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Dining Hall

Queens' College, Silver Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 9ET

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Access Guide

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Getting To and Around Queens' College

  • Arriving By Car or Bike View
    • Queens’ College is situated in Cambridge city centre. The vehicle entrance to the site is located in Silver Street. Silver Street has a Bus Gate at its west end at the junction of Queen’s Road (the Backs), Sidgwick Avenue, and Newnham Road. Only buses and taxis may enter or leave Silver Street at this junction, so it is advised to access the College site from the east end of Silver Street (Trumpington Street). There are various Park and Ride schemes for people who would prefer to not drive into central Cambridge.
    • Parking at College is limited, and by permit only. Visitors are advised to check arrangements before they set off and call at the Porters’ Lodge on arrival to pick up a parking permit. The main parking area is located along the western edge of the College site, to the rear of the Fisher Building, Fitzpatrick Hall and Lyon Court. The parking also extends underneath Lyon Court. Students are generally not permitted to use cars in the immediate locality unless given permission based on specific requirements.
    • Cycling is a popular form of transport in Cambridge. The city is relatively flat and there is an extensive network of cycle routes.
    • For more information on getting to Queens' College by car please click here (opens new tab).
    • For more information on cycle routes and maps in Cambridge please click here (opens new tab).
  • By Bus View
  • By Train View
  • Accessing the College Site View
    • The main pedestrian entrance to the College site is located on Silver Street.
      This is via the Porters’ Lodge, which has a single, automatic door, 125cm wide at its entrance.
      There is an intercom, 125cm high, and a card reader, 95cm high, outside the entrance, and a slight slope (photograph 1).
      There are double automatic doors, 109cm wide, at the far end of the Porters’ Lodge leading out to the College.
      There is also a slight slope leading to and just beyond these doors (photograph 2).
    • There are several points where the main College site is accessed from the car park.
      Opposite the main vehicle entrance, there is an entrance via the Fisher Building.
      This has a gate, 114cm wide, then 2 automatic doors, 138cm and 136cm wide, accessed by a steep ramp, 112cm wide with handrails both sides, leading to the first door, and a further ramp, 118cm wide with handrails both sides, or 2 marked, 15cm high steps, leading to the second door (photographs 3-5).
      There is also a gap between the Fisher Building and the rear of Fitzpatrick Hall with a dropped kerb leading up from the car park to the front of the Fisher Building.
      There is a steep ramp with handrails both sides leading up the side of Fitzpatrick Hall, next to the electric car charging points (photograph 6).
      This gives access to Cripps Court via 2 automatic doors in Block FF.
      Further along there are 7 unmarked steps without handrails, leading up to Lyon Court (photograph 7).
      There are also 17 unmarked steps with handrails both sides, which lead up to Lyon Court from the underground car park (Photograph 8).
    • Docketts Gate is located on Queens’ Lane and can be used to give pedestrian access to the area of the College on the east side of the River Cam.
      The gate opens automatically away from you and is 120cm wide (photograph 9).
      There is a card reader 100cm at this entrance, and also an intercom, 120cm high, on the far side of the gate (photograph 10).
      There is a slight slope/dropped kerb with a cobbled surface in front of the gate (photograph 11) and a slight concrete slope just inside, leading down to Friars’ Court (photograph 12).
  • Getting Around the College Site View
    • From the Porters’ Lodge, there is a steep slope to the left leading down to the Fisher Building and the bike sheds, which has a brick block surface (photograph 13).
      There is a level covered walkway with a flagstone surface straight ahead from the Porters’ Lodge leading to Cripps Court, which also has a flagstone surface which can be uneven in places (photograph 14).
      There is a cut through on the far side of Cripps Court which leads through to Lyon Court (photograph 15), which also has a level, flagstone surface.
      There is a raised, covered area within this court containing benches and tables, which is accessed by a steep ramp or a medium height marked step (photograph 16).
      There is also seating available on the level areas (photograph 17).
    • Just before you get to Cripps Court from the Porters’ Lodge, there is a flagstone path with a slight slope to the right which leads to the Mathematical Bridge (photograph 18).
      The bridge links the east and west sides of the College site but has a very steep gradient and handrails on both sides (photograph 19).
      The bridge can be bypassed by exiting the site at the Porters’ Lodge, crossing the river via the Silver Street Bridge, then turning left into Queens’ Lane and re-entering the site via Dokett Gate.
      Just before the bridge, there is a path to the left with a slight slope that leads down to a gravel path beside the Cam (photograph 20).
      This leads to the Grove.
    • Just inside Dokett Gate is Friars Court, which has a tarmac, concrete and flagstone surface, with a slight slope which can be uneven in places (photograph 21).
      On the other side of the Chapel is Walnut Tree Court, which has a tarmac surface, is uneven in places, and has a slight slope leading up past the Chapel (photograph 22).
      To the right has you enter from Friars’ Court there is a gap in the wall that leads to the Fellows’ Garden via a steep ramp or 3 unmarked steps with handrails on both sides (photograph 23).
      Opposite the Chapel, there is a cut through to Old Court, which is 124cm wide with a slight slope leading up (photograph 24).
      Old Court has a flagstone surface, uneven in places and with some slight slopes (photograph 25).
      There is also a cut through from Walnut Tree Court to Cloister Court, which is 92cm wide at its narrowest (photograph 26).
      The paths in the centre of Cloister Court have a paving slab surface with a steep slope on the central path at the near end (photograph 27).
      That slope can be used to overcome the steps in the cloisters either side.
      The cloisters have a flagstone surface, uneven in places (photograph 28).
      On the far side of Cloister Court from Walnut Tree Court is a cut through to Old Court, which has a flagstone surface, uneven in places, with a slight gradient (photograph 29).
      There is also a cut through from Cloister Court leading to the Mathematical Bridge.
  • Additional College Site Information View
    • Many of the buildings at Queens’ College have stepped access into and around them (photographs 30 and 31).
      Due to the age of the buildings the staircases do vary in materials and layout.
      The height and depths of steps are not uniform, and neither is lighting, handrail provision/type or step markings.
      There are some buildings which have been adapted to make them step-free, including access ramps to bypass external steps (photograph 32) and internal lifts to access other floors.
      Please see our Detailed Access Guides for further information on access to buildings.
    • There is good directional signage (photograph 33) around the site which means those unfamiliar with the layout will be able to find their way to the main parts of the college.
      Accessible toilet facilities are located just off Lyon Court and in the JCR Office Building off Walnut Tree Court.

