The National Trust has teamed up with The Stair Climbing Company to improve accessibility across 10 of its historic properties.
The initiative ensures that the architectural integrity of sites does not have to be compromised to ensure that visitors of all mobility levels can fully experience some of the UK’s historic buildings.
Traditional lifts and ramps often pose challenges as the structural modifications that are needed could cause irreversible damage to treasured sites.
The company’s innovative Stair Climber allows wheelchair users and those with limited mobility to navigate staircases safely and comfortably.
“Accessibility is a key priority for the National Trust, and we are delighted to be working with The Stair Climbing Company to make our historic properties more inclusive,” said Iain Stewart, Senior Collections & House Manager at Wimpole Estate in Cambridgeshire.
“The Stair Climber offers a practical way for visitors with mobility challenges to explore the estate without the need for permanent structural changes, preserving the site’s historic character while ensuring it remains open to as many people as possible.”
"The Stair Climber is used at Wimpole Estate almost once a day, and people really enjoy it. The number of people using it and those who have started to come back to use it again is something we all here feel very proud of. The more people who see the Stair Climbers, the greater the awareness, leading to increased visitors."
The National Trust has installed Stair Climbers at Belton Estate, Wimpole Estate, Basildon Park, Nuffield Place, Greys Court, Peckover House and Garden, Blickling Estate, Arlington Court, Ilam Park and Hardwick Hall.
For further information visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/who-we-are/about-us/access-for-everyone or https://thestairclimbingcompany.com/
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