Access Guide
Overview
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About
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- The venue is an indoor Aquarium attraction with multiple facilities.
- Facilities available in the venue include: Aquarium exhibition, standard and accessible toilets, café, outdoor play areas, remote control boats, mini golf, gift and fishing tackle shop.
- View information on opening times
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Parking and Public Transport
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- The venue has its own car park.
- There is on-street Blue Badge Bay parking and on-street standard parking.
- The nearest parking is located to the side and opposite the venue.
- The nearest train station is Maryport.
- For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Google Maps (opens new tab).
- View information on getting here (opens new tab) .
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Getting In and Around
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- There is step-free access via ramp at the most accessible entrance.
- There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
- The following areas have stepped access: one fish viewing area.
- Access throughout may include doors permanently held open, automatic doors, narrow walkways and narrow aisles.
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Getting Help and Assistance
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- There is seating available.
- There is no hearing assistance system.
- You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair.
- Documents are available in the following formats: different languages.
- There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
- There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
- Additional facilities/services include: Wi-Fi.
Toilet and Changing Facilities
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Toilet Facilities
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- There are 2 toilets with adaptations.
- Toilets with adaptations are located in the foyer and towards the rear of the Aquarium.
- The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
- The male and female step-free toilet facilities are located in the foyer.
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Changing Places and Changing Facilities
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- Parent and baby changing facilities are located in the Toilets with Adaptations in the foyer and towards the rear of the Aquarium.
Parking
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Car Park
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- The car park is located to the side of the venue.
- The car park is open air/surface.
- The car park surface consists of tarmac and block paving.
- There are no designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
- Visitors using this car park, can ignore the restricted parking text and park for free. Alternatively there is paid, on street parking opposite the venue.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- This car park is for visitors only.
- Parking is free for all users.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is not a designated drop-off point available.
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On-street Parking
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- On-street designated Blue Badge parking and standard parking is available.
- The on-street designated Blue Badge parking bays are located Directly opposite the venue, on the promenade.
- The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
Entrance
- This entrance is located at the front of the venue.
- The entrance area is 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 with handrails on both sides.
- The ramp bypasses the steps.
- There are 5 steps with 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 unmarked.
- The steps have tactile markings at the top.
- The height of the steps is not between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the highest step is 20cm.
- The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
- There is a single automatic door at this entrance.
- The door opens by sliding.
- The width of the opening is 145cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
- The door has a medium visual contrast.
- There is a second single automatic door.
- The second door is permanently held open.
- The width of the opening is 150cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
- The second door has a medium visual contrast.
- The minimum width between the security barriers is 128cm.
- There is step-free level access as you enter.
Toilet with Adaptations (Foyer - Right Hand Transfer)
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Location and Access
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- The toilet surveyed is located to the left after the entrance.
- The distance from the entrance is 4m.
- The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access, doors permanently held open and automatic doors.
- 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 high visual contrast.
- The door is easy to open.
- The width of the door opening is 88cm.
- The door has a lever twist lock.
- Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
- There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
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Dimensions and Features
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- The dimensions of the cubicle are 205cm (width) x 220cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
- The lateral transfer space is 110cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
- There is a lever flush on the transfer side.
- There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
- The horizontal grab rail has a low visual contrast.
- There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
- The vertical grab rail has a low visual contrast.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The dropdown rail has a low visual contrast.
- The toilet seat is 43cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
- There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder has a low visual contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 118cm from the floor.
- The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is 74cm from the floor.
- The wash basin has a sensor tap.
- The vertical grab rail is on the right as you face the wash basin.
- The wash basin grab rail has a low visual contrast.
- There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
- The soap dispenser is 110cm from the floor.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a low visual contrast.
- The hand dryer is 90cm from the floor.
- There is no emergency alarm.
- There is a mirror.
- There is no shelf.
- The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin.
- There are no coat hooks.
- The height of the baby change facility when in use is 87cm.
- The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Ticketing
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Ticket Counter
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- The ticket counter surveyed is located ahead as you enter the venue.
- There is step-free level access to the counter.
- There is not a separate wheelchair accessible queue lane.
- The height of the counter is 92cm.
- There is not a lowered section at the counter.
- The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds and windows.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
Access Point (Aquarium)
- This access point is located to the left of the ticket desk.
- The access point is clearly signed.
- Assistance is available at the access point.
- There is step-free level access.
- There are double manual doors.
- The doors open towards you.
- The doors are easy to open.
- The width of the opening is 160cm.
- The doors has a low visual contrast.
- There is step-free level access as you enter.
Exhibition Space (Aquarium)
- All exhibits are indoors.
- There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
- The following areas have stepped access: one fish viewing area.
- Access throughout may include uneven surfaces, doors permanently held open and narrow walkways.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- The flooring is shiny and patterned.
- The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
- The following may be experienced here: water effects, lighting effects and 3D visual effects on screen.
- There may be background noise.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
- Display information includes: pictorial, information boards, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user, televisions/screens and tactile.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and benches.
- There are shows/talks with no designated seating for wheelchair users.
- The tour is self-guided.
Room (Cinema Room)
- The room is located towards the rear of the Aquarium.
- The distance from the entrance is 105m.
- The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access, doors permanently held open and narrow walkways.
- There is written text signage on or near the door.
- There is step-free level access into the room.
- There are double manual doors with a medium visual contrast.
- One of the doors was locked at the time of the survey.
- The locked door can be opened on request.
- The door is permanently held open.
- The width of the opening is 80cm.
- There is step-free level access throughout the room.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
- The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
- Seating available in the room includes: chairs without armrests.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- Additional facilities/services include: a television with subtitles.
- There is background noise in this room.
- Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
Toilet with Adaptations (Aquarium - Left Hand Transfer)
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Location and Access
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- The toilet surveyed is located to the rear of the Aquarium.
- The distance from the entrance is 115m.
- The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access, doors permanently held open and narrow walkways.
- 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 high visual contrast.
- The door is easy to open.
- The width of the door opening is 85cm.
- The door has a lever twist lock.
- Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
- There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
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Dimensions and Features
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- The dimensions of the cubicle are 157cm (width) x 215cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
- The lateral transfer space is 92cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
- There is a spatula flush on the transfer side.
- There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
- The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
- There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
- The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
- The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
- There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder has a medium visual contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 130cm from the floor.
- The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is 70cm from the floor.
- The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
- The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
- The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
- There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The soap dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
- The soap dispenser is 95cm from the floor.
- There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The towel dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
- The towel dispenser is 115cm from the floor.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
- The hand dryer is 106cm from the floor.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
- There is a mirror.
- There is no shelf.
- The cubicle has a waste bin and a nappy/incontinence items bin.
- There are no coat hooks.
- The height of the baby change facility when in use is 87cm.
- The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Exit (Aquarium)
- The exit area is clearly signed.
- There is step-free level access at the exit.
- There is a single manual door at this exit.
- The door has an open extension leaf.
- The door opens towards you.
- The door is easy to open.
- The width of the opening is 80cm.
- The door has a high visual contrast.
- There is step-free level access as you exit.
Shop (Treasure Trove Gift Shop)
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Getting Around
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- There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
- Access throughout may include narrow aisles (less than 120cm).
- The majority of product aisle widths are under 120cm.
- There are mobile displays throughout the shop.
- The visual contrast between the shelving and floor varies between low and high.
- There may be background noise.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
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Payment
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- The checkout area is located at the ticket desk.
Shop (Tackle Shed)
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Getting Around
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- There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
- Access throughout may include narrow aisles (less than 120cm).
- The majority of product aisle widths are under 120cm.
- Some aisles are slightly obstructed by displays.
- The visual contrast between the shelving and floor varies between low and high.
- There is no (or very little) background noise.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
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Payment
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- The checkout area is located at the ticket desk.
Eating and Drinking (Harbourside Café)
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Location and Service
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- The Harbourside Café can be accessed via the main Aquarium entrance, or via the manual door from the outdoor seating area overlooking the harbour.
- The most accessible route has step-free level access.
- This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered and numerous seating options.
- Full table service is available on request only.
- Menus are handheld, wall-mounted, available on a board and displayed on the counter.
- 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 and takeaway cutlery.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
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Order and Payment
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- The payment counter was surveyed.
- The counter is located on the left side of the café.
- There is step-free level access to the counter.
- The height of the counter is 93cm.
- There is a lowered section at the counter.
- The height of the lowered section is 71cm.
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Seating Area
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- There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
- Some flooring is shiny.
- The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
- 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 is background noise in this area.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Seating Area (Harbourside Café Patio and Remote Controlled Boats)
- The seating area is located outside the Harbourside Café.
- The seating area is uncovered.
- The most accessible route to the seating area has step-free level access and manual doors.
- There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
- Furniture available in this area includes: picnic tables.
- The seating and tables are fixed.
- The surface height of the tables is not suitable for wheelchair users.
- The clear height under the tables is not suitable for wheelchair users.
- There may be background noise in this area.
- The single, manual door to access the outdoor seating area has an opening width of 97cm.
Access To (Mini Golf and Outdoor Play Area)
- The Mini Golf and the Outdoor Play Area are accessed via the left side of the venue.
- The distance from the venue entrance to the outdoor play area is 75m.
- The most accessible route has slight ramps or slopes, uneven surfaces and manual gates.
- There is a single manual gate which is permanently held open.
- The width of the opening is 128cm.
- The gate has a high visual contrast.
- There is a second single manual gate which opens towards you.
- The gate is easy to open.
- The width of the opening is 100cm.
- The second door has a high visual contrast.
Outdoor Spaces (Shiver Me Timbers Playground)
- The following is available in this area: a playground with play equipment.
- Outdoor areas consist of rubber tarmac.
- There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
- There are seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
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Playground
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- There is a fenced play area with an access point over 100cm wide.
- There is a route around the play equipment which is firm and even, and is at least 150cm wide.
- The play equipment is within easy reach for seated and standing users and users of different heights.
- The following play experiences are available: swinging, sliding, rocking, rotating, climbing, balancing, crawling, viewing, sensory (visual, audible, or tactile), fitness and social play.
Outdoor Spaces (Mini Golf)
- The following is available in this area: mini golf course.
- Outdoor areas consist of concrete or tarmac, loose chippings, block paving, compact earth and decking.
- There are footpaths throughout.
- The majority of the paths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
- There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
- The following areas have stepped access: some mini golf obstacles and holes.
- There are some seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
- The paths have uneven surfaces.
