You are on Overview. Skip to the next section.

Overview

Collapse all Expand all

• About View
  • The venue is an historic castle with wild gardens, seasonal special events and medieval activity centre.
  • Facilities available in the venue include: accommodation, café, gift shops, gardens, exhibitions, events, walks and trails.
  • View information on opening times
• Parking and Public Transport View
  • The venue has its own car park, with Blue Badge parking available.
  • There is a drop-off point.
  • The nearest train station is Ravenglass.
  • 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) .
• Getting In and Around View
  • There is step-free access via slope at the most accessible entrance.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
  • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces and narrow walkways.
  • The ground and first floor of the castle can be accessed via stairs.
• Getting Help and Assistance View
  • There is seating available.
  • There are fixed and portable hearing assistance systems.
  • You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair, walking aids, an electric scooter and mobility scooter charging facilities.
  • Documents are available in the following formats: audio.
  • The venue has its own app for audio guidance, maps and detailed text.
  • There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
  • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
  • Additional facilities/services include: Wi-Fi.
  • Staff receive the following training: Disability and Inclusion Training.

You are on Toilet and Changing Facilities. Skip to the next section.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

Collapse all Expand all

• Toilet Facilities View
  • There are 3 toilets with adaptations.
  • Toilets with adaptations are located in the Stable Yard, the Information Centre and the Coach Park.
  • All toilets with adaptations have a left hand transfer space.
  • The male and female toilet facilities are located in the Stable Yard.
• Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located in the Stable Yard.

You are on Parking (Coach and Blue Badge Car Park). Skip to the next section.

Parking (Coach and Blue Badge Car Park)

Collapse all Expand all

• Car Park View
  • The car park is located at the alternative entrance that is closer to all facilities.
  • The car park is open air/surface.
  • The car park surface consists of tarmac and loose chippings.
  • There are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
  • The Blue Badge bays are signposted but have no markings.
  • The nearest designated bay is 15m from the ticket office or the new ticket window.
  • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has slight ramps or slopes.
  • There is no dropped kerb from the designated Blue Badge parking.
• Charges and Restrictions View
  • Parking is free for all users.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is a designated drop-off point available.
  • The designated drop-off point is located Coach Parking.
• Public Car Parks View
  • There is a public car park located The main car park is approximately half a mile from the castle.
  • The name of the car park is Main Car Park.
  • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available in the car park.
  • The venue advises people with limited mobility and access needs to park in the coach park which is closer to the attractions and facilities.

You are on Ticketing. Skip to the next section.

Ticketing

Collapse all Expand all

• Ticket Office View
  • The ticket office surveyed is located on the left as you walk towards the entrance from the Blue Badge parking.
  • There is sloped and stepped access to the ticket office.
  • The slope has a slight gradient.
  • There is 1 step with no handrails.
  • The step is unmarked.
  • The height of the step is not between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 3cm.
  • There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
  • The door opens away from you.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 82cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the ticket office.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • The height of the counter is 120cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the counter.
  • The height of the lowered section is 83cm.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Ticket Counter View
  • The ticket counter surveyed is located at the external service window at the side of the reception building.
  • There is step-free access via slope to the counter.
  • The slope has a steep gradient with resting areas.
  • The counter has windows.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

You are on Access To (The Stables Café). Skip to the next section.

Access To (The Stables Café)

• The Stables Café is located within the stable yard, in what was the coach house for the Castle.
• The distance from the ticket office is 85m.
• The most accessible route has slight ramps or slopes and uneven surfaces.
• The slope has a slight gradient.
• There is written text signage on or near the entrance.
• There is step-free access via ramp into the café from the courtyard.
• The ramp has a slight gradient.
• The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide with no handrails.
• There is a single manual door which opens towards you.
• The door is easy to open.
• The width of the opening is 110cm.
• The door has a high visual contrast.

You are on Eating and Drinking (The Stables Café). Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking (The Stables Café)

Collapse all Expand all

• Location and Service View
  • The Stables Café is located within the stable yard, in what was the coach house for the castle.
  • The most accessible route has steep ramps or slopes and uneven surfaces.
  • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered, colleagues who can provide assistance with ordering and numerous seating options.
  • Full table service is available on request only.
  • Menus are 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 cups.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Order and Payment View
  • The payment counter was surveyed.
  • The counter is located ahead after entering.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 95cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
• 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.
  • The flooring is patterned.
  • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and benches.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables and booths.
  • Some seating is fixed.
  • The surface height of some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There may be background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Access To (Carriage House Gift Shop). Skip to the next section.

