Disabled parking options near Windsor Castle are available in various locations, ensuring accessibility for visitors with mobility needs. From designated bays to off-street parking, this guide covers the key details to help you plan your visit to this iconic British landmark.
Nearest Disabled Parking Bays
When visiting Windsor Castle, the closest disabled parking bays can be found in the following locations:
- Thames Street: Just below the castle walls, these bays offer convenient access to the main entrance.
- High Street: Outside the Harte & Garter hotel and Nandos, these bays are a short walk from the castle.
- Park Street: Additional disabled parking is available on this street, providing another option for visitors.
Parking Restrictions and Options
Navigating the parking rules and regulations is crucial for a stress-free visit. Here’s what you need to know:
- Blue Badge Holders: Blue Badge holders can park in shared-use bays (resident and pay-and-display), on-street pay-and-display areas, and limited waiting areas, adhering to the maximum time displayed on signage. The maximum stay in any on-street disabled parking bay is three hours.
- Restricted Areas: Blue Badge holders are not permitted to park in resident-only bays, taxi bays, bus stops, loading bays/zones, and clearways.
- Off-Street Parking: Council-run car parks offer free parking for Blue Badge holders, but you must adhere to the maximum stated time for each car park.
Accessibility at Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is designed to be fully accessible, catering to the needs of visitors with mobility challenges:
- Mobility Equipment: Manual wheelchairs and rollators are available to borrow free of charge. Motorized wheelchairs and mobility scooters are also permitted inside the castle, provided they are compatible with the lifts.
- Lift Access: The main lift to access the State Apartments measures 137cm deep and 100cm wide, with a weight limit of 630kg.
- Assistance Animals: Assistance animals are welcome at Windsor Castle, and staff reserve the right to ask visitors to remove their animal if it is deemed not to be behaving appropriately.
Additional Services
For visitors who require additional mobility support, there are several services available:
- Windsor Shopmobility: This service offers scooter hire, enabling visitors with mobility issues to explore the area comfortably. The office is located in Alexandra Gardens car park, next to Windsor Coach Park, and is open Monday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm.
By understanding these details, visitors with disabilities can plan their trip to Windsor Castle more effectively, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.