You are on Overview. Skip to the next section.

Overview

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• About View
  • Underground boat trips along the canals and caverns, and exhibitions showcasing limestone mines and 428 million years of history.
  • Facilities available in the venue include: boat trips, accessible boat trips, bespoke boat trips, venue hire, exhibitions, educational visits and tours, a café and an outdoor seating area.
  • View information on opening times.
• Parking and Public Transport View
  • The venue has its own car park, with Blue Badge parking available.
  • The nearest train station is Tipton.
  • The nearest bus station is Dudley.
  • For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Google Maps (opens new tab).
• Getting In and Around View
  • There is step-free level access at the most accessible entrance.
  • The most accessible entrance is also the main entrance.
  • There is 1 other entrance.
  • There is step-free access via slope at the other entrance.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
  • The following areas have step-free access via slopes or ramps: the towpath, access to the venue from the Black Country Museum, and access to the accessible boat.
  • There are automatic doors along circulation routes.
  • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces.
  • The ground floor and lower ground floor can be accessed via a platform lift.
• Getting Help and Assistance View
  • Seating is available.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Additional equipment which can be borrowed or hired includes: ear defenders.
  • There is a designated safe space which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • The designated safe space is located in certain areas of the venue, by prior request (a pop-up sensory tent).

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

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• Car Park View
  • The car park is located at the front of the venue.
  • The car park is open air/surface.
  • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
  • There are 3 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
  • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
  • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 220cm (width) x 600cm (depth).
  • There is a marked zone to both sides and rear.
  • The width of the marked zone is 110cm.
  • The nearest designated bay is 15m from the main entrance.
  • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access.
  • This route has bollards.
• Charges and Restrictions View
  • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders but not all users.
  • There is an honesty donation box for parking payments, located to the left hand side of the main entrance. The honesty box is 115cm from the ground.
• Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
  • There are no electric vehicle charging points designated for Blue Badge holders.
  • There are 2 electric vehicle charging points.
  • The dimensions of the surveyed electric vehicle charging bay are 300cm (width) x 600cm (depth).
  • The controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The nozzle holster is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Payment can be made via an app.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

You are on Toilet and Changing Facilities. Skip to the next section.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • There are 3 toilets with adaptations.
  • The toilets with adaptations are located on the ground floor and lower ground floor.
  • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
  • Ambulant toilet facilities are located within the standard toilets on the ground floor and lower ground floor.
  • Female and male step-free standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor and lower ground floor.
  • Gender neutral step-free standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor.
• Changing Facilities View
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the toilets with adaptations on the ground floor and lower ground floor.

You are on Main Entrance. Skip to the next section.

Main Entrance

• This entrance is located at the front of the building.
• The approach to the entrance has bollards.
• The entrance area is clearly signed.
• There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
• There is step-free level access at the entrance.
• There are double automatic doors.
• The doors open by sliding.
• The width of the opening is 156cm.
• The doors have a low colour contrast.

You are on Getting Around. Skip to the next section.

Getting Around

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• Access View
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of walkways.
  • The following areas have step-free access via slopes or ramps: the towpath, access to the venue from the Black Country Museum, and access to the accessible boat.
• Circulation View
  • There are automatic doors along circulation routes.
  • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high along circulation routes.
  • There is background noise in some areas of the venue.
  • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
  • Seating available in the walkways includes: chairs without armrests and benches.

You are on Exhibition Space. Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space

• The area is indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• The flooring is shiny and patterned.
• The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
• There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
• Display information includes: pictorial and information boards.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches.
• Furniture available in this area includes: coffee tables.

You are on The Legger Suite. Skip to the next section.

The Legger Suite

• The room is located to the right hand side, from the main entrance.
• The distance from the main entrance is 6m.
• The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access.
• There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
• There is written text signage on or near the door.
• There is step-free level access into the room.
• There are double manual doors.
• The doors open towards you.
• The doors require effort to open.
• The width of the opening is 160cm.
• The doors have a high colour contrast.
• There is step-free level access throughout.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
• The flooring is patterned.
• The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
• Seating available in this room includes: chairs without armrests.
• Furniture available in this room includes: tables.
• The surface height of the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
• The clear height under the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Additional facilities/services include: a flashing fire alarm.
• There is background noise in this room which varies depending on the function/event.
• Announcements are in person.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
• Lighting levels are adjustable.
• The height of the bar/counter is 112cm.

