A tough question - garden visit

Fire

Here is a scenario.... it might be a tall order

• I am looking for a national garden/venue to visit next spring with a notable collection/design
• somewhere proactively inviting visitors with disabilities - perhaps especially designed
• with accommodation for disabled access either on site or close by - again, ideally especially designed and inviting, rather than tacked on as an after-thought
• ideally it would be a peaceful place, rather than crammed with visitors and crowds
  
• wouldn't have to be in the UK
• a place to explore for a long weekend
• don't consider cost or required memberships for the moment
  
• the visitor I have in mind has acute mental and physical disabilities coming from extreme trauma. I would welcome any links, resources or ideas for a safe, green, botanic place that such a person could feel peaceful and support
  

Many thanks

raisingirl

It's very difficult to answer, not having any experience of the sort of disability you describe - I don't go to places with that in mind. But answering the parts I can, Westonbirt arboretum is lovely and peaceful (except in autumn, when it's rammed), very big, so you can go several times and never cross your own path and there are some lovely places to stay in the vicinity.

Whether the access would be suitable, you'd need to research - I'm lucky enough not to know.

Loxley

Alnwick has good inclusive access, as it was laid out relatively recently. It's definitely a notable contemporary garden. I don't think there's accommodation on site but I bet the staff would be able to recommend somewhere. Lots of fabulous beaches and coastal villages nearby. https://www.euansguide.com/venues/the-alnwick-garden-alnwick-2823/reviews/the-alnwick-gardens-2329

steephill

Have a look at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, big site and not as busy as it deserves to be. Accomodation is possibly the trickiest part, I don't know of any site that offers such facilities. Everywhere now has to have disabled access so that isn't or shouldn't be an issue.

AnniD

I haven't had a chance to read this in full, but it may be of some use? 
https://disabilityhorizons.com/2019/03/5-accessible-parks-and-gardens-across-the-uk-for-anyone-with-a-disability/

Lizzie27

I would think Wisley might be suitable on an off peak day/time perhaps. Afraid I don't know anywhere with suitable accommodation on site.  Westonbirt is lovely and the access is wheelchair friendly but can get muddy in places. I'm not sure it woud your attention for a weekend though. There is a hotel nearby which might have suitable rooms.

Fire

Thank you all, for the ideas.

pansyface

The Findhorn Community has disabled access and, I think, accommodation. They offer a week in May next year studying and visiting Cluny gardens.

https://www.findhorn.org/programmes/in-tune-with-nature/

Fire

@pansyface - That's a lovely idea. It could suit them well.