free entry to castles, etc

NOSONDDU

If you have a blue car badge, are disabled you get free entry (as does your carer) into Cadw sites. If staff say it's concession rates tell them to double check.

greenface

thanks do you have info on this ?

Also just a quickki most castle towns have parking issues (didnt expect so many tourists in cars when they built the castles ) would you be able to park your car using your blue badge and then put a note on your windscreen saying blue badge gone with holder to gain access into fort. As a wheelchair user in my famly we have often missed castle tours basically because of access involved (didnt have many wheelchair users invading castles back then) Caernarfon and Harlech are my favorites Beaumaris too.

luxor4t

Brilliant information, thanks OP! :T

I have just checked the CADW website:
http://www.cadw.wales.gov.uk/default.asp

If you select the site you want to visit, then click on the 'visitors with disabilities' link in the left side menu, it will confirm the facilities at the site and the free parking. Eg this is Tintern Abbey:

A plan of the abbey is given to visitors which includes a recommended route for wheelchair users. A Braille plan with an audio tour is available, by arrangement with the custodian. The grounds at this site are laid to grass with some firm, level paths. The entrance to the shop/pay desk is level. There are information panels and an exhibition. Benches are provided.

The abbey car park has two wheelchair symbol spaces.

There is a dedicated male/female toilet for disabled visitors.

Disabled visitors and their assisting companion will be admitted free of charge to all monuments. Please note that, for health reasons, dogs are not allowed on Cadw sites, but guide dogs and hearing dogs for the deaf are welcome.

NOSONDDU

greenface wrote: »

thanks do you have info on this ?

As a wheelchair user in my family we have often missed castle tours basically because of access involved (didnt have many wheelchair users invading castles back then) Caernarfon and Harlech are my favorites Beaumaris too.

I miss out on going around castles as well but enjoy sitting inside the walls looking at them. If you are in a wheelchair you are obviously disabled and they wouldn't want to see your badge. It was explained at Conwy that one blue badge was in the car (parking) and they took our word for it as the person concerned wasn't obviously disabled (Cadw personnel don't have xray vision - fair play!). Worth photocopying the badge in case though!