At Baronmead, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the rich tapestry of history and culture our nation has to offer. That’s why we are incredibly proud to celebrate the successful installation and immediate impact of our Stairmate Major stairclimber at the magnificent National Trust property, Seaton Delaval Hall in Northumberland.
In March 2025, Seaton Delaval Hall took delivery of a Stairmate Major stair climber, designed to allow wheelchair users to access the main hall of the building while remaining in their own chair. For the first time, visitors with mobility requirements can explore this part of the historic property without restriction.
The Need for Accessibility at Seaton Delaval Hall
Seaton Delaval Hall is a stunning Baroque-style building which features grand architecture, exquisite art collections, and a compelling history. However, like many historic buildings, its architectural grandeur presented accessibility challenges for wheelchair users. Recognising this, the National Trust, in collaboration with Baronmead, took a significant step forward, purchasing the Stairmate Major in March 2025 to ensure the Hall is truly accessible to all.
The introduction of the Stairmate Major means that wheelchair users can now effortlessly navigate the Hall’s historic staircases, using their own wheelchairs to explore every corner of this beautiful site. This commitment to inclusivity is not just about physical access; it’s about ensuring that the stories within these walls can be discovered and enjoyed by every visitor.
Visitor Feedback and Success Stories
The response from the public has been overwhelmingly positive. Visitors like Ellis Lake, who shared his experience on Facebook, perfectly encapsulate the joy and freedom the stairclimber offers. “Just had an amazing trip to National Trust Seaton Delaval Hall. Fully upgraded accessibility: Changing Places toilet, Low level, accessible café, Stair climber to explore the main hall! Beautiful historic site and everyone’s included. 10/10! Wish more venues were like you,” he posted, highlighting the comprehensive efforts Seaton Delaval Hall has made. Watch Ellis’s video here.
Another heartwarming account came from “April’s Adventures,” a Facebook page documenting the travels of a young girl with Emmanuel Syndrome. Their video captured April trying the stairclimber for the first time, noting, “It was so lovely to be able to access this part of the house for the first time to see the Helios installation.” While they observed that the device does tip the user back slightly, April felt very secure, and they praised the lovely staff. They were also delighted to confirm the stairclimber is now a permanent feature, with future plans for ramp access.
Here’s April on the stairclimber and you can watch her video on Facebook.
Another Happy Customer for Baronmead
Jack, one of the Seaton Delaval team, confirmed the overwhelming success of the project, stating, “The stairclimber has proved incredibly popular, with all visits now fully booked. Visitors have shared how much they enjoyed the experience, which is particularly positive news for wheelchair users who can now fully access the Hall.”
This feedback underscores the vital role such equipment plays in opening up historic sites.
Baronmead’s Commitment to Access
Graham White, Managing Director at Baronmead, expressed his delight at the impact: “We are incredibly pleased to have partnered with the National Trust at Seaton Delaval Hall. Providing the Stairmate Major stairclimber is a testament to our shared vision of making historic buildings accessible to everyone. It’s truly rewarding to see how a piece of equipment can bridge gaps and enable more people to engage with our rich heritage.”
Baronmead is proud to supply wheelchair stairclimbers to National Trust properties across the UK, continuing our mission to break down barriers and foster inclusivity. The success at Seaton Delaval Hall is a shining example of how thoughtful planning and the right equipment can transform the visitor experience, ensuring that treasured historical sites can be enjoyed by all for generations to come.