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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.