You are on Getting To and Around Clare College (Old Court). Skip to the next section.

Getting To and Around Clare College (Old Court)

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• Arriving By Car or Bike View
  • Clare College has 3 sites; Memorial Court, Old Court and Castle Court. Old Court is located in central Cambridge, at the end of Trinity Lane. Much of the city centre is pedestrianised and vehicular access is restricted. There are various Park and Ride schemes for people who would prefer to not drive into central Cambridge.
  • There is no on-site parking at Old Court but there is limited parking at Memorial Court and Castle Court. This is with prior permission only. Students are generally not permitted to use cars in the immediate locality unless given permission based on specific requirements.
  • Cycling is a popular form of transport in Cambridge. The city is relatively flat and there is an extensive network of cycle routes. There is provision for bicycle storage at Clare College.
  • For more information on directions to Clare College please click here (opens new tab).
  • For more information on cycle routes and maps in Cambridge please click here (opens new tab).
• By Bus View
  • There is not a bus stop within 150 metres of the campus.
  • There are no bus stops in the immediate vicinity of Old Court. The bus station in Drummer Street is situated 900 metres away from Old Court. There are frequent services between London's Victoria Coach Station and Drummer Street Bus Station in Cambridge.
  • Cambridge City Centre Bus Station AccessAble Access Guide (new tab) - click here.
  • For more information on planning a bus journey in Cambridge please click here (opens new tab).
• By Train View
  • The nearest Railway Station is Cambridge.
  • Cambridge Station is approximately 2.3 kilometres away from Old Court. The station has direct links to London Kings Cross, London Liverpool Street, Cambridge North, Kings Lynn, Stansted Airport, Brighton, Ipswich and Norwich. The rail companies that operate out of this station are; Cross Country, Great Northern, Thameslink and Greater Anglia.
  • For more information on Cambridge Station please click here (opens new tab).
  • For more information on planning a train journey to Cambridge please click here (opens new tab).
  • Cambridge Station AccessAble Access Guide (new tab) - click here.
• Accessing the College Site View
  • At the time of the survey there were construction works being carried out at the Old Court site. The Fellows Garden was closed due to this and access around the site was restricted.
  • The main pedestrian entrance to the Old Court site is located in Trinity Lane (Photograph 1). Access is via a single manual gate that opens away from you (push). The opening width of the gate is 112cm although it can be opened up fully to make it even wider. After the gate there is a level flagstone paved path which leads to the Porters’ Lodge (Photograph 2). Before you reach the Porters’ Lodge there is another manual gateway which has temporary ramps over the threshold step to stop people tripping (Photograph 3). The width of the gate opening is 60cm but porters' will open it up fully thereby removing the threshold step. When fully opened the width is 132cm. There is an intercom system to contact the porters' at a height of 120cm. After the second gate the entrance to the Porters’ Lodge is located immediately to the left. In order to continue straight ahead into Old Court there is another gate in the passage (Photograph 4). This gate is automatic and is activated by key card or remotely by the porters'. The width of the gateway opening is 170cm and the height of the card reader is 107cm.
  • There is also pedestrian access to Old Court, for key card holders, from the rear of the site in Queen’s Road, opposite the Memorial Court site (Photograph 5). Access is via a heavy manual gate that opens away from you (push). The width of the gate opening is 110cm and the height of the card reader is 132cm. There is also an intercom system at a height of 151cm. The paths leading to this entrance are uneven or sloped in places. The rear entrance gives access to The Avenue walkway (Photograph 6) from where the Fellows Garden can normally be accessed (it was closed for construction works at the time of the survey).
• Getting Around the College Site View
  • Old Court itself has level paths running around the edges and through the centre (Photographs 7 and 8). The paths have a flagstone paving surface and are quite wide (120cm – 150cm). The footpaths are slightly uneven in places. At the time of the survey there was a marquee on the grass on the left hand side as you enter from the Porters' Lodge passageway. There were several wooden ramps for access to and around the marquee which had a slight upwards gradient (Photograph 9). The central path was narrowed to 100cm by the positioning of the marquee and there was an electric cable cover over the path (Photograph 10).
  • At the rear of Old Court there is a passageway leading out to the gardens and the River Cam. In the passageway there is an open gate with a width of 118cm (Photograph 11). The gate does have a card reader for times when it is closed. The height of the card reader is 133cm. There is then a straight path, with a flagstone paving surface, leading to a footbridge over the River Cam (Photograph 12). The footbridge has steep upwards then downwards gradients over it (Photographs 13 and 14).
  • After the footbridge there is another open gateway (Photograph 15). The width of this gateway is 100cm and there are short steep ramps leading up to and down (Photograph 16) from the threshold. Alternatively, there are additional open gateways to either side with a step over the threshold. Beyond this gateway is The Avenue walkway which is level and runs past the Fellows Garden to the entrance at the rear of the site, in Queen’s Road, opposite the Memorial Court site.
• Additional College Site Information View
  • The entrance to Scholars' Garden is located on the Old Court side of the footbridge over the river. Access is via an open gateway (Photograph 17) with 4 unmarked steps. The steps have a handrail on the left (Photograph 18). Once inside the garden there are 2 gravel paths (Photographs 19 and 20) with 3 steps at the intersection (Photograph 21).
  • Many of the buildings at Old Court have stepped access into and around them. Due to the age of the buildings the staircases do vary in materials and layout.
  • There is not much directional signage around the site which means those unfamiliar with the layout might need an escort or a map to reference.
• AccessAble Related Links View
  • Clare College - Memorial Court AccessAble Access Guide (new tab) - click here.
  • Clare College - Castle Court AccessAble Access Guide (new tab) - click here.

