The UK’s historic parks, gardens and landscapes are valued for their beauty, diversity and historic significance. Millions of people visit them every year but many others feel unwelcome and unable to enjoy these special places. Improving access is one key to a wider understanding, valuing, caring and enjoyment of historic landscapes.

In 2005, English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund issued Easy Access to Historic Landscapes a publication to offer owners and managers of historic parks, gardens and landscapes advice on improving access and reconciling access with conservation interests. 

The publication was partly funded by Historic Scotland and the National Trust, the Countryside Agency and the Historic Houses Association advised on the development of the guidance. It went on to be awarded the top Landscape Institute award in 2006.

The guidance promotes an inclusive approach to design and management of access, addressing the needs of all people, regardless of age, gender, background or disability.  The publication looks at getting the balance between access and conservation and some of the common problems and issues in parks and gardens that are barriers to access. It also includes sources of information on both improving access and conservation. 

See the case study section of this website for a case study from English Heritage’s Access at Witley Court Project.

Further Information

English Heritage is committed to improving access to the historic environment, by:

• Helping other agencies and organisations to adopt creative and sensitive solutions in the adaptation and management of their properties, and
• Adopting best practice itself, in relation to the properties it manages, the services it provides, and the people it employs.

For more information on how English Heritage works to promote enjoyment of our shared heritage to the widest possible audience take a look at the Heritage For All pages.