You are on The Loft. Skip to the next section.

The Loft

• The room is located through the double doors on the far right hand side, from the main entrance.
• The distance from the main entrance is 18m.
• The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access.
• There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
• There is no signage on or near the door.
• There is step-free level access into the room.
• There are double manual doors.
• The doors open towards you.
• The doors require effort to open.
• The width of the opening is 165cm.
• The doors have a medium colour contrast.
• There is step-free level access throughout.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
• Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
• The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
• Seating available in this room includes: chairs without armrests and sofas.
• Furniture available in this room includes: tables.
• The surface height of the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
• The clear height under the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Additional facilities/services include: a flashing fire alarm.
• There is background noise in this room which varies depending on the function/event.
• Announcements are in person.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
• Lighting levels are adjustable.
• The height of the buffet counter is 93cm.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

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• Location View
  • The toilet surveyed is located through the double doors on the far right hand side, from the main entrance.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 26m.
• Route View
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
  • There is a manual door along the most accessible route.
• Access View
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a high colour contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 83cm.
  • The door has a twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high colour contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 150cm (width) x 231cm (depth).
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet.
  • The lateral transfer space is 82cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a spatula flush for the toilet.
  • The flush is on the transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a high colour contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a high colour contrast.
  • There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown grab rail has a high colour contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 50cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a high colour contrast.
  • The toilet has a padded backrest.
  • The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a high colour contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 82cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • The wash basin and tap can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 73cm from the floor.
  • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a high colour contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a high colour contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 82cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a medium colour contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 102cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a full length mirror.
  • There is a shelf, however there is an obstruction in front of it.
  • The shelf does not meet the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
  • The cubicle has a waste bin, a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There is one coat hook.
  • The coat hook is 105cm from the floor.
  • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 92cm.
  • The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

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

Access to the Towpath

• The towpath is located at the end of the pathway to the right hand side of the main entrance.
• The most accessible route has step-free access via a slope.
• The slope has a slight gradient.
• There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
• This route has uneven surfaces.

You are on The Towpath. Skip to the next section.

The Towpath

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• About View
  • The following is available in this area: walkways.
• Getting Around View
  • There are surfaced footpaths throughout.
  • Surfaced footpaths consist of: block paving.
  • The majority of the surfaced footpaths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
  • There is wayfinding signage in this area.
  • There are not any seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
  • There is not step-free level access throughout.
  • There are steep and slight ramps and slopes along the routes in this area.

You are on Platform Lift. Skip to the next section.

Platform Lift

• The lift surveyed is located immediately ahead and to the left, as you enter the venue.
• The distance from the entrance is 18m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
• There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
• This lift is an enclosed platform lift.

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• Enclosed Platform Lift View
  • The ground floor and lower ground floor can be accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a medium colour contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The control buttons have a high colour contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 98cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 104cm (width) x 149cm (depth).
  • The control buttons have a low colour contrast.
  • None of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The button needs to be pressed constantly when in use.
  • The lift is slow moving.
  • The lift has a seat.
  • The lift seat is 47cm from the floor.
  • Internally the lift has: an audible announcer.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Stairs. Skip to the next section.

Stairs

• The stairs are located to the right hand side of the lift.
• The ground floor and lower ground floor can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The steps are clearly marked.
• The height of the steps is not between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 19cm.
• The depth of the steps is not between 30cm-45cm.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• The steps on the spiral staircase are narrower towards the centre of the staircase.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Lower Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Lower Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

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• Location View
  • The toilet surveyed is located to the left hand side of the payment counter in the café.
  • The distance from the lift is 10m.
• Route View
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has a platform lift.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
• Access View
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a high colour contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 79cm.
  • The door has a twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high colour contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 155cm (width) x 204cm (depth).
  • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet.
  • The lateral transfer space is 87cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a spatula flush for the toilet.
  • The flush is on the transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a low colour contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a high colour contrast.
  • There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown grab rail has a medium colour contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 50cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a high colour contrast.
  • The toilet has a padded backrest.
  • The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a low colour contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 94cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • The wash basin and tap can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 76cm from the floor.
  • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a high colour contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a high colour contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 111cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a high colour contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 84cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is no mirror.
  • There is a shelf, however there is an obstruction in front of it.
  • The shelf does not meet the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
  • The cubicle has a waste bin, a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There are multiple coat hooks.
  • The coat hooks are 105cm and 140cm from the floor.
  • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 90cm.
  • The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

You are on Ticket Desk/Shop. Skip to the next section.

