Access Statement

1. Introduction

Solton Manor Ltd (hereinafter referred to as “we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to providing access to all.

Overview

Solton Manor is a Grade II* listed country estate located just outside Dover in rural East Kent. The property includes a historic Manor House (c.1086 origins), the Dutch Barn event space, the Dovecote Cottage, and nine acres of landscaped grounds. The estate operates as a wedding and events venue with accommodation, open to the public by appointment and for pre-booked private events.

We are committed to ensuring that Solton Manor is as welcoming and accessible as possible, for all visitors, while maintaining the historic integrity of the site. The following access statement outlines how we support accessibility across our estate.

Our Commitment

At Solton Manor, we believe that historic heritage and modern hospitality should work hand in hand.

We are committed to:

• Maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, and accessibility across all accommodation and event spaces.
• Welcoming guests of all abilities and ensuring that reasonable adjustments are made wherever possible.
• Providing accurate, transparent information to help visitors plan their trip with confidence.
• Continuously improving access, with ongoing investment in our driveway, pathways, signage, and facilities.
• Ensuring all staff are trained to offer support with warmth, respect, and professionalism.
• Have written this access statement which we review annually.

Arrival and Parking

• Solton Manor is well connected by road, located just off the A258 between Dover and Deal.
• On-site parking is available for up to 150 vehicles, with overflow parking available for larger events.  We advocate visitors using what3words:

1. The visitor carpark  ///shipwreck.camp.november
2. The Dovecote ///beakers.examples.thousands
3. The Manor House ///laminated.manifests.tagging
4. The Manege Carpark ///pastime.herb.clinking

• Accessible parking is located near the main event barn in The Meanege Carpark ///pastime.herb.clinking or guests may be dropped off in front of the Manor House ///laminated.manifests.tagging, with a small step for access to the house.
• The car park surface is level rubber, leading to entrances.

Entrances and Circulation

• The Dutch Barn and Old Stables event spaces, both offer step-free access via The Meanege Carpark.
• The Manor House has one step at the main entrance; portable ramps are available upon request.
  Internal circulation within the Manor House is limited due to the age of the building, first mentioned in the doomsday book of 1066, original staircases, narrow corridors and uneven floors typical of historic properties, but key ground floor areas are accessible to most guests which includes the Great Hall and Getting Read Suite.
• External pathways to the gardens, Godric’s Garden ceremony area are surfaced with compacted gravel and paving.  Finet’s Woodland planned for 2026 will be accessible via  mown grass.

Toilets

• Accessible toilets are provided within the Dutch Barn complex and maintained to a high standard.

Accommodation

• The Dovecote Cottage is ground-floor accessible but the accommodation is not suitable for guests with limited mobility.
• Bedrooms within the Manor House are located on the first and second floors, accessible only by staircase due to the building’s Grade II* listed status so are not suitable for guests with limited mobility.

Hearing and Visual Access

• Assistance animals are welcome by prior arrangement.
• Our team are trained to provide guidance and personal assistance where required.

Lighting and Environment

• The venue benefits from good natural lighting during the day.
• Pathways and car park areas are lit at night for safe navigation.
• The venue is situated in a rural and historic setting; so surfaces may be uneven in some outdoor areas.

Staff Support

• Our events team provides individual support to guests with specific access needs.
• A designated Coordinator is available for all weddings, events and stays.
• Pre-event access tours can be arranged for guests or suppliers with specific requirements.

Emergency Procedures

• All staff are trained in emergency evacuation procedures.
• Guests with reduced mobility will receive a personal evacuation plan where required.

Plans for improvement with a Brown Signs Application

To improve access we would like to include directional signs from three directions – Dover to Deal, Deal to Dover (A258) and from East Langdon

A welcome sign is also planned for the entrance along with wayfinding finger post signage once on the estate.

Reporting Concerns

If you notice an access issue that goes against this policy, report it confidentially to the Estate Manager at [email protected] or in writing to:
Solton Ltd, 

87 St Ann’s Road

London 

N15 6NJ.

All reports will be taken seriously and responded to fairly and promptly.

If you have any specific access requirements or would like to discuss your visit in advance, please contact us:
📧 [email protected]
📞 01304 448844
📍 Solton Manor, London Road, East Langdon, Dover, Kent CT15 5JB