You are on Introduction. Skip to the next section.

Introduction

• Related link Highclere Castle Gift Shop, Courtyard and Tea Rooms.
• Https://www.accessable.co.uk/basingstoke-and-deane-borough-council/access-guides/highclere-castle-gift-shop-courtyard-and-tea-rooms
• Related link Highclere Castle Gardens.
• Https://www.accessable.co.uk/basingstoke-and-deane-borough-council/access-guides/highclere-castle-gardens

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• Comments View
  • Tourist areas within Highclere Castle are arranged over 3 floors.
    .
  • Guest access within the building is via a defined one-way route. The ground floor and first floor form the main tourist route through the building.
    There is step-free access on the ground floor from the main castle entrance. There is stepped access only to the first floor from the ground floor.
    Guest access to the first floor is via a grand staircase ascending-only from the ground floor to the first floor, then a second grand staircase descending-only from the first floor to the ground floor.
    The basement floor houses the exhibition space and tearooms - please refer to the separate access guide in the Introduction section of this guide for more information.
    There is step-free access to the basement floor from the exhibition and tearooms entrance to the side of the building.
    There is step-free access within the building from the basement floor to the ground floor, on a slope with a very easy incline.
    There is alternative descending-only stepped access to the basement floor from the ground floor towards the right of the building.

You are on Opening Times. Skip to the next section.

Opening Times

• Opening times for the venue vary according to bookings/events taking place.
• Please click here for information on opening times.

You are on Location. Skip to the next section.

Location

• There is not a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
• The nearest National Rail station is Newbury.

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

• The venue does have its own car park.

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• 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 cannot 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.

You are on Outside Access (Castle Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Castle Entrance)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • 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) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The width of the door opening is 79cm.
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
  • The width of the door opening is 88cm.
• 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 portable.
  • Please contact a member of staff for use of the portable ramp.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 87cm (2ft 10in).
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
• Step(s) View
  • The step(s) is/are located at the main entrance.
  • There is/are 1 step(s).
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on the left going up.

You are on Reception (Visitor Reception). Skip to the next section.

Reception (Visitor Reception)

• The desk/counter is 100m (109yd 1ft) from the castle entrance.
• There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
• The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
• The desk/counter does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.

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• Comments View
  • There are two reception kiosks.
  • The accessible kiosk is on the left.

You are on Outside Access (Tea Room Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Tea Room Entrance)

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• 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.

You are on Inside Access. Skip to the next section.

Inside Access

• 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 not welcomed in public parts of the venue.
• The lighting levels are good.

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• Comments View
  • Flooring throughout the building is flagstones in the basement level and a mixture of wooden flooring and fitted or loose-fitting carpet and rugs on the ground floor and first floor. The loose-fitting carpets and rugs throughout the ground floor and first floor may present a trip hazard.
    There are wheelchairs available to borrow which need to be booked in advance.
    There are numerous doorways between rooms within the building which are permanently held open. There are attendants in each room who provide a spoken discription of the history and physical details of the room.
    There is seating without armrests available for those remaining on the ground floor during a tour. There is a photograph book on the ground floor showing all the rooms within the building, including those on the first floor.
    Due to security concerns, there are no photographs in this section.

You are on Other Floors (Ground Floor to First Floor). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Ground Floor to First Floor)

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• 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 height (11cm - 17cm).
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The steps have a handrail on the right going up.
  • There is a landing.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
• Other View
  • The area(s)/service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are the first floor.
• Comments View
  • This is the main ascending staircase on the defined building tour route.
    These stairs connect the ground floor and the first floor.
    
  • There is no alternative step-free access between the ground floor and the first floor.
    Due to security concerns, there are no photographs in this section.

You are on Other Floors (First Floor to Ground Floor). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (First Floor to Ground Floor)

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• Steps View
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 1, G.
  • 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 left going up.
  • There is a landing.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
• Other View
  • The area(s)/service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are the first floor.
• Comments View
  • This is the main descending staircase on the defined building tour route.
    Due to security concerns, there are intentionally no photographs in this section.

You are on Other Floors (Ground Floor to Basement). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Ground Floor to Basement)

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• Steps View
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, B.
  • There are 15 steps between floors.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • The steps are deep (18cm+).
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The steps have a handrail on the right going up.
  • There is not a landing.
  • The lighting levels are low to moderate.
• Comments View
  • There is also a handrail on the left hand side going up from the bottom step to the ninth step.
    This is the optional descending staircase from the ground floor to the basement floor, towards the exhibition and tearooms.
    Alternative step-free access is via the exhibition and tearoom entrance to the side of the building.
    Due to security concerns, there are intentionally no photographs in this section.

You are on Level Change (Toilet Block). Skip to the next section.

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.

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• Comments View
  • The slope has a surface of loose chippings and wheelchair users may need assistance.

You are on Accessible Toilet (Right Hand Transfer - Toilet Block Right). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet (Right Hand Transfer - Toilet Block Right)

• Accessible toilet facilities are available.

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• 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.
  • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
  • 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).

You are on Accessible Toilet (Right Hand Transfer - Toilet Block Left). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet (Right Hand Transfer - Toilet Block Left)

• Accessible toilet facilities are available.

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• 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.
  • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
  • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
  • There is a fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (Toilet Block). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Toilet Block)

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• 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.

You are on Additional Info. Skip to the next section.

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.