Ticket Desk/Shop

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• Shop View
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • The majority of main aisle widths are under 120cm.
  • Product displays/containers that may be more difficult for some to reach or open include: low shelving and high shelving.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • There may be background noise.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
• Payment Counters and Checkouts View
  • The payment counter is located at the far end of the shop.
  • Signage is not provided for the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 115cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • The payment machine is portable.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.

You are on The Biffa Gallery. Skip to the next section.

The Biffa Gallery

• The room is located on the lower ground floor, to the left hand side of the café counter.
• The distance from the café counter is 10m.
• The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access.
• There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
• There is no signage on or near the door.
• There is step-free level access into the room.
• There is an opening without doors.
• The width of the opening is 135cm.
• There is step-free level access throughout.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
• Some flooring is shiny.
• The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
• Seating available in this room includes: chairs without armrests and benches.
• Furniture available in this room includes: tables.
• The surface height of the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
• The clear height under the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Additional facilities/services include: a play area.
• There may be background noise in this room.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.

You are on Café. Skip to the next section.

Café

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• Location and Access View
  • The café is located on the lower ground floor, immediately in front of the lift.
  • The most accessible route has a platform lift.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • There is open plan access.
  • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
• Order and Payment View
  • The service counter was surveyed.
  • The counter is located to the right hand side, as you enter the cafe area.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 94cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • The payment machine is portable.
• Service View
  • This area also has staff who can provide assistance with ordering.
  • Full table service is available on request only.
  • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free, lactose free, nut allergy, vegetarian and vegan.
  • The following are available: drinking straws, takeaway cups and takeaway cutlery.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating Area View
  • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
  • There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
  • The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There may be background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.

You are on Outdoor Seating Area. Skip to the next section.

Outdoor Seating Area

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• Location and Access View
  • The outdoor seating area is located on the lower ground floor, through the automatic doors near the café counter.
  • The most accessible route has a platform lift.
  • There is an automatic door along the most accessible route.
  • This route has uneven surfaces.
  • There is step-free level access to this area.
• Seating Area View
  • The seating area is uncovered.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and benches.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
  • The surface height of some of the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under the tables/desks is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There may be background noise in this area.

You are on Access to Dudley Canal and Caverns from the Black Country Museum. Skip to the next section.

Access to Dudley Canal and Caverns from the Black Country Museum

• The most accessible route has step-free access via a slope.
• The slope has a steep gradient.
• There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
• This route has uneven surfaces.

You are on Children's Play Area. Skip to the next section.

Children's Play Area

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• About View
  • The following is available in this area: a playground.
• Getting Around View
  • There are surfaced footpaths throughout.
  • Surfaced footpaths consist of: block paving.
  • The majority of the surfaced footpaths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
  • Some footpaths have sections with potential obstacles such as: uneven surfaces.
  • There are seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.

You are on Accessible Boat Trip (George). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Boat Trip (George)

• Regular guided boat trips run throughout the day and navigate through underground tunnels and caverns, with light shows, a screen show, sound effects and expert knowledge from the skipper.
• "George" is the accessible boat, with a platform that can be raised for level access.
• The width of the access to the boat is 185cm.
• The width of the ramp to access the platform is 85cm.
• The platform can accommodate one mobility scooter or two manual wheelchairs at a time
• There are alternative steep steps to access the boat, which are 62cm wide, 23cm high and 30cm deep.
• The boat trip includes the following effects: narrow tunnels with low ceilings, darkness, sudden flashing lights, sudden loud noises, and dripping water throughout the tour.
• Please discuss the effects of the tour with a member of staff, before alighting the boat.