Accessibility Guide
We strive to make Merley House as accessible and accommodating as possible, we have therefore put together a guide to highlight our accessibility arrangements. If you have any specific requirements or questions, please do get in touch and we will be more than happy to discuss these with you.
The main car park is situated approximately 150 yards from the house. Unfortunately, we do not have dedicated disabled parking spaces directly outside the house, however it is possible to bring a car/minibus round to the front entrance. (click for image). Please contact us in advance of an event to discuss any parking/drop off arrangements.
How to find us
By Car – Located on Merley House Lane, directly off Merley roundabout (A31 Wimborne bypass and A349 Poole Junction). Use BH21 3AA in your sat nav.
What 3 Words: rice. shadow. tests
Once you come off the Merley roundabout, follow the road up the hill and continue straight along over the speed bumps. The car park is on your left-hand side opposite the reception (which is separate to us) you will go through the red and white barrier and park on your left-hand side, then you will see the house in front of you. Please walk up the lane to the house and enter through the red doors. On arrival one of the MHE team members will be on hand to direct you.
Merley house can be accessed by either steps at the front and sides of the house or via ramp. Most of our rooms can be accessed step-free except the Old Nursery on the 1st floor which can only be accessed via the main staircase. Please see below for more details.
– There are 6 stone steps to the front entrance, due to the age of the house these are slightly offset however there are handrails either side. (Click for image)
– Facing the front of the house, to the left, there are 6 stone steps with a handrail leading to the side entrance. (Click for image)
– There is a step free access ramp at the back of the house that leads directly into The Old Library. (Click for image)
– Access to the 1st floor is via the main staircase. There are 36 carpeted steps with a handrail to one side. (Click for image)
Facilities
There is a wheelchair accessible toilet located on the ground floor near the bottom of the main staircase.
Assistance animals
Guide/service/emotional support dogs are welcome in the house. Water can be provided upon request. We are pleased to be an animal friendly venue, click here for more details.
Additional services
If you require any documents, (i.e., booking forms) in large print please let us know.
Ghost hunts
If you are attending a ghost hunt we highly recommend contacting the event organiser prior to the event to discuss any concerns regarding accessibility.
During these events there will be very low lighting throughout the house. Certain rooms will be in complete darkness using only torches to navigate. You may also have the opportunity to access non-public areas such as the basement that can only be accessed via stairs.
We have an accessibility toolbar that can be accessed by clicking the accessibility icon on the left-hand side of any page, With the toolbar open, you can change a number of different settings such as increasing the text size and changing contrast colours. If you have any issues accessing content on our website, please get in touch with us via email or call us on 01202 885024.