You are on Useful Information. Skip to the next section.

Useful Information

• To see more information on Clare College Disability Access Guide please click here (opens new tab).
• Telephone Number: 01223 333 246.
• To see more information on University of Cambridge Disability Resource Centre please click here (opens new tab).
• Telephone Number: 01223 332 301.
• Email: [email protected].
• To see more information on Accommodation please click here (opens new tab).
• Telephone Number: 01223 333 256.
• Email: [email protected].
• To see more information on Prospective Students and Admissions please click here (opens new tab).
• To see more information on Support and Welfare please click here (opens new tab).

You are on Building Parking. Skip to the next section.

Building Parking

• The building does not have its own dedicated parking.

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• Public Car Parks View
  • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
• Drop Off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop off point.

You are on Getting To (The JCR). Skip to the next section.

Getting To (The JCR)

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• Location View
  • The JCR is located on the lower ground floor of A Staircase, off Old Court.
  • There is stepped access to the JCR from the A Staircase Entrance.
  • There is a ramped access from the Buttery into the JCR.
    The Buttery has level access via lift.
  • There is not wayfinding signage along the route to the JCR.
  • Clare College - Old Court link (new tab) - click here.
  • Buttery link (new tab) - click here.

You are on Outside Access (H Staircase). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (H Staircase)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building off Old Court.
  • This entrance gives access to the Great Hall, Small Hall, SCR, Cafe and the Buttery.
  • The entrance area/door is not 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.
  • There is not a bell/buzzer.
  • There is not an intercom.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
  • There is a push pad/button to enter the main automatic doors.
  • The entry push pad or push button is 110cm from floor level.
  • The exit push pad or push button is 105cm from floor level.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the door opening is 127cm.
• Step(s) View
  • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
  • There is/are 6 step(s).
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are 16cm.
  • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the step(s).
  • 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.
• Lift View
  • There is a lift to access this entrance.
  • The lift does bypass the step(s).

You are on Lift (H Staircase Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Lift (H Staircase Entrance)

• The lift is located to the right as you face the entrance.
• The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
• The lift is a platform lift.
• A member of staff needs to be notified for use of the lift.
• A member of staff is required to operate the lift.
• The platform lift accesses a small level change.
• The weight limit for the lift is 350kg.
• There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
• The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
• The visual contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is high.
• The visual contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
• The dimensions of the lift are 100cm x 140cm (3ft 3in x 4ft 7in).
• The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
• There is not a hearing loop system.
• The lift does not have Braille markings.
• The lift does not have tactile markings.
• Regular users can receive instruction in how to operate the lift independently and be issued with a fob for use.

