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Queen Mother Stand - Ground Floor - Valentine Suite

Aintree Racecourse, Ormskirk Road, Aintree, Liverpool, L9 5AS

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Access Guide

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Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • 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.
  • By Bus View
  • By Train View
    • 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

Raceday Parking

Outside Access (Enclosure Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped 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 door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the opening is 140cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located leading up to the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • Comments View
    • On race days there are double doors that are permanently held open with a width of 130 cm.

Outside Access (Trackside Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped and stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 140cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the right of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up the ramp.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 117cm (3ft 10in).
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance leading down from the track.
    • There is/are 8 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The going of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the step(s).
    • Handrails are 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.

Eating and Drinking (Valentine Suite)

  • The following information is for the bar.
  • The bar is located on the ground floor of the Valentine suite.
  • There is step-free access to the bar.
  • There is a/are double, heavy manual door(s) to access this area.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food and/or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food and/or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • The height of the service counter is high (110cm+) .
  • There is a lowered section of the counter.
  • The height of the lowered section at the counter is 74cm.
  • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system .
  • There is step-free access within the 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.
  • 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 8m from the till/counter.
  • The standard height for tables is 110cm.
  • Plastic/takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic/takeaway cutlery is not available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Children are not welcomed in the bar area.
  • The lighting levels are adjustable.

Counter (Betting Counter)

  • Counter View
    • The counter is located to the rear of the building.
    • The counter is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Enclosure entrance.
    • The counter is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • 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.
    • The height of the counter is 110cm.
    • 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.

Accessible Toilet(s)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right of the Enclosure Entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Enclosure Entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • 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 81cm.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 155cm x 220cm (5ft 1in x 7ft 3in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The toilet has not got a non-slip floor.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 88cm.
    • 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 not an emergency alarm.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 154cm from the floor.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • 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 fixed horizontal rail without a padded backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot 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 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the left hand side of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • Taps have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 100cm.
    • 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.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • 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 107cm (3ft 6in).

Accessible Toilet(s) (Female Standard Toilets)

  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located within the female standard toilet.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the Valentine Suite enclosure entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a female toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a sliding bolt.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 83cm (2ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is poor.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 162cm x 139cm (5ft 4in x 4ft 7in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 102cm (3ft 4in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a push button flush.
    • There is no dropdown rail.
    • 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.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) to the left of the toilet and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) to the right of the toilet and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • 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 nappy/incontinence items bin 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 wall which acts as a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • There is not a wash basin.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available.
    • The height of the baby change table is 85cm.
  • Comments View
    • The washbasins are in the female standard toilets area.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Male Standard Toilets)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located With in the male standard toilets.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from the Valentine Suite Enclosure Entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a male toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a sliding bolt.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 83cm (2ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is poor.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 220cm x 145cm (7ft 3in x 4ft 9in).
    • 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 126cm (4ft 2in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by storage items.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a push button flush.
    • There is no dropdown rail.
    • 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 not 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 poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • 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 not available in the toilet.
    • 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 wall which acts as a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • There is not a wash basin.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available.
    • The height of the baby change table is 85cm.
  • Comments View
    • The wash basins are in the male standard toilets area.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the right on entering via the Enclosure Entrance.
    • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the Valentine Suite Enclosure Entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the female toilet(s).
    • There is tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
    • There is not a lowered wash basin.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the right on entering via the Enclosure Entrance.
    • The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from the Enclosure Entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the male toilet(s).
    • There is tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • There is not a lowered urinal.
    • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
    • There is not a lowered wash basin.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
    • Lighting levels are good.

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