Opening Doors to History: How Stair Climbers Transformed Accessibility at Peckover House

Opening Doors to History: How Stair Climbers Transformed Accessibility at Peckover House

Tucked away in the charming market town of Wisbech, Peckover House stands as a Georgian gem, steeped in history and managed by the National Trust. This elegant 18th-century townhouse, once home to the Peckover family of Quaker bankers, offers a glimpse into a bygone era. However, like many heritage properties, Peckover House presented a significant challenge: accessibility. With its grand staircase, narrow hallways, and historic layout, access for visitors with mobility needs had long been a struggle — until the introduction of stair climbers from The Stair Climbing Company revolutionised the visitor experience.

The Challenge of Heritage Accessibility

For years, Peckover House faced the delicate balance of preserving its historical integrity while trying to provide inclusive access. Listed buildings such as this one are often restricted in how much structural change they can undergo. Installing lifts or altering staircases is frequently out of the question due to conservation regulations. This left many visitors — particularly those using wheelchairs or with reduced mobility — unable to explore key parts of the house.

National Trust properties are visited by thousands of people each year, many of whom are older or have accessibility requirements. The Trust has long been committed to improving access across its estates, but doing so in historically sensitive ways often calls for innovative, non-invasive solutions.

The Stair Climbing Company: A Specialist Solution

Enter The Stair Climbing Company — a trusted provider of powered mobility solutions with a passion for breaking down barriers. Their range of powered stair climbers, designed specifically for buildings with accessibility limitations, was the perfect fit for Peckover House.

Following a site visit and consultation, The Stair Climbing Company supplied and installed a portable stair climber that allowed staff to safely and comfortably assist visitors up and down the elegant but steep main staircase. The device, which can be used with a trained operator, required no permanent fixtures, drilling, or alterations to the historic structure. This meant that the character of the house remained untouched — a crucial factor for the National Trust.

Impact on Visitor Experience

The results were transformative.

Visitors who had previously been restricted to the ground floor now had the opportunity to explore the upstairs rooms, including the library, bedrooms, and dressing rooms, gaining a full understanding of how the Peckover family lived. For many, this meant not just an improved experience, but a deeply emotional one — being able to engage with a full narrative that was once out of reach.

One visitor, Mrs. Anne Holloway, who uses a wheelchair, said:
“Being able to see the whole house was incredibly moving. The staff were amazing, and the stair climber made the experience feel smooth and safe. It’s wonderful to see this kind of accessibility in a historic site.”

The National Trust team at Peckover House also praised the impact of the installation. Staff found the stair climber easy to use after training provided by The Stair Climbing Company, and appreciated the support and aftercare that came with the service. According to one staff member:
“We want everyone to enjoy Peckover House, and the stair climber has made that possible in ways we hadn’t imagined. It’s opened up the building in a respectful, practical way.”

A Model for Other National Trust Sites

The success of the stair climber at Peckover House has set an inspiring precedent for other historic sites facing similar challenges. Many National Trust properties share the same architectural restrictions, and Peckover House has demonstrated how adaptable, portable technology can overcome them.

What sets The Stair Climbing Company apart is their understanding of the balance required between preserving the past and enabling inclusive access. Their stair climbers are not only functional and reliable, but also sensitive to the aesthetics and limitations of heritage properties. This makes them ideal for use in National Trust buildings and other listed sites across the UK.

Ongoing Support and Training

Crucially, The Stair Climbing Company doesn’t just supply equipment — they build partnerships. At Peckover House, they provided full training for National Trust staff, ensuring that every operator felt confident using the equipment. They also offer maintenance plans and ongoing support, so the system remains safe and efficient for years to come.

By focusing on service as well as product quality, the company has earned a reputation as the go-to provider for access solutions in complex settings.

Looking Ahead

As the National Trust continues its journey towards greater accessibility, the example of Peckover House shines brightly. It shows what’s possible when heritage and innovation come together. Thanks to the stair climber, more people — regardless of physical ability — can now enjoy the rich history and beauty of this treasured property.

In the words of a recent visitor,
“History belongs to all of us. It’s amazing to see that being taken seriously here.”

For The Stair Climbing Company, this project encapsulates their mission: to provide dignified, practical access to all, in every setting — from schools and public buildings to homes and historic estates. Their work at Peckover House is not just a technical success, but a powerful statement on the importance of inclusion.

Learn more about The Stair Climbing Company and how their solutions can transform access at your property:
www.thestairclimbingcompany.com

Together, we can make every step accessible.