Access Guide
Getting Here
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By Road
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- From the south, leave M6 at J21A and join M62 west. Leave M62 at J6 to join M57, follow signs for races. From North Leave M6 at J26 and join M58, follow signs for races. From Mersey Tunnels follow signs for Preston, then for A59, then signs for races. The main entrance to the racecourse via Grand National Avenue is just off Ormskirk Road (A59). Please use this entrance for conference and events. For Sat Nav users, please enter the postcode L9 5AS.
- There is parking for up to 1,800 cars. Car parking is available for free at Aintree on non Grand National meetings. For the Randox Health Grand National Festival car parking is limited and must be purchased in advance. To enquire or make a booking, call the Booking Line on 0344 579 3001. Parking needs to be pre-booked and is not available for purchase on the day.
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By Bus
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- There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the venue.
- Aintree can be reached by bus on services: 300, 310 and 345 both to and from Liverpool.
- For more information on Arriva Bus please click here (opens new tab).
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By Train
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- The nearest Railway Station is Aintree.
- The easiest way to reach Aintree is by train. The nearest mainline station to Aintree is Liverpool Lime Street. Liverpool Central Station is just a short walk from Lime Street, where you can catch a train to Aintree. Aintree Station is directly opposite the racecourse, where regular trains run every 15 minutes on racedays (more frequently during The Randox Health Grand National Festival).
- For more information on National Rail please click here (opens new tab).
Getting Help and Assistance
- For the racecourse map please click here (new tab).
- There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
- Staff receive disability awareness/equality training.
- Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
Raceday Parking
Outside Access (Lord Sefton Stand Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the side of the building, opposite the Parade Ring.
- The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
- There is step-free access at this entrance.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
- The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- The main door(s) open(s) both ways.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 175cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
Reception (Lord Sefton Stand Reception)
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Reception
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- The reception point is located to the right of the Lord Sefton Stand entrance lobby.
- The reception point is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the Lord Sefton Stand Entrance.
- The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
- There is step-free access to the reception point.
- There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
- There are no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The counter is not placed in front of a plain background.
- The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- There is not a lowered section of the counter.
- The counter is staffed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
- Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are provided in the reception area.
- The type of flooring in the reception area is stone.
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Reception Seating Area
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- There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.
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Comments
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- The reception counter is 120cm high.
Other Floors (Lord Sefton Stand)
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Stairs
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- Stairs can be used to access other floors.
- The stairs are for public use.
- The stairs are located opposite the Lord Sefton Stand Entrance, outside of the buiding.
- The stairs are approximately 12m from the Lord Sefton Stand Entrance.
- The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
- There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to enter and exit the stairwell from the first floor upwards.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The going of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are easy to grip.
- Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
- There is a landing.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
Lift (Lord Sefton Stand)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located to the left of the Lord Sefton Stand entrance lobby.
- The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the Lord Sefton Stand Entrance.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
- There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
- Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
- The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
- The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is low.
- The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is High.
- The clear door width is 109cm (3ft 7in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 207cm x 155cm (6ft 9in x 5ft 1in).
- There are no separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
- The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does have an audible announcer.
- The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- There is not a hearing loop system.
- The lift does have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting levels in the lift are good.
Getting Around (Lord Sefton Stand - First Floor)
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Access
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- There is step-free access throughout the first floor.
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Circulation
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- There are not doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
- The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet.
- There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
- The lighting levels are good.
- Access to other floors/levels is via stairs and lift.
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Signage
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- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
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Audio
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- This venue does not play background music in public areas.
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Comments
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- There is a walkway on the first floor that links the Lord Sefton Stand and Earl of Derby Stand.
Eating and Drinking (Sunloch Suite - First Floor)
- The following information is for the restaurant/bar.
- The restaurant/bar is located on the first floor, to the right of the lift.
- There is step-free access to the restaurant/bar.
- There is a/are single, heavy manual door(s) to access this area.
- Full table service is available.
- Food and/or drinks can be ordered from the service counter.
- The height of the service counter is high (110cm+) .
- There is a lowered section of the counter.
- The lowered section of the counter is not at the recommended height of 76cm.
- There is a clear knee recess beneath the lowered section of the counter.
- The clear knee recess does not have the recommended dimensions of 70cm (height) x 50cm (depth).
