This guidance publication provides best practice advice and standards for improving access to heritage landscapes. It is the sister publication to Historic England’s ‘Easy Access to Historic Buildings’. They are essential references for owners and managers in the heritage sector.
The original guide was a commission for the Sensory Trust to work with English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund. The aim was to help managers of sites such as historic parks, gardens, cemeteries and urban squares to provide easy, dignified access for all visitors. The guide focuses on creating a better visitor experience, balanced with the conservation of a site’s special historic interest.
The project was a great example of government agencies working in partnership with a specialist organisation like ourselves to produce guidance that is timely, valuable and of practical use to the people who need it.
Historic England produced a new edition in 2010 to respond to the Equality Act.
Visitors to historic sites share the same interests regardless of age or ability. These guidelines will improve the Equality of Experience for all visitors. Historic landscape presents specific challenges for access, and we are pleased to have produced guidance that will be invaluable to owners and managers of historic sites.
"Historic landscapes are important national assets that are valued and enjoyed as places for relaxing and having fun. Access can often be made significantly better without any major intervention by improving knowledge, skills, training and awareness. This guidance aims to go beyond simply persuading people to meet legal requirements; it’s about thinking about the experience of each person who visits these inspiring and beautiful sites."
Jenifer White, National Landscape Advisor for Historic England
Image credit: Tom Johnson
