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Ashridge Estate - Bridgewater Monument

Moneybury Hill, Ringshall, Near Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4 1LT

Access Guide

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Summary

  • View information about opening hours.
  • The most accessible entrance has steps.
  • This entrance is the only entrance and is at the front of the monument.
  • There are 2 floors once inside.
  • Other floors can be accessed via: stairs.
  • There is stepped access once inside.
  • There is restricted room to manoeuvre at this property.
  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
  • Staff/volunteers can describe the layout and access around the site.
  • This site is not part of the Sunflower Lanyard Scheme.
  • The nearest toilet with adaptations for disabled people is to the side of the visitor centre. View information about this toilet (new tab)
  • This monument has seasonal opening times which start in April and run to the end of September (weather permitting), during the hours of 11:00 - 16:00 Saturday and Sunday.

Equipment and Resources to Borrow

  • You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair and a running buggy. It is highly recommended that these are booked in advance, where this is possible. Please check the National Trust website for details.
  • You can borrow these from the visitor centre. View more information about booking and collection of equipment.
  • You can borrow or hire the following mobility vehicles: mobility scooters. It is highly recommended that these are booked in advance, where this is possible. Please check the National Trust website for details.
  • You can borrow these from the visitor centre. View more information about booking and collection of equipment.
  • There are 2 x two seater buggies and a 1 x four seater buggy for hire. Visitors can enquire at the visitor centre. They are stored in the buggy shed which is located opposite the Monument Café parking area. .

Route to (Bridgewater Monument from Visitor Centre)

  • Exit the visitor centre and proceed ahead towards the gate and turn right along the path and then turn left along the path towards Bridgewater Tower.
  • The route to the area is step-free via a slight ramp/slope.
  • Path surfaces along the route are muddy and bonded gravel.
  • The majority of the paths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
  • There is no accessible shuttle to this area.

Route to (Bridgewater Monument from Buggy Shed)

  • During spring and summer months when mobility scooters and golf buggies are available, exit the buggy shed and proceed up the road (which has a slight slope) turn left and cross the grassed area towards Bridgewater Tower.
  • The route to the area is step-free via a slight ramp/slope.
  • Path surfaces along the route are compact earth and tarmac.
  • The majority of the paths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
  • There is no accessible shuttle to this area.

Entrance

  • The entrance surveyed is located at the front of the tower.
  • There is stepped access at the entrance.
  • There are 2 steps, which are unmarked, with no handrails.
  • All of the steps are not at the recommended height (between 15cm - 18cm).
  • There is a single manual gate which opens away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 90cm.

Stairs

  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are the top viewing area.
  • There are more than 20 steps between floors.
  • The steps are not clearly marked with a handrail on the left going up.
  • The highest step is 16cm high.
  • This is a spiral staircase and will be narrower in some areas.
  • Lighting levels are low.

Tour

  • The tour is self-guided but volunteers/staff are available to provide additional information.
  • The tour takes approximately 30 minutes.
  • There is stepped access along the tour route.
  • The majority of walkway widths are under 120cm.
  • The tour can not be adapted to avoid inaccessible areas.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise along the tour route.
  • The tour does not have a hearing assistance system.
  • There are no seats at regular intervals along the tour.
  • Some flooring along the tour route is smooth and even.
  • Lighting levels are low throughout the tour route.
  • To view the inside of the tower there are 172 unmarked steps to the top and once ascended there is a viewing bay.
    During opening days a member of the National Trust team is on-site.
    30 people are allowed at any one time.