You are on Lift (Lower Ground, Ground and First Floors). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Lower Ground, Ground and First Floors)

• The lift is located to the left after you enter.
• The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
• The lift is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the H Staircase 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 LG, G, 1.
• The weight limit for the lift is 630kg.
• There are manual, heavy, single doors to access the lift lobby on the first floor.
• 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 visual contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is high.
• The visual contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
• The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 140cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
• There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is 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 internal 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.
• This lift is for College members.

You are on Other Floors (Lower Ground and Ground Floors). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Lower Ground and Ground Floors)

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• Stairs View
  • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
  • The stairs are located ahead as you enter.
  • The stairs are approximately 10m from the H Staircase entrance.
  • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The floors which are accessible by the stairs are LG, G.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are 18cm.
  • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
  • The depth of the steps is 28cm.
  • 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 not 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 provided on landings.
  • The lighting levels at the steps are good.

You are on Entrance (Buttery). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Buttery)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located to the left as you exit the lift on the lower ground floor.
  • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
  • There is step-free access at this entrance.
  • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • There is not a bell/buzzer.
  • There is not an intercom.
  • The main 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 door opening is 146cm.

You are on Entrance (JCR - Buttery Ramped Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (JCR - Buttery Ramped Entrance)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located off the Buttery.
  • This entrance gives access to the JCR.
  • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
  • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
  • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • 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 door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 102cm.
• Ramp/Slope View
  • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are good.

You are on Outside Access (A Staircase - Old Court). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (A Staircase - Old Court)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located off Old Court.
  • This entrance gives access to the JCR.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
  • This entrance is signed with 'A'.
  • There is stepped access at this entrance.
  • 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.
  • 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 double width.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 140cm.
• Step(s) View
  • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
  • There is/are 1 step(s).
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are 5cm.
  • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

You are on Entrance (JCR - A Staircase Stepped). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (JCR - A Staircase Stepped)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located on the lower ground floor of A Staircase.
  • This entrance gives access to the JCR.
  • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
  • There is stepped access at this entrance.
  • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • There is not a bell/buzzer.
  • There is not an intercom.
  • The main 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 108cm.
• Step(s) View
  • The step(s) is/are located between the Old Court Staircase A entrance and the JCR entrance.
  • There is/are 13 step(s).
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are 16cm.
  • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on the left going up.
  • 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.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.

You are on Eating and Drinking. Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking

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• Service and Menus View
  • There is a bar where drinks can be ordered.
  • Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
  • Menu types include; written wall menus.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • Takeaway cups are not available.
  • Adapted cups are not available.
  • Drinking straws are not available.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system .
• Service Counter(s) View
  • The height of the counter is 105cm.
• Tables and Seating View
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
  • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 73cm.
  • The surface height of the lowest table is 40cm.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests on both sides.
  • There are also sofas and bench seats.
  • The type of flooring in this area is tiles.
  • The lighting levels are good.

You are on Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Bar to Seating Area). Skip to the next section.

Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Bar to Seating Area)

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• Ramped/Sloped Level Change 1 View
  • There is a ramp/slope located between the bar and seating area.
  • The ramp/slope is used to access the seating area.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 122cm (4ft).
  • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are moderate to good.

You are on Step(s) (Stage). Skip to the next section.

Step(s) (Stage)

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• Stepped Level Change 1 View
  • There is a/are step(s) located in the seating area.
  • The step(s) is/are used to access the stage.
  • There is/are 1 step(s).
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are 16cm.
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

You are on Toilet with Adaptations. Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations

• There is not an/are not accessible toilet(s) available.
• The nearest accessible toilet(s) is/are located on the lower ground floor of H Staircase near the lift.

You are on Standard Toilet(s). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s)

• Standard toilet facilities are not available.
• The nearest standard toilet(s) is/are located in the Buttery.