I know it is a Faber mezzotint. I just was so excited at making the connection weeks after the visit I did not make it clear that it was based on the Kneller portrait of the rather dislikable Mohun.

No booking, just go to welcome desk in house and ask, spaces limited so be early, think they are approx hourly, times shown on a frame board to the left of the main door entrance before the steps

The previous post is correct, however there is a shuttle which goes up to the castle from the car park and there are extensive areas of level ground around the castle itself with some beautiful views. There are entrance ramps and disabled facilities and the castle itself is still worth seeing even if the ground floor is only accessible.

The gardens. Not sure about the castle as such but you don't necessarily need to visit the castle the gardens are as beautiful as castle. however some slopes.

No dogs inside the castle

Sorry I don't know, but the national trust website is pretty useful. They do have buggies to run people from the car park to the castle, but not sure about the facilities inside.

Yes you can walk dogs in the grounds, there are a few dog waste bins around.

yes dogs are ok in the grounds

The car park is in the grounds of the castle but is also very close to the village it's self. If you or a member of your party has low mobility I did notice that the castle operates a mini bus from the car park up to the castle. Hope this was helpful:-)