Access To (Carriage House Gift Shop)

• Carriage House Gift Shop is located in the stable yard in what was the coach house for the castle.
• The distance from the ticket office is 80m.
• The most accessible route has steep ramps or slopes and uneven surfaces.
• There is written text signage on or near the entrance.
• There is step-free level access to enter the shop.
• There are double manual doors which open away from you.
• The doors are easy to open.
• The width of the opening is 148cm.
• The doors have a high visual contrast.

You are on Shop (Carriage House Gift Shop). Skip to the next section.

Shop (Carriage House Gift Shop)

Collapse all Expand all

• Getting Around View
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • The majority of product aisle widths are between 150cm - 180cm.
  • 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 ahead after entering.
  • There is step-free level access to the checkout area.
  • The venue has a payment counter.
  • The height of the payment counter is 90cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Seating Area (The Stable Yard). Skip to the next section.

Seating Area (The Stable Yard)

• The seating area is located in the Stable Yard.
• The seating area is uncovered.
• The most accessible route to the seating area has steep ramps or slopes and uneven surfaces.
• 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.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches.
• Furniture available in this area includes: tables and picnic tables.
• The seating and tables are fixed.
• There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event .

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (The Stable Yard - Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (The Stable Yard - Left Hand Transfer)

Collapse all Expand all

• Location and Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located within the Stable Yard.
  • The distance from the café is 8m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and manual 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 low visual contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
  • Internally the door has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a low visual contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 230cm (width) x 205cm (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.
  • The lateral transfer space is 163cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a lever flush on the non-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 has a low visual contrast.
  • The toilet has a padded backrest.
  • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 91cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 73cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • The vertical grab rail is on the left as you face the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rail has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 92cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a medium visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 115cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a full length mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a waste bin, a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There are no coat hooks.
  • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Parent and Baby Room / Feeding Room (The Stable Yard). Skip to the next section.

Parent and Baby Room / Feeding Room (The Stable Yard)

• The room surveyed is located next to the toilet with adaptations in the Stable Yard.
• The distance from the café is 8m.
• The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access and manual doors.
• There is step-free level access into the room.
• There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
• The door opens outwards and has a low visual contrast.
• The door is easy to open.
• The width of the door opening is 90cm.
• Internally the door has a low visual contrast.
• The height of the baby change facility when in use is 100cm.
• There is a wash basin and a hand dryer in the room.
• The wash basin has a twist/turn tap.
• The room has a nappy/incontinence items bin.
• Seating available in the room includes: chairs without armrests.
• The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Access To (Castle). Skip to the next section.

Access To (Castle)

• The castle lies south of the reception and ticket office located near the Coach and Blue Badge parking area.
• The distance from the ticket office is 150m.
• The most accessible route has slight ramps or slopes and uneven surfaces.
• The slope gradient varies between slight and steep.
• There is written text signage on or near the entrance.
• There is step-free access via ramp at the left of the main castle entrance.
• The ramp has a steep gradient with resting areas.
• The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide with a handrail on the left going up.
• The ramp bypasses the steps.
• There are 4 steps with no handrails.
• The steps are unmarked.
• The height of the steps is not between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 19cm.
• The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
• There is a single manual door which is permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 138cm.
• The door has a medium visual contrast.
• There are a second set of double manual doors which are permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 128cm.
• The second set of doors have a high visual contrast.
• The entrance doors are permanently held open unless there is poor weather.

You are on Reception (Castle). Skip to the next section.

Reception (Castle)

• The reception is located on the left side after entering the castle.
• The distance from the castle entrance is 5m.
• The most accessible route to reception has doors permanently held open.
• There is step-free level access to reception.
• The height of the reception desk is 102cm.
• There is not a lowered section at the desk.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
• The flooring is patterned.
• Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
• There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
• Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.

You are on Exhibition Space (Ground Floor - Great Hall, Library, Dining Room, Billiard Room and Guard Room). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Ground Floor - Great Hall, Library, Dining Room, Billiard Room and Guard Room)

• All exhibits are indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
• The following areas have stepped access: the Guard Room.
• Access throughout may include doors permanently held open.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• There is no (or very little) background noise.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• Display information includes: audio guides, information boards, a mobile app, pictorial and televisions/screens.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
• There are shows/talks with no designated seating for wheelchair users.
• The tour is self-guided but volunteers/staff are available to provide additional information.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of the tour.
• The following areas of the tour have stepped access: the Guard Room.
• Access throughout the tour may include doors permanently held open.
• Areas with stepped access only can be experienced by visitors via a virtual tour.

You are on Stairs. Skip to the next section.

Stairs

• The stairs surveyed are located at the end of the Great Hall.
• The ground and first floors can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 20+ steps between floors.
• The steps are unmarked and have handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are not easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Exhibition Space (First Floor - Library, Queen's Room, King's Room, Tapestry Room and Bishop's Room). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (First Floor - Library, Queen's Room, King's Room, Tapestry Room and Bishop's Room)

• This area is indoors.
• Access throughout may include doors permanently held open.
• Some flooring is patterned.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• There is no (or very little) background noise.
• Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
• Display information includes: audio guides, information boards and a mobile app.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
• There are shows/talks with no designated seating for wheelchair users.
• The tour is self-guided but volunteers/staff are available to provide additional information.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of the tour.
• Access throughout the tour may include doors permanently held open.
• Areas with stepped access only can be experienced by visitors via a virtual tour.

You are on Access To (Weapons Hall). Skip to the next section.

Access To (Weapons Hall)

• The distance from the castle to the Weapons Hall is 300m.
• The most accessible route has steep ramps or slopes and uneven surfaces.
• The slope gradient varies between slight and steep.
• There is step-free level access into the Weapons Hall.
• There are double manual doors which are permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 175cm.
• The doors have a high visual contrast.
• There is a second single manual door which is permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 105cm.
• The second door has a low visual contrast.

You are on Area (Weapons Hall). Skip to the next section.

Area (Weapons Hall)

• The Weapons Hall is located in the gardens of the castle.
• There is written text signage on or near the door.
• There is step-free level access into this area.
• There is a single manual door with a medium visual contrast.
• The door opens by sliding.
• The door is easy to open.
• The width of the opening is 91cm.
• Facilities available in this area include: bar and café, seating area, axe throwing, archery and jousting.
• There is step-free level access throughout the area.
• Access throughout the area may include uneven surfaces.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and benches.
• Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
• Some surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
• The clear underside space of some surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Weapons Hall - Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Weapons Hall - Left Hand Transfer)

Collapse all Expand all

• Location and Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located next to the Weapons Hall.
  • The distance from the Weapons Hall entrance is 8m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has slight ramps or slopes.
  • There is stepped access into the facility.
  • There is 1 step with no handrails.
  • The step is unmarked.
  • The height of the step is not between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 4cm.
  • 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 82cm.
  • 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 low visual contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 230cm (width) x 185cm (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 108cm (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 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 45cm 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 96cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 71cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a lever tap.
  • The vertical grab rail is on the left 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 low visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 94cm from the floor.
  • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The towel dispenser has a low visual contrast.
  • The towel dispenser is 107cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hand dryer.
  • There is no emergency alarm.
  • There is no mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There are no coat hooks.
  • The walls and floor have a low visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
  • There is a second wash basin in this facility.

You are on Outdoor Spaces (Gardens and Play Areas). Skip to the next section.

Outdoor Spaces (Gardens and Play Areas)

• The following is available in this area: a playground with play equipment and formal gardens.
• Outdoor areas consist of concrete or tarmac, wood bark, grass and gravel.
• 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.
• There are seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
• The paths have uneven surfaces.

Collapse all Expand all

• Playground View
  • There is a play area .
  • 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 and social play.

You are on Outdoor Spaces (Easy Trails and Paths - Short Terrace Walk, Lower Sino Himalayan Walk, Enchanted Trail). Skip to the next section.

Outdoor Spaces (Easy Trails and Paths - Short Terrace Walk, Lower Sino Himalayan Walk, Enchanted Trail)

• The following is available in this area: parkland and formal gardens.
• Outdoor areas consist of concrete or tarmac.
• 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 step-free access via ramps or slopes: some of the more challenging routes.
• There are some seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
• The paths have narrow gaps.
• There are several walks and trails across the site, with differing levels of accessibility. Included here are the easy trails that are navigable for wheelchair users and anyone with limited mobility.