Accessibility Guide

Accessibility & Inclusivity at Griffon Forest and Sandburn Estate.

We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable when staying at Griffon Forest and visiting Sandburn Hall. This guide provides useful information about accessibility at our lodges, facilities and some of the attractions and places to eat nearby.

If you have any questions or specific requirements, please contact us before booking. We are happy to discuss your needs and help you choose the most suitable options.

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Before You Book

Our Accessibility Champion Helen Gant is happy to discuss any accessibility needs or requirements at any point during your booking process or before arrival and you can contact her on helen@griffonforest.co.uk.

If you have specific requirements, we recommend getting in touch so we can help you choose the most suitable lodge and make any necessary arrangements.

Arriving at Griffon Forest

Reception & Shop

Parking is located directly next to Reception.

Wheelchair access is available into the building.

Reception and the Shop are on the ground floor.

Accessible toilet and baby-changing facilities are available.

A hearing loop is available on request.

Access to the lodge park is through a barrier. Your access code will be provided when you check in.

A member of our team can visit your lodge during normal check-in times to explain the accommodation and answer any questions.

Check-in: Monday & Friday 4pm-6pm | Saturday 3pm-5pm

Changing Places

We don’t have a Changing Places toilet at Griffon Forest. The nearest facility is at York Leisure Centre, Monks Cross, with further facilities available at York Railway Station, Silver Street and Union Terrace.

York Leisure Centre, Kathryn Avenue, Monks Cross Drive, Huntington, York, YO32 9AF.

York Leisure Centre – accessibility information

Accessible Lodges

All our lodges offer:

• Dedicated parking directly outside the lodge for at least two vehicles
• Ramp access to the front door
• Single-level accommodation
• Open-plan layouts
• Wide doorways
• Selected lodges with enclosed or gated decking
• Some lodges have a threshold, which may be difficult to overcome with an electric chair or wheelchair

Lodges with Additional Accessibility Features

Falconers Lodge – Our most spacious lodge, featuring an open-plan layout and a wet-room style shower and bathroom.

Gardeners Premier Lodge – A spacious lodge with two double en-suite bedrooms, each with a large, level-access shower.

Foragers & Hunters Lodges – Spacious open-plan lodges with bi-fold doors opening onto large timber decks.

Beekeepers & Keepers Lodges – Multi-bedroom lodges offering spacious, single-level family accommodation.

Hoists

None of our lodges have a fixed ceiling-track hoist. A limited number have access suitable for a portable hoist. If you require a hoist, please speak to Helen before booking so we can discuss your requirements and identify the most suitable lodge.

Assistance Dogs

Dogs are welcome at Griffon Forest and throughout the Sandburn Hall Estate.

Registered Assistance Dogs can be accommodated in ‘Dog Friendly’ Lodges.  The relevant occupancy must not be exceeded, and the usual fee will be waived.

Please let us know when booking if you’re bringing an assistance dog and review the dog policy.

Sandburn Hall

Sandburn Hall is approximately 10-15 minutes’ walk from Griffon Forest via a lit, wheelchair-accessible stone pathway.

Accessible parking is available close to the entrances for Tykes Restaurant, Golf and the Hotel.

Tykes Restaurant

Tykes is a ground-floor restaurant with level access and a ramp to the raised dining area. An accessible toilet is available nearby.

We can cater for a range of dietary requirements. Please tell your server about any allergies or intolerances.

01904 469911 | tykes@sandburnhall.co.uk

Golf & Sports Bar

The Golf Shop and Sports Bar are both on the ground floor with no steps. The Sports Bar offers a relaxed and informal place to eat and drink.

Golf Team: 01904 469929 | golf@sandburnhall.co.uk

Events

Grand Hall: First floor with passenger lift access

Sanderson Room: First floor; lift access available via the Grand Hall by prior arrangement

The Settle: Ground floor with full access

Accessible parking available in front of the hotel

Events Team: 01904 469922 | events@sandburnhall.co.uk

Food Allergies & Intolerances

Griffon Forest –  Please be aware that peanuts are sold in paper bags in the Reception Shop.

Sandburn Hall – Please tell a member of staff about any allergies or intolerances before your visit where possible, or on arrival.
We follow best-practice procedures, but as we operate a working kitchen, we cannot guarantee that food will be completely free from nuts or other allergens.

Mobility Equipment

Specialist mobility and accessibility equipment can be hired locally for use in your lodge by prior arrangement. Please contact Helen before booking if you require specialist equipment.

Ebor Mobility

Wheelchair, mobility scooter and accessibility equipment hire.
100 Moor End, Holme-on-Spalding Moor, York, YO43 4BB
01430 861918 / 07538 095431 | sales@ebormobiity.co.uk

Shopmobility York

Wheelchair and mobility scooter hire in York city centre.
Level 2, Coppergate Car Park, York, YO1 9NX
01904 679222 | enquiries@shopmobility.org.uk

Accessible Places to Eat & Drink

There are plenty of accessible places to eat and drink in York, from cafes and family-friendly restaurants to fine dining.

Accessibility can vary between different areas within a venue. We recommend contacting restaurants directly if you have specific requirements.

Accessible Things to Do & See

York and the surrounding area offer a wide choice of accessible attractions and family-friendly days out. Here are some popular options:

• York Minster – Explore the magnificent medieval cathedral, with wheelchair access and accessible facilities. Accessibility information
• York Castle Museum & Clifford’s Tower – The museum offers full wheelchair access and accessible facilities. Clifford’s Tower itself is not wheelchair accessible. Accessibility information
• National Railway Museum – A great family day out with wheelchair access, accessible facilities and Hidden Disabilities Sunflower support. Accessibility information
• York Art Gallery & Museum Gardens – Both offer accessible options, with wheelchair access and accessible facilities. Accessibility information
• JORVIK Viking Centre – An immersive Viking experience with wheelchair access, lift, accessible toilets and hearing loops. Advance booking is required for wheelchair users. Accessibility information
• Castle Howard – Enjoy the House and grounds, with accessible facilities and a wheelchair-friendly land train. Essential carers receive free admission. Accessibility information
• Flamingo Land – Theme park and zoo with accessible facilities, carer admission and wheelchair hire available by advance booking. Accessibility information
• North Yorkshire Moors Railway – Take a scenic journey through the Moors with accessible carriages, ramps and accessible toilets at selected stations. Accessibility information

Accessible Family Days Out

For more ideas and information about accessible family activities in York: York Mumbler – Accessible Things to Do

We recommend checking each attraction’s website before visiting, as accessibility facilities and arrangements can change.

We’re Here to Help

If you have any questions about accessibility, need more information about a particular lodge or have a requirement that isn’t covered here, please get in touch with Helen Gant, our Accessibility Champion.

We’re happy to talk through your requirements and help you plan a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Please note: Information about external attractions, restaurants and facilities is provided as a helpful guide. We recommend checking directly with each venue before visiting, as facilities and arrangements can change.