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Antrim Castle Gardens & Clotworthy House

Randalstown Road, Antrim, Newtownabbey, BT41 4LH

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About this venue

The Antrim Castle Gardens site is an absolute gem and you will find nothing like these 400 year old gardens anywhere else. A recent £6m restoration project which received generous support from Heritage Lottery Fund has now preserved this historic site for generations to come. The Gardens are a unique living museum, with layer upon layer of design features and planting added over the centuries. Indeed, rarely is so much history preserved on one site. The many exceptional features include the ancient Motte, the Large Parterre, the Yew Tree Pond and the Pleasure Gardens.

Access Guide

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Introduction

Opening Times

  • Please contact the venue for details of opening times and Opening times for the venue vary according to bookings/events taking place.

Location

  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Antrim.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • The car park is located at the front of the venue.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
    • There is/are 5 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 360cm x 486cm (11ft 10in x 15ft 11in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 19m (20yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 25m (27yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There is a dropped kerb between the car park and the venue.
    • The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
    • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • There are 2 car park spaces for electric vehicles with a charge point.

Outside Access (Reception Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located to the right before you reach the central courtyard.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is / are single.
  • The door(s) is / are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 107cm (3ft 6in).
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).

Level Change (Reception Entrance)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp or slope is located in front of the entrance.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • The ramp does not have handrails.

Outside Access (Shop Courtyard Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located in the second courtyard area.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are single width with an open extension leaf.
    • The width of the door opening is 90cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.

Outside Access (Shop Archway Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located in the archway leading to the second courtyard.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is / are single.
  • The door(s) is / are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).

Outside Access (Coffee Shop Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located in the second courtyard.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open towards you (pull).
  • The doors are single width.
  • The door(s) is / are heavy.
  • The door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in) wide.

Level Change (Coffee Shop Entrance)

  • There is a / are step(s) to access this area / service.
  • The step(s) is / are located in front of the entrance.
  • There is / are 1 step(s) to the area / service.
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is / are shallow.

Reception

  • The desk is 2m (2yd 7in) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to reception from the entrance.
  • The reception desk is high (110cm+).
  • The desk has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are bright.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does not play background music/noise.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are bright.

Eating and Drinking

  • The following information is for the cafe.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is 2m (2yd 7in) from the main entrance.
  • The standard height for tables is 70cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are wall only.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.

Parks and Gardens

  • The park or garden does have footpaths.
  • The path(s) has a / have concrete and gravel surface(s).
  • The majority of the path(s) is / are wide enough for wheelchair users.
  • There are bench seats situated along the paths for people to rest.

Other Floors (Main)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Comments View
    • Services located on the main floor include The Gallery, a Heritage Area and Meeting Rooms.

Lift (Main)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in the reception area.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1.
  • The lift is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 140cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.

Other Floors (Meeting Rooms)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are low.

Lift (Meeting Rooms)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right of the stairs.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1.
  • The lift is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the restaurant entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 108cm x 142cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 8in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is low.

Changing Places

  • Location and access View
    • The facility is located off the central courtyard.
    • The facility is approximately 32m (34yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • There is not level access to the facility.
  • Dimensions and features View
    • You do not need a key for the facility.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The width of the door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the facility are 276cm x 310cm (9ft 1in x 10ft 2in).
    • The facility changing bench height is fixed.
    • The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 190cm (6ft 3in).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers the changing bench and the toilet.
    • The sling is attached to the hoist by loop.
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on one side only.
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 240cm (7ft 10in).
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • Drop down rails are provided for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the drop down rail(s) is/are on the right.
    • The type of wash basin is fixed.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
    • As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • A privacy screen is not available.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is not available.
    • The facility has a non-slip floor.
    • A functioning emergency alarm is not available.
    • No emergency alarm is fitted in the cubicle.

Accessible Toilet (Changing Place)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 32m (34yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located in the changing place, outside in the garden area.
    • There is not level access to this 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 reception.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 276cm x 310cm (9ft 1in x 10ft 2in).
    • There is sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on both sides.
    • The lateral transfer space is 230cm (7ft 7in).
    • The lateral transfer space on the left is 85cm.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is not an emergency alarm.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 43cm (1ft 5in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 123cm (4ft).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 83cm (2ft 9in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
    • There is a low colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the changing place.

Level Change (Changing Place)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp or slope is located on the path leading to the entrance.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.

Accessible Toilet (Cafe)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located in the area between the cafe and the gallery.
    • There is level access to this 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 reception.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 172cm x 172cm (5ft 8in x 5ft 8in).
    • There is sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • 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 (2ft 11in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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 107cm (3ft 6in).
    • 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).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 90cm (2ft 11in).

Accessible Toilet (Upper Gallery)

  • There are accessible toilets within this venue designated for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial and tactile signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The accessible toilet is 9m (9yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • The accessible toilet is located on the first floor.
    • There is level access to the accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • The door weight is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 154cm x 240cm (5ft 1in x 7ft 10in).
    • There is sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 92cm (3ft).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm in the cubicle.
    • The emergency alarm is fully functional.
    • It is not a push button style of alarm.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is not a coat hook.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There are mirrors.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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 sink.
    • The sink can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The sink is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the grab rails and wall is poor.
    • There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 90cm (2ft 11in).

Standard Toilet(s) (Cafe)

Standard Toilet(s) (Upper Gallery)

Standard Toilet(s) (Courtyard)

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Documents are not available in Braille.
  • Documents are not available in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
  • This service cannot be requested.