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Botanic Gardens

The Holmes, Stoke Park Road, Stoke Bishop, Bristol, BS9 1JG

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the grounds include a number of interlinked gardens, large glasshouses and a cafe including terrace seating during the summer months.

Location

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

Opening Times

  • The venue has seasonal opening times.
  • Comments View
    • December until the end of March- Open Monday to Friday
    • April until the end of November- Open seven days a week.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • The car park is located between the gardens and the glasshouses.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
    • There is/are 3 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 380cm x 500cm (12ft 6in x 16ft 5in).
    • The nearest designated bay is 40m (43yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • The furthest designated bay is 50m (54yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • The patron does not have to cross a road.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • One of the bays is 620cm deep.

Outside Access (Glasshouse Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) by sliding.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 140cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located within the gardens leading up to the glasshouse.
    • 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.
  • Comments View
    • There is a gate at the top of the path, which opens to a width of 120cm, is heavy, and has a locking latch.

Outside Access (Tea Rooms Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the front of the garden.
    • There is 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) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 90cm.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located leading up to the entrance from the terrace.
    • There is/are 4 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 17cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.

Outside Access (Tea Rooms Accessible Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the rear of the house.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 92cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located on the pathway leading from the terrace to the rear of the venue.
    • 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.
  • Comments View
    • Visitors need to ring the bell and staff will open the door, which is otherwise locked.

Outside Access (Garden Welcome Centre Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the entrance to the garden.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The door(s) is / are permanently held open.
  • The width of the door opening is 120cm (3ft 11in).
  • Comments View
    • The Garden Welcome Centre is open during the summer months.
    • During the winter months there is no charge to enter the garden, although donations are invited.
    • The main garden gates face the Garden Welcome Centre.

Reception (Garden Welcome Centre)

  • The desk is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Garden Welcome Centre Entrance.
  • There is level access to reception from the entrance.
  • The reception desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are medium.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Parks and Gardens

  • The park or garden does have footpaths.
  • The path(s) has a / have loose wood chippings, tarmac, concrete and gravel surface(s).
  • The majority of the path(s) is / are wide enough for wheelchair users.
  • There are slight, moderate and steep slopes on the paths.
  • There are bench seats situated along the paths for people to rest.

Chinese Herb Garden

  • The Chinese Herb Garden has access via a slope which is located within Evolutionary Dell and links through to the Chinese Herb Garden or steps located beyond the entrance of the Chinese Herb Garden.
  • It is terraced with steps up to a viewing area and down to the centre of the garden. The steps are shallow and have no handrails. There is a gentle slope giving access into the centre of the garden allowing a full view of the planting.

Glasshouses

  • The four glasshouses are linked by sliding doors similar to the entrance. The pathways between the racks are all 120cm wide or more. In the third glasshouse, the tropical house, part of the floor has a grating over a trough which would not be suitable for someone using a walking stick or crutches.

Eating and Drinking

  • The following information is for the café.
  • The café is located in The Holmes building at the centre of the site.
  • 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.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the Ramped Entrance.
  • The standard height for tables is 73cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is not available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are wall only.
  • 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.

Evolutionary Dell

  • The Evolutionary Dell is the only part of the garden with a wood chipping surface. The path has a shallow gradient at one end and a moderately steep gradient at the other. Mobility scooters can negotiate this area without difficulty.

Accessible Toilet

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial, Braille and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 35m (38yd 10in) from the car park.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left through the gate in the car park which leads to the glasshouses.
    • 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 sliding bolt.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 190cm x 210cm (6ft 3in x 6ft 11in).
    • 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • 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 sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • 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 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 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 bright.
  • 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 79cm (2ft 7in).
  • Comments View
    • The accessible toilet is a cubicle within the standard female toilet.
    • The baby change table is on castors and can be used outside the cubicle.

Level Change (Accessible and Standard Female Toilet)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
  • The ramp or slope is located in front of the entrance.
  • The ramp or slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
  • The ramp does not have handrails.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilets are available.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilets are located to the left through the gate in the car park which leads to the glasshouses.
    • The female toilets are 35m (38yd 10in) from the car park.
    • Inside the venue, there is not level access to the female toilet.
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilets are located to the left through the gate in the car park which leads to the glasshouses.
    • The male toilets are 45m (49yd 8in) from the car park.
    • Inside the venue, there is not level access to the male toilet.
    • Lighting levels are bright.

Level Change (Standard Male Toilet)

  • There is a / are step(s) to access this area / service.
  • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
  • There is / are 1 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 shallow.
  • The steps do not have handrails.

Accessible Toilet (East End of Main House - Unisex)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is no signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 48m (52yd 1ft) from the car park.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the rear of the main house and the car park.
    • There is 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 by sliding.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 151cm x 154cm (4ft 11in x 5ft 1in).
    • 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 both sides.
    • The lateral transfer space on the left is 65cm.
    • The lateral transfer space on the right is 60cm.
    • There is no dropdown rail for the toilet.
    • There is no flush.
    • 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 not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • 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 right.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf does not have the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • There is not a mirror.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 57cm (1ft 10in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • 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 not a wash basin.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is fair.
    • There is a medium 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 fair.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • The wash basin is located outside of the toilet (photograph 4).
    • The toilets are Eco toilets.
  • Comments View
    • The wash basin is located outside of the toilet (photograph 4).
    • The toilets are Eco toilets.

Standard Toilet(s) (East End of Main House - Unisex)

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Documents are not available in Braille.
  • Documents can be requested in large print.
  • 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 by arrangement on the day of the visit.
  • Comments View
    • Groups are welcome to visit the garden and alternative languages, including BSL, can be provided by prior arrangement.