Explore Accessible Trails at Lanhydrock in Cornwall

If you’re looking for a beautiful place in Cornwall to explore with reliable accessibility, Lanhydrock is one of the best National Trust estates to visit. With its mix of historic gardens, parkland trails and accessible facilities, it offers a great day out for visitors of all mobility levels.

Getting There & Parking

Lanhydrock sits just outside Bodmin (postcode PL30 4AB) and is well-signposted from the A30 and A38.

There’s a large main car park with 29 accessible Blue Badge spaces on a smooth tarmac surface, located close to visitor reception. Accessible picnic benches are available nearby, and there’s an adapted shuttle buggy that runs between the car park, reception and gatehouse area.

Do note that the estate is hilly in parts, so some slopes are unavoidable, but the staff are helpful and happy to assist.

Mobility Support & Equipment Hire

Lanhydrock is part of the Countryside Mobility network and offers Tramper hire, a sturdy, all-terrain mobility scooter that lets you explore the wider estate paths. Book in advance through the Cycle Centre to guarantee availability.

Manual wheelchairs and smaller scooters are also available for use around the formal gardens and inside the house. There’s a companion ticket system too, meaning carers can visit free of charge when accompanying a disabled visitor.

Accessible Trails & Walks

Lanhydrock’s parkland and woodlands are full of lovely walking routes, and several are suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and Trampers. Here’s a quick guide:

Garden Explorer Trail

  • Distance: 0.5 miles (0.8 km)
  • Terrain: Smooth, mostly level gravel paths through the formal gardens
  • Access: Fully accessible, ideal for wheelchairs and mobility scooters

A short, scenic route perfect for soaking up the gardens without tackling any steep slopes.

Respryn Ramble

  • Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km)
  • Terrain: Flat riverside paths and light woodland
  • Access: Wheelchair-friendly along the river section; later parts have gentle inclines and firmer gravel

A peaceful loop alongside the River Fowey, great for wildlife spotting.

Great Wood & Beech Avenue Walk

  • Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km)
  • Terrain: Woodland paths and beech-lined avenues
  • Access: Manageable with a Tramper or all-terrain vehicle; some rougher patches

A longer route with rewarding views through the Great Wood and down the historic Beech Avenue.

Parkland Walk

  • Distance: 3.1 miles (5 km)
  • Terrain: Mix of pasture, tracks and open parkland
  • Access: Best for all-terrain scooters; includes a few steep sections

This circular trail gives you a real sense of the estate’s scale and countryside setting.

Deer Wall Walk

  • Distance: 4.3 miles (6.9 km)
  • Terrain: Woodland, riverbank and hill paths
  • Access: Challenging, not suitable for standard wheelchairs, but accessible with a Tramper

A longer, wilder walk through Lanhydrock’s deer park area.

Inside the House & Gardens

  • The ground floor of Lanhydrock House is fully accessible, with a ramped entrance and staff assistance available.
  • A lift provides access to the first floor.
  • Paths through the gardens are mainly gravel or paved, though a few steeper slopes exist on the upper terraces.
  • Lighting is kept low inside the house to protect collections, so it can be a little dim in places.

Visitor Facilities

  • Accessible Toilets: Located near the Park Café and behind the Stables Tea Room
  • Cafés:
    • Park Café (near the car park) – level access
    • Stables Café – step-free inside
    • Courtyard Restaurant – some space constraints, but assistance available
  • Dogs: Welcome on leads across most outdoor areas and trails (assistance dogs welcome everywhere)

Tips for Your Visit

  1. Book ahead if you need the Tramper or a mobility aid; they’re popular and limited in number.
  2. Check the weather: After heavy rain, some paths can be muddy.
  3. Start easy: Try the Garden Explorer or Respryn Ramble first.
  4. Allow extra time: The site is large, and some routes include gentle hills.
  5. Ask staff for help: The team is friendly and used to assisting with alternative routes or transport if needed.

Why Lanhydrock is Worth the Visit

With its combination of accessible gardens, woodland trails, rich history and excellent visitor support, Lanhydrock makes accessibility feel natural rather than an afterthought. Whether you’re rolling through the beech trees or admiring the Victorian house, it’s a wonderful place to experience Cornwall’s countryside without barriers.

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