West Dean College of Arts and Conservation is mainly located within West Dean House, a grade II listed structure. We will do all we can within existing guidelines to ensure the House, outlying buildings and gardens are accessible as reasonably possible for you and we offer the following list of facilities for our disabled guests:
Parking
Disabled parking is available in front of the main house, adjacent to the main entrance and dedicated spaces in the car parks.
Accommodation
First floor, accessible via passenger lift (1470mm x 1090mm, door entrance 790mm).
Transport
A passenger buggy is available in the grounds - please enquire at reception or when you make your booking.
House - ground floor (avoiding marble Hall by Workshop Entrance)
Accessible via level entrance.
House - first floor
Accessible via passenger lift (1470mm x 1090mm, door entrance 790mm).
Lavatories / WCs
Disabled WC ground floor in main house.
Disabled WC located in Gardens external toilets (outside of the Clock Tower Courtyard).
Gardens and grounds
Partly accessible, some slopes, steps, gravel paths and some tarmac paths.
General
West Dean House is built on low lying ground and access around the outside of the house is on the level with one small stone step of approximately 10cm leading into the main entrance. The House has several staircases, and access to the main part of the House, including the main dining facilities, is via five stone steps, then a stone ramp of a moderate incline. The Edward James Studios have ground floor entrances and stairs in the Textile Studio only. Some of the surfaces are flagstone or cobbled and this can make mobility difficult. About 1/2 of the House interior is accessible to wheelchairs and mobility scooters, subject to some limits - please see above.