- There is not a hearing assistance system .
- There is step-free access within the restaurant/bar.
- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- Background music varies according to the function/event.
- The type of flooring in this area is carpet and vinyl.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- No chairs have armrests on both sides.
- The nearest table is approximately 4m from the entrance/opening.
- The nearest table is approximately 3m from the till/counter.
- The standard height for tables is 73cm.
- Takeaway cups are available.
- Takeaway cutlery is available.
- Drinking straws are available.
- Children are welcomed in the bar area.
- There are hand held menus and wall menus available.
- Menus are not available in Braille.
- Menus are not available in large print.
- Picture menus are not available.
- Menus are clearly written.
- Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
- The lighting levels are good.
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Comments
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- The bar counter is 116cm high.
- The lowered section of the bar counter is 84cm high.
- There is a cloakroom available with a counter that is 99cm high.
- There are buffet counters within the suite that are 105cm high.
Counter (Betting Counter - Sunloch Suite - First Floor)
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Counter
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- The counter is located within the Sunloch Suite.
- Clear signage for the counter is not visible from the lift.
- There is step-free access to the counter.
- There is a clear unobstructed route to the counter.
- There are no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the counter which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The counter is placed in front of a plain background.
- The lighting levels at the counter are good.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- There is not a lowered section of the counter.
- The counter is staffed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system at the counter.
- The type of flooring in this area is carpet.
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Comments
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- The counter is 126cm high.
Lord Sefton First Floor - Racecourse Viewing Area
- There are two single, 160cm wide, heavy sliding doors leading out to the racecourse viewing area from the Sunloch Suite.
- There are also two 150cm wide double, heavy doors that push away from you leading out to the racecourse viewing area from the Sunloch Suite.
- There is level access to the back row of the racecourse viewing area.
- There are 3, 17cm deep steps leading down to the front row of the racecourse viewing area.
- The steps beyond the double doors are clearly marked and have handrails.
- Following this, there are between 5 steps, 17cm deep, clearly marked steps with handrails leading down to the steppings.
Lord Sefton First Floor - Parade Ring Viewing Area
- There are two double doors which are 200cm wide and push away from you leading out to the Parade Ring viewing area from the Sunloch Suite.
- There is level access to the Parade Ring viewing area.
- The Parade Ring viewing area has a decked wooden flooring.
Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
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Location and Access
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- The accessible toilet surveyed is for the sole use of disabled people.
- This accessible toilet is located on the first floor, opposite the lift.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the lift.
- There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is required for the accessible toilet.
- The key is a radar key.
- The key can be obtained from a member of staff.
- There is Braille, tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is heavy.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 215cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 1in).
- The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The toilet has a non-slip floor.
- The height of the light switch/pull cord is 84cm from floor level.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
- The lateral transfer space is 85cm.
- There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
- There is not a spatula type lever flush.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
- The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
- There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
- There is a/are non-infectious waste and female sanitary disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
- The height of the coat hook is 148cm from the floor.
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Position of Fixtures
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- There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
- There is 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.
- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
- The toilet has a cistern.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 105cm (3ft 5in).
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
- The wash basin tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- Taps do not have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 95cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- There is not a hand dryer.
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is medium.
- The lighting levels are good.
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Baby Changing Facilities
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- Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
- The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
- The baby change table is not height adjustable.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 96cm (3ft 2in).
Standard Toilet(s) (First Floor)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Female Toilet(s)
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- The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the first floor in the stairwell lobby area.
- The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the lift.
- There is step-free access into the female toilet(s).
- There is Braille, tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is available.
- There are horizontal grab rails on both sides of the seat.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
- There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
- Lighting levels are good.
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Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s)
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- The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the first floor, opposite the lift.
- The female and male toilets are approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the lift.
- There is step-free access into the female and male toilet(s).
- There is Braille, tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is available.
- There are horizontal grab rails on both sides of the seat.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
- There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
- Lighting levels are good.
Related Access Guides
- To view other AccessAble Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
- Getting around Aintree Racecourse link (new tab) - click here
- Betting Counters around the Racecourse link (new tab) - click here
- Lord Sefton Stand - Ground Floor - Main Entrance and Reception link (new tab) - click here
- Lord Sefton Stand - first floor - sunloch suite link (new tab) - click here