You are on Overview. Skip to the next section.

Overview

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• About View
  • Sandwell Valley Country Park covers over 1800 acres of countryside and offers a visitor centre with exhibitions and a walled garden.
  • Facilities available in the venue include: exhibition, walled garden, cafe, courtyard, tea gardens and 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.
  • There is a drop-off point.
  • The nearest train station is Sandwell and Dudley.
  • The nearest Metro station is The Hawthorns.
  • 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 access via a slight ramp at the most accessible entrance.
  • The most accessible entrance is the ramped entrance, next to the main entrance.
  • There is step-free level access at the main entrance.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
  • The following areas have stepped access: the lower section of the cafe and the Study Centre on the first floor.
  • The following areas have step-free access via slopes: the courtyard, some areas of the walled garden and some areas of the tea room gardens.
  • There are manual doors along circulation routes.
  • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces and narrow walkways.
  • The ground floor and first floor (Study Centre) can be accessed via a platform lift.
• Getting Help and Assistance View
  • Seating is available.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
  • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

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• Car Park View
  • The car park is located in front of the Visitor Centre.
  • The car park is open air/surface.
  • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
  • There are 7 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
  • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
  • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 250cm (width) x 450cm (depth).
  • There is a marked zone to both sides and rear.
  • The width of the marked zone is 110cm.
  • The nearest designated bay is 40m from the accessible entrance.
  • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has steep slopes.
  • This route has uneven surfaces.
  • There is a dropped kerb with tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
• Charges and Restrictions View
  • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders but not all users.
• 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 2 toilets with adaptations.
  • The toilets with adaptations are located to the far right hand side of The Courtyard and on the first floor, next to the Study Centre.
  • All toilets with adaptations have a left hand transfer space.
  • Female and male step-free standard toilet facilities are located to the far right hand side of The Courtyard and on the first floor, next to the Study Centre.
• Changing Facilities View
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the toilet with adaptations to the far right hand side of the Courtyard.

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 areas.
  • The following areas have stepped access: the lower section of the cafe and the first floor (Study Centre).
  • The following areas have step-free access via slopes: most of The Courtyard and some areas of The Walled Garden.
• Circulation View
  • There are manual doors along circulation routes.
  • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces and narrow walkways.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high along circulation routes.
  • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
  • There is background noise which varies depending on the time of day.
  • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
  • Seating available in the walkways includes: benches.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

You are on Access from the Car Park to the Visitor Centre. Skip to the next section.

Access from the Car Park to the Visitor Centre

• Access to the Visitor Centre is located at the far right hand side of the car park, beyond the Blue Badge bays.
• 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 Main Entrance (for Reception and Shop). Skip to the next section.

Main Entrance (for Reception and Shop)

• This entrance is located at the front of the Visitor Centre.
• The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces.
• The entrance area is not clearly signed.
• There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
• There is step-free access via a slope at the entrance.
• The slope has a steep gradient.
• There are double manual doors.
• The doors open away from you.
• The doors require effort to open.
• One of the doors was locked at the time of the survey.
• The locked door can be opened on request.
• The width of the opening is 106cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The doors have a low colour contrast.

You are on Reception and Shop. Skip to the next section.

Reception and Shop

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• Access to the Shop View
  • The shop is located in the reception area.
  • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • There is step-free level access into the shop.
• Shop View
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • The majority of main aisle widths are over 180cm.
  • Product displays/containers that may be more difficult for some to reach or open include: low shelving and high shelving.
  • The flooring is patterned.
  • There is background noise which varies depending on the time of day.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
• Payment Counters and Checkouts View
  • The payment counter is located to the left hand side, when entering via the main entrance.
  • Signage is not provided for the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 90cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • The counter has windows and 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 even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

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

Accessible Entrance

• This entrance is located beyond the main entrance, then down the ramp.
• The entrance area is not clearly signed.
• There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
• There is step-free access via ramp at the entrance.
• The ramp has a slight gradient.
• The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide.
• There are no handrails for the ramp.
• There is a single manual door.
• The door opens away from you.
• The door is easy to open.
• The width of the opening is 107cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The door has a medium colour contrast.

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

The Barn

• The room is located straight ahead, from the accessible entrance.
• The distance from the accessible entrance is 10m.
• The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access.
• Doors are held 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 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 shiny and patterned.
• The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
• Seating available in this room includes: chairs without armrests.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• There is background noise in this room which varies depending on the function/event.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
• Lighting levels are adjustable.
• The Barn is used as a wedding venue/room for hire. The layout of tables and chairs differs, depending on the event.

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

Access to the Courtyard

• The Courtyard is located to the left hand side, if entering the building via the accessible entrance.
• The most accessible route has step-free level access.
• There is a manual door along the most accessible route.
• This route has uneven surfaces.

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

The Courtyard

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• About View
  • The following is available in this area: grounds.
  • Additional facilities in this area include: a courtyard, outdoor seating and undercover seating, access to the tea rooms, access to the toilets, animal pens.
• 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 are seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
  • The following areas have step-free access via slopes: some areas of The Courtyard.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (The Courtyard - Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (The Courtyard - Left Hand Transfer)

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• Location View
  • The toilet surveyed is located to the far right hand side of The Courtyard.
  • The distance from the accessible entrance is 40m.
• Route View
  • There are manual doors along the most accessible route.
  • This route has uneven surfaces.
• Access View
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a medium colour contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 98cm.
  • 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 200cm (width) x 182cm (depth).
  • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet.
  • The lateral transfer space is 111cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a push button flush for the toilet.
  • The flush is on the non-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 low colour contrast.
  • There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown grab rail has a low colour contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a high colour contrast.
  • 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 90cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has lever taps.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 75cm from the floor.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the left side of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rail has a low colour contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a medium colour contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 105cm from the floor.
  • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The towel dispenser has a high colour contrast.
  • The towel dispenser is 113cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hand dryer.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There is one coat hook.
  • The coat hook is 145cm from the floor.
  • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 94cm.
  • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Tea Rooms. Skip to the next section.

Tea Rooms

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• Location and Access View
  • The Tea Rooms are located to the far left hand side of the The Courtyard.
  • There is a manual door along the most accessible route.
  • This route has uneven surfaces and narrow walkways.
  • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • There is a single manual door.
  • The door opens away from you.
  • The door requires effort to open.
  • The width of the opening is 79cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The door has a medium colour contrast.
  • There is a second, single manual door.
  • The door opens away from you.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 76cm.
  • The door has a high colour contrast.
  • 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 far right, as you enter the cafe.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 87cm.
  • 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
  • Full table service is available on request only.
  • Menus are wall-mounted (digital) and handheld.
  • 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
  • The seating area is both inside and outside.
  • The outdoor seating area is covered.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of 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.
  • The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
  • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
  • 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 even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

You are on Tea Rooms Garden. Skip to the next section.

Tea Rooms Garden

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• Location and Access View
  • The seating area is located at the rear of the Tea Rooms.
  • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
  • There is a manual 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 partially covered.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of the seating area.
  • There is stepped access to the counter in the Tea Rooms, from the Tea Rooms garden.
  • 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 with armrests and benches.
  • Furniture available in this area 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 may be background noise in this area.

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

The Exhibitions

• The area is both indoors and outdoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• The flooring is patterned.
• The walls and floor have a low colour contrast.
• The following may be experienced here: sudden loud noises.
• There may be background noise in this area.
• Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
• Display information includes: pictorial and televisions/screens.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
• Furniture available in this area includes: coffee tables.

You are on The Walled Garden. Skip to the next section.

The Walled Garden

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• About View
  • The following is available in this area: formal gardens and grounds.
• Getting Around View
  • There are surfaced footpaths throughout.
  • Surfaced footpaths consist of: bonded gravel.
  • 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 Platform Lift. Skip to the next section.

Platform Lift

• The lift surveyed is located to the right hand side of the cafe.
• The distance from the cafe is 2m.
• 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 first floor can be accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a low colour contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The weight limit for the lift is 400kg.
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile and Braille markings.
  • 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 98cm (width) x 150cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile and Braille markings.
  • The control buttons have a high colour contrast.
  • All 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.
  • Internally the lift has: a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • The key to operate the lift needs to be requested from the cafe counter.

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 first 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, with unshaded light sources.

You are on Meeting Room (Study Centre) - First Floor. Skip to the next section.

Meeting Room (Study Centre) - First Floor

• The room is located on the first floor, to the left hand side from the lift.
• The distance from the lift is 8m.
• 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 is a single manual door.
• The door opens away from you.
• The door is easy to open.
• The width of the opening is 97cm.
• The door has 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.
• Some flooring is shiny and 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.
• 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.

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

Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

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• Location View
  • The toilet surveyed is located on the first floor, near the Meeting Room.
  • The distance from the lift is 6m.
• Route View
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
  • 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 86cm.
  • The door has a locking handle.
  • 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 201cm (width) x 149cm (depth).
  • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
  • The lateral transfer space is 88cm (from the side of the toilet pan to the wall).
  • There is a lever 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 low colour contrast.
  • There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown grab rail has a low colour contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 48cm 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 74cm 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 can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a high colour contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 90cm from the floor.
  • There are paper towels for drying hands.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a high colour contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 90cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a full length mirror.
  • There is an unobstructed shelf.
  • The shelf does not meet the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
  • The cubicle has a sanitary bin and a pedal bin.
  • There is one coat hook.
  • The coat hook is 115cm from the floor.
  • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.