You are on Overview. Skip to the next section.

Overview

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• About View
  • This is a publicly owned castle, with free entry.
  • Facilities available in the venue include: exhibition rooms, virtual tours, gift shop, a courtyard and gardens.
  • View information on opening times.
• Parking and Public Transport View
  • The venue has its own car park, with Blue Badge parking available.
  • The nearest train station is Kilmarnock.
  • The nearest bus station is Kilmarnock Bus Station.
  • 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 a further entrance to the rear of the courtyard which is kept unlocked.
    The rear courtyard entrance has step-free entry via a steep slope.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the Shop and its link to the ground floor with virtual tour of The Palace, and the ground floor with virtual tour of The Keep.
  • The following areas have stepped access: the ground floor exhibition room in The Palace to the right, and the upper floors in The Palace and The Keep.
  • Access throughout may include manual doors, doors permanently held open, narrow walkways and narrow openings.
  • The ground, balcony, mezzanine and first floors can be accessed via stairs.
  • There are no toilet facilities.
  • The nearest toilets are located in the toilet block to the rear of the castle, with further toilets in the Visitor Centre and Treehouse Café and the Rural Life Centre.
• Getting Help and Assