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Highclere Castle Gift Shop, Courtyard and Tea Rooms

Highclere Castle, Highclere Park, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 9RN

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Access Guide

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Introduction

Location

  • The venue is situated outside the centre of the village.
  • This venue is situated in Highclere.
  • The venue is not situated on a road which has a steep gradient.
  • There is not a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • The car park is located opposite the visitor reception.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
    • 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 loose chippings.
    • The car park surface is loose chippings.
    • 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 is a designated signposted loose chipping area for 20-25 Blue Badge holders.
    • This area is approximately 100m from the main entrance.

Outside Access (Gift Shop Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the right hand side of the Courtyard.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 103cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.

Outside Access (Tea Room Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the Castle.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 105cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 100cm.
  • 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.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located leading up to the entrance.
    • There is/are 2 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • This entrance also gives access to the Egyptian Exhibition.

Outside Access (The Coach House)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the left side of the courtyard.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 97cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 107cm (3ft 6in).

Counter (Gift Shop)

  • The counter is 3m (3yd 10in) from the entrance.
  • There is not level access to the counter from the entrance.
  • There is not a bell to attract attention.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • There is not a lowered section.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

Inside Access (The Coach House and Gift Shop)

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

Level Change (Gift Shop)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located to the left beyond the entrance.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does not have handrails.

Level Change (Tea Room)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located between the entrance and the counter.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.

Eating and Drinking (Tea Room)

  • The following information is for the cafĂ©.
  • 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.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the tea room entrance.
  • The standard height for tables is 75cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are not available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is not available.
  • Drinking straws are not available.
  • Menus are wall only.
  • 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 type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.

Eating and Drinking (The Coach House)

  • The following information is for the cafĂ©.
  • 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.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Coach House entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 72cm (2ft 4in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 106cm (3ft 6in).
  • The standard height for tables is 72cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are not available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is not available.
  • Drinking straws are not available.
  • Menus are wall only.
  • 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 type of food served here is cold snacks.

Other Floors (The Coach House)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G and 1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on the right going up.
    • There is not a landing.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Other View
    • The area(s)/service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are additional seating.

Level Change (Egyptian Exhibition)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.

Accessible Toilet (Right Hand Transfer - Toilet Block Right)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 117m (127yd 2ft) from the castle main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located off the courtyard to the rear right of the castle.
    • There is not level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared 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 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 152cm x 235cm (4ft 12in x 7ft 9in).
    • There is not 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 93cm (3ft 1in).
    • There is no dropdown rail for the toilet.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is push.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is not an emergency alarm.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary and waste paper pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 168cm from the floor.
  • 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 the left.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer requires hands to be inserted into the top.
    • 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 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 84cm (2ft 9in).
  • 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 wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • 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 (Right Hand Transfer - Toilet Block Left)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 117m (127yd 2ft) from the castle main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located off the courtyard to the rear right of the castle.
    • There is not level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared 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 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 152cm x 240cm (4ft 12in x 7ft 10in).
    • There is not 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 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • 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 fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are waste paper pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 167cm from the floor.
  • 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 not 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 requires hands to be inserted into the top.
    • 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 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.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is fair.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Standard Toilet(s) (Toilet Block)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
    • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located off the courtyard to the rear right of the castle.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 117m (127yd 2ft) from the castle main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is not level access to the female and male toilets.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle with wall mounted grab rails is available.
    • Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are moderate to good.

Level Change (Toilet Block)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp or slope is located to the left as you face the entrance.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • Comments View
    • The slope has a surface of loose chippings and wheelchair users may need assistance.

Additional Info

  • Staff do not receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • An assistance dog toilet area can be provided onsite.
  • The assistance dog toilet area is located to the rear of venue near the car park.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.