Sheldon Retreat Groups

Please give us ring us on 01647-252752 to discuss any special needs in connection with your booking. We are always happy to help. 

Mobility

The good points

• A step-free concrete path runs from the main car park to reception, around the Pound House, to the main chapel door, past the Pig Pens and Long Barn to a further concrete parking area behind the Long Barn.
• The downstairs of the Long Barn is fully accessible for wheelchairs, including a toilet.
• The Pound House is fully wheelchair accessible downstairs. The Dining Room and Cider Press are accessible from the main doors, but wheelchair users need to go outside and in through the end door to access the toilets, wet room shower and quiet room (because there are steps in the connecting corridor).
• The main chapel is upstairs, and has a stair lift to reach it. 
• Tamworth Pig Pen is a fully accessible ground floor unit of accommodation with wet room and easy access to the Pound House and Long Barn.
• The two other Pig Pens also offer step free accommodation but have smaller wet rooms.
• We do have one other accessible unit which can be added to group bookings on request.
• We have an ‘off-road’ self-propelled wheelchair available to borrow, which is much better on our woodland paths and gravel driveway than a standard wheelchair.
• We also have a shower chair available to borrow and use in any of the wet rooms on site.
• If you need any other specific equipment, we can put you in contact with a reliable local equipment hire company.

The challenges

• At some points the main path connecting the rear of the buildings is steeper than the official 1:12 gradient.
• The medieval chapel has uneven steps with a handrail but no ramp.

Hearing loops

• The upstairs chapel has a hearing loop with one microphone positioned above the altar and the other to the side near where service leaders normally sit.
• Both rooms in the Long Barn have hearing loops with the microphones positioned in the centre of the ceilings.
• The installed loop systems are permanently on – please tell us if they are not functioning correctly.
• We also have a portable loop with microphone and “necklace” receiver – this is available to borrow from reception.

Assistance Dogs

• Assistance dogs for guests with sight or hearing impairments are welcome by prior arrangement.

Accessible countryside

• There are some easily accessible places to enjoy the outdoors near to Sheldon. We have a wealth of maps and planned walks available at reception for inspiration too.