Access Guide
Introduction
- Services / facilities within the building include Palm House and The Tropical Ravine.
- Services / facilities within the grounds include gardens, bandstand, rose garden, herbaceous borders, bowling green and hut and Ulster Museum.
- Related link For access information on Ulster Museum.
- Https://www.accessable.co.uk/venues/ulster-museum
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Comments
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- The Palm House opening times :.
- Monday to Friday 10:00- 17:00.
- Saturday to Sunday 13:00 - 17:00.
- Between October and March closing time is 16:00 every day.
Location
- The nearest National Rail station is Botanic Train Station.
Opening Hours
Parking (Blue Badge Only)
- The venue does have its own car park.
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Venue Car Park
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- Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
- The car park is located in front of the Ulster Museum.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot be 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 350cm x 530cm (11ft 6in x 17ft 5in).
- The nearest Blue Badge bay is 90m (98yd 1ft) from the Stranmillis Road entrance.
- The furthest Blue Badge bay is 120m (131yd 8in) from the Stranmillis Road 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 uneven surfaces.
- The car park surface is tarmac and block paving.
- 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.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is not a designated drop off point.
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Comments
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- There is standard unmarked street parking in the streets around the park. However the roads are busy and spaces very limited.
Outside Access (Stranmillis Road Gate Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located on Stranmillis Road.
- 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 permanently held open.
- The width of the door opening is 110cm (3ft 7in).
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Comments
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- There are five other entrances; Botanic Avenue (photographs 3 and 4), Colenso Parade (photographs 5 and 6), Stranmillis Gardens (Bowling Green) (photographs 7 and 8), Queen's Sport Centre (photographs 9 and 10), and Agincourt Avenue (photographs 11 and 12).
- All of these entrances have similar access, some with double gates opening up to 320cm wide.
Parks and Gardens (Botanic Gardens)
- The park or garden does have footpaths.
- The path(s) has a / have tarmac, gravel and muddy surface(s).
- The majority of the path(s) is / are wide enough for wheelchair users.
- There are slight and steep slopes on the paths.
- There are bench seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
Outside Access (The Palm House - Main Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front centre of the building.
- There is stepped access at this entrance.
- The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 120cm.
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Step(s)
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- The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
- There is/are 2 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the step(s) is/are 10cm.
- There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
Outside Access (The Pam House - Accessible Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the left hand end of the building.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
- The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The width of the door opening is 99cm.
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Ramp/Slope
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- The ramp/slope is located on the path to the entrance.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
Inside Access (The Palm House)
- There is 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 varied.
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Comments
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- The Palm House has an aisle which is 80 - 100 cm wide running through it.
- It is uneven in places.
Outside Access (The Tropical Ravine - Main Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the lower side of the building.
- There is step-free access at this entrance.
- The height of the intercom is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The intercom is in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 164cm.
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 202cm.
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Comments
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- This entrance gives access to level -1.
Outside Access (The Tropical Ravine - Upper Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the upper end of the building opposite the museum.
- The height of the intercom is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The intercom is in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 164cm.
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 164cm.
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Ramp/Slope
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- The ramp/slope is located in front of the doors.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
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Comments
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- There are two pairs of glass doors immediately inside giving access to left or right (photographs not shown).
- This entrance gives access to level 0.
Inside Access (The Tropical Ravine)
- There is level access to the service(s).
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system is available only on request.
- The system is a portable loop.
- Staff are trained to use the system.
- This venue does not play background music.
- Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
- The lighting levels are varied.
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Comments
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- There is a touch screen guide in the main entrance lobby. It is 90-110cm high.
- There are guided tours through the Tropical Ravine on Tuesday and Thursday from 14:00 to 15:00 and on Wednesday from 11:00 to 12:00.
Other Floors (The Tropical Ravine)
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Steps
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- The floors which are accessible by stairs are -1, 0.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The steps are 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.
Lift (The Tropical Ravine)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located in the lower entrance lobby.
- The lift is a platform lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are -1, 0.
- The lift is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the tropical ravine main entrance.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 140cm x 140cm (4ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
- 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 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 bright.
Level Change (The Tropical Ravine - External Ramp)
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp/slope is located at the side of the building.
- The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
- The step(s) is/are located inside the building.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
- There is a lift to access this area/service.
- The lift does bypass the step(s).
- The lift does bypass the ramp/slope.
Toilet with Adaptations (The Tropical Ravine)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the tropical ravine - main entrance.
- This accessible toilet is located in the entrance foyer.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a lever twist.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
- The door is heavy.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 210cm x 220cm (6ft 11in x 7ft 3in).
- 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 106cm (3ft 6in).
- 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 an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
- The alarm did not sound when tested.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are general domestic waste disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- 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 a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- The shelf is not higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
- 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 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 wash basin.
- The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- 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 good.
- There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are medium.
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Baby Change Facilities
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- 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 93cm (3ft 1in).
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Comments
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- There is a second hand wash basin for use with the baby change unit.
- It is 74cm high and has a lever mixer tap.
Toilet with Adaptations (Public Toilet Block)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is located in the public toilet block on the outer pathway.
- There is not level access to this 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 door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
- The door is heavy.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 225cm x 226cm (7ft 5in x 7ft 5in).
- 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 on the left is 106cm.
- The lateral transfer space on the right is 79cm.
- 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 not available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- 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 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 45cm (1ft 6in).
- 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 115cm (3ft 9in).
- 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 75cm (2ft 6in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- 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 poor.
- The lighting levels are medium.
Standard Toilet(s) (Public Toilet Block)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
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- 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 in the toilet block on the outer pathway.
- Inside the venue, there is not level access to the female toilet(s).
- Lighting levels are medium.
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Access to Standard Male Toilet(s)
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- The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located in the toilet block on the outer pathway.
- Inside the venue, there is not level access to the male toilet(s).
- Lighting levels are medium.
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Comments
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- The standard toilet block was locked at the time of survey (November 2018).
Level Change (Public Toilet Block)
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp/slope is located in front of the male standard toilet with a similar ramp in front of the accessible toilet.
- The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- The width of the ramp/slope is 121cm (3ft 12in).
- There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
- The step(s) is/are located in front of the female standard toilet.
- There is/are 2 step(s) to the area/service.
- There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
- The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
- The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
- The ramp/slope does not bypass the step(s).
Additional Info
- Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
- A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
- A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.