an electric buggy and rest stations can be arranged beforehand. One of their lodges, Veraison, is fully accessible. Visitors are encouraged to contact `tours@ashlingpark.co.uk` or speak to reception upon arrival for any specific needs.
The Tasting Room and its facilities, including accessible toilets and parking, are wheelchair accessible. The path from the car park to the Tasting Room has a slight incline over gravel, which may require assistance for wheelchair users, though there are no steps. Vineyard tours include sections over rough track and have stepped access to the tasting area, meaning these parts are not fully accessible. Guests should ring ahead at the time of booking to arrange any special assistance.
Bolney Wine Estate offers accessible parking, accessible bathrooms on both the ground and first floors, and lift access to the shop, restaurant, and tour areas. While the main facilities are wheelchair accessible, vineyard tours involve varied and uneven terrain, though there are no steps to enter or exit buildings. Service dogs are welcome in the café, but not the restaurant. Visitors are encouraged to highlight any specific access requirements in advance to ensure appropriate support.