Useful Information

Site/Campus Car Park

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located to the side and rear of the west side of the College site, accessed off Silver Street.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are the Fisher Building, Fitzpatrick Hall, Gym, Squash Courts, Lyon Court and Cripps Court.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by staff, visitors and Blue Badge holders.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is step free access from this car park.
    • Buildings are not clearly signposted from this car park.
    • There is not a campus map available within the car park.
    • There are no designated Blue Badge bays within the car park, however, bays can be reserved for Blue Badge holders if requested in advance.
      The car park has a tarmac. concrete tile and concrete surface.
      There are 2 electric car charging bays located next to the ramp leading up to Lyon Court (Photograph 5).
      Part of the car park is underground (Photographs 6 and 7). There is a 220cm height limit at the entrance to this area (Photograph 8).

Getting To (The Dining Hall)

  • Location View
    • The Dining Hall is located West of the river, close to the Queens' College pedestrian entrance on Silver Street.
    • In addition to the main pedestrian entrance you can also access the Dining Hall from Cripps Court.
    • There is limited wayfinding signage along the route to the Dining Hall.
    • Queens' College link (new tab) - click here.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the Dining Hall.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Dining Hall'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • There is a push pad/button to enter and exit the main automatic doors.
    • The entry push pad or push button is 89cm from floor level.
    • The exit push pad or push button is 91cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 100cm.
    • There is also a revolving door next to this one.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • There is a push pad/button to exit the main automatic doors.
    • The entry push pad or push button is 90cm from floor level.
    • The exit push pad or push button is 91cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 100cm.
  • Comments View
    • There is also an alternative revolving door to access the Dining Hall.
    • The revolving door was out of use at the time of survey (August 2021).
    • The width of the door is 134cm.

Eating and Drinking (Dining Hall)

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the restaurant.
    • The restaurant is located to the left as you enter through the Dining Hall main entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the restaurant.
    • For access there are double manual doors which are permanently held open.
  • Service and Menus View
    • Tables cannot be booked in advance.
    • There is a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
    • Staff cannot bring food and/or drinks to tables.
    • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
    • Takeaway cups are not available.
    • Adapted cups are not available.
    • Adapted cutlery is not available.
    • Drinking straws are not available.
    • This area does play background music.
    • Background music is only played at certain times.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system .
  • Service Counter(s) View
    • The height of the counter is 90cm.
    • The type of flooring in this area is wood.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Payment Counter View
    • The height of the counter is 92cm.
    • There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
    • The type of flooring in this area is wood.
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 59cm.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • The type of flooring in this area is stone.
    • There is flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • There are no menus.
    • The doors to the Dining Hall are permanently held open during opening hours.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Lyon Court - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located in Lyon Court, next to Fitzpatrick Hall.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens outwards (automatically).
    • The door is push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 94cm from floor level.
    • The door is locked by a push button or pad.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 72cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 194cm x 204cm (6ft 4in x 6ft 8in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 125cm (4ft 1in).
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is medium.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on the left.
    • There is not a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is not a mirror.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder is on the dropdown rail.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 96cm (3ft 2in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 72cm (2ft 4in).
    • There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the wash basin.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 108cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is high.

Standard Toilet(s) (Cripps Court)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located to the right of the Dining Hall building, off Cripps Court.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • It was not possible to access the female toilet.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 84cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The shared toilet is located at the rear of the Dining Hall.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 30m from the main entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 80cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.