Access and facilities

Charleston in Firle

Visitor safety and general information

The landscape and grounds of Charleston are maintained to reflect its history.
Charleston is a rural site and the grounds are uneven and can be slippery when wet.
In the garden, there are areas of deep open water without barriers.
A lifebuoy is situated by the main pond for emergency use.
Due to open water, there can be risk of waterborne infections.
We ask visitors to take appropriate care during their time at Charleston with particular awareness to keep children and vulnerable people safe from these risks.
There is always a trained first aider on duty.
First Aid kits are available for trained staff to use.
A defibrillator is available for trained staff to use.
Accessible toilets are located opposite the house and by the galleries.
Gender neutral toilets are located by the galleries.

We welcome children to come and discover and enjoy Charleston. We offer free entry to the house and galleries for under 18s.
There are two free house and garden trails for children to enjoy.
Due to the size of the house, pushchairs are not permitted in the house.

There are two accessible parking spaces available at Charleston for blue badge holders.
To reach the bays, follow the signs to the accessible car park from the main car park.
The accessible car park is located closer to the main site and can be used by anyone requiring closer access.

The café, workshop Pottery, shop, galleries and toilets are fully accessible with some ramped entrances.
Charleston is a rural site and as such some areas around the grounds are uneven. There are gravel paths around the site.

Charleston is an historic farm house set over two floors.
The ground floor of the house is accessible.
Access to the first floor is via steep steps. There are 13 steps with a 90 degree turn on the 10^th A handrail is available on the left hand side ascending.
All rooms in the house have a chair available for visitors to use.
Shooting sticks are available on request.

The garden and grounds are partially accessible with pathways and viewing points made from bound earth with lime and gravel.
The design of the garden means that some pathways are narrow and irregular and the ground can be uneven in some places.

If you would like to book an accessible seat in the auditorium for one of our events, or a wheelchair space, please email access@charleston.org.uk
Charleston is a domestic farmhouse and as such can only accommodate wheelchairs with dimensions less than 115cm (L) x 65cm (L) (45 x 25 inches).
There are two visitor wheelchairs which can be booked on the day or reserved in advance by emailing info@charleston.org.uk.
For visitors with restricted mobility, we offer garden and house ground floor tickets only at a reduced rate.
Mobility scooters can be used in the garden, shop and café, but they usually exceed the dimensions we can accommodate for use in the house.

The shop counter is fitted with a hearing loop.
Neck loops and radio receivers for guided tours are available and can be reserved in advance or booked on the day.

All guide and assistance dogs are welcome across the site including in the house, the galleries, walled garden, shop and café.
Only guide and assistance dogs are permitted in the house and galleries.
All dogs must be kept on a lead across the site. Dogs on leads are welcome in the walled garden, shop and café.

For visitors who would otherwise not be able to visit without a carer or companion, we offer free companion or carer tickets.
If booking your visit online, please ensure the companion ticket is selected in addition to your own ticket as capacity in the house is limited to a certain number.