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Best Mate Enclosure - Desert Orchid and Dawn Run Stand

Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 4SH

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Access Guide

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Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • Cheltenham Racecourse is located on the outskirts of Cheltenham, off Evesham Road.
      There are a number of different routes to the racecourse, the route will vary depending on the car park or drop-off point you are using.
      For more information on routes to the racecourse please click here (opens new tab)
    • There are 6 parking areas available on racedays; Red Car Park North, Red Car Park South, Green Car Park North, Green Car Park West, Blue Car Park, Yellow Car Park.
      The parking scheme is colour coded, so that your parking zone will match your label and preferred route. Hospitality guests should follow the colour of the car parking pass provided
      There are 2 coach parks located in the Red Car Parks North and South.
  • By Bus View
    • There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the venue.
    • There is a dedicated bus service from the South Car Park into town and the station for The November Meeting and The Festival. For all other meetings bus stops can be found just along Evesham Road from the main roundabout.
      Stagecoach service D and E runs every 6/7 minutes during the day and between 10 minutes and every hour on Monday to Saturday evenings. The service runs hourly on Sundays.
    • For more information on Stagecoach Buses please click here (opens new tab).
  • By Train View
    • The nearest Railway Station is Cheltenham Spa.
    • Trains from London to Cheltenham Spa generally run hourly and take about two hours. Trains from Birmingham generally run every half an hour and take about 35 minutes. From Bristol, trains leave every hour and take about 35 minutes. It is a 10 minute taxi ride from the station.
    • For more information on National Rail please click here (opens new tab).

Getting Help and Assistance

  • For racecourse maps please click here (new tab).
  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
  • There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
  • There is an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • Electric scooters and manual wheelchairs are provided through the Event Mobility Charitable Trust.
  • Cheltenham Radio broadcasts only at The Festival Previews, features, interviews, competitions, reviews and live commentaries all combine to give you the best of the Cheltenham atmosphere, with the latest news and views.
    You can listen live on 87.7FM within 5 miles of the course, through the online web player or via a Cheltenham Radio earpiece.
    The Cheltenham Radio earpiece is available to purchase from racecard kiosks around the racecourse for £5 on the day of racing.

Raceday Parking and Drop-Off

Access Point (Best Mate Enclosure)

  • Access Point View
    • This information is for the access point located at the front of the enclosure.
    • The access point is clearly signed.
    • There is step free access to the access point.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the access point opening is 320cm.
    • On racedays there is a steward available for assistance.
  • Comments View
    • There is a medium height ticket enquires counter located either side of this access point. This counter does not have a hearing assistance system fitted.

Best Mate Enclosure - Steppings

  • The steppings are located at the front of the Desert Orchid and Dawn Run Stand
  • The steppings can be accessed from the trackside area and the rear of the Desert Orchid and Dawn Run bars.
  • There are 1-15+ medium height steps from the front of the steppings to the rear.
  • There are stanchions located in places along the steppings.
  • The steps pathway is clearly marked.

Outside Access (Desert Orchid and Dawn Run Bar)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located in the centre of the Desert Orchid and Dawn Run Stand.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is step free access at this entrance, via lift.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 160cm.
    • There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are for public use.
    • The stairs are located ahead as you enter.
    • The stairs are approximately 2m from the Desert Orchid and Dawn Run Bar entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to enter and exit the stairwell on the first floor.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G and 1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The going of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail 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 extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.
  • Comments View
    • There are two similar sets of stairs at either end of the stand.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right as you enter.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G and 1.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is poor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 140cm x 160cm (4ft 7in x 5ft 3in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.

Eating and Drinking (Desert Orchid Bar)

  • The following information is for the bar.
  • The bar is located on the first floor of the stand.
  • There is step-free access, via lift, to the bar.
  • There is a/are double, heavy manual door(s) to access this area.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food and/or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food and/or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • The height of the service counter is high (110cm+) .
  • There is a lowered section of the counter.
  • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system .
  • There is step-free access within the bar.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • This area does not play background music.
  • The type of flooring in this area is carpet.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests on both sides.
  • The nearest table is approximately 2m from the entrance/opening.
  • The nearest table is approximately 2m from the till/counter.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 70cm.
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 107cm.
  • Plastic/takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic/takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Children are welcomed in the bar area.
  • There are wall menus available.
  • The lighting levels are good.

Counter (Betting Counter - Desert Orchid Bar)

  • Counter View
    • The counter is located either side of the bar.
    • The counter is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the counter.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the counter.
    • There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the counter which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The counter is placed in front of a plain background.
    • The lighting levels at the counter are good.
    • There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a lowered section of the counter.
    • The lowered section of the counter is at the recommended height of 76cm.
    • There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
    • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the lowered section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the counter.
  • Comments View
    • There are two betting counters located within the Desert Orchid Bar.
    • The counter to the right of the bar has a lowered section (as detailed above).
    • The counter to the left of the bar does not have a lowered section.

Eating and Drinking (Dawn Run Bar)

  • The following information is for the bar.
  • The bar is located on the first floor of the stand.
  • There is step-free access, via lift, to the bar.
  • There is a/are double, heavy manual door(s) to access this area.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food and/or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food and/or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • The height of the service counter is high (110cm+) .
  • There is a lowered section of the counter.
  • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system .
  • There is step-free access within the bar.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • The type of flooring in this area is carpet.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests on both sides.
  • The nearest table is approximately 2m from the entrance/opening.
  • The nearest table is approximately 2m from the till/counter.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 70cm.
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 107cm.
  • Plastic/takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic/takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Children are welcomed in the bar area.
  • The lighting levels are good.

Counter (Betting Counter - Dawn Run Bar)

  • Counter View
    • The counter is located either side of the bar.
    • The counter is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the counter.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the counter.
    • There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the counter which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The counter is placed in front of a plain background.
    • The lighting levels at the counter are good.
    • There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a lowered section of the counter.
    • The lowered section of the counter is at the recommended height of 76cm.
    • There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
    • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the lowered section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the counter.
  • Comments View
    • There are two betting counters located within the Dawn Run Bar.
    • The counter to the left of the bar has a lowered section (as detailed above).
    • The counter to the right of the bar does not have a lowered section.

Designated Seating Area(s) (Best Mate Enclosure - Steppings)

  • There is step free access to the designated seating area, via lift.
  • The designated seating area(s) is/are clearly signed.
  • The view from the seating area is good.
  • Companions sit next to the patron and behind the patron.
  • There is sufficient space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • There is a dedicated steward to provide assistance.
  • There is an accessible toilet close to the seating area.
  • Access to the designated seating area is via the Desert Orchid and Dawn Run bars.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Desert Orchid and Dawn Run Bars)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • The accessible toilet surveyed is for the sole use of disabled people.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the first floor between the Desert Orchid and Dawn Run bars.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet, via lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from either bar or a steward.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 155cm x 220cm (5ft 1in x 7ft 3in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The toilet has a non slip floor.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 85cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are non-infectious waste and female sanitary disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • 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).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 105cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are not available.
  • The nearest standard toilet(s) is/are located on the outside of the stand.

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