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Lake District Coast Aquarium

South Quay, Maryport, Cumbria, CA15 8AB

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Access Guide

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Overview

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • 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.
  • Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located in the Toilets with Adaptations in the foyer and towards the rear of the Aquarium.

Parking

  • Car Park View
    • 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.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for visitors only.
    • Parking is free for all users.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.
  • On-street Parking View
    • 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)

  • Location and Access View
    • 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.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • 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

  • Ticket Counter View
    • 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)

  • Location and Access View
    • 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.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • 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)

  • Getting Around View
    • 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.
  • Payment View
    • The checkout area is located at the ticket desk.

Shop (Tackle Shed)

  • Getting Around View
    • 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.
  • Payment View
    • The checkout area is located at the ticket desk.

Eating and Drinking (Harbourside Café)

  • Location and Service View
    • 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.
  • Order and Payment View
    • 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.
  • Seating Area View
    • 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.
  • Playground View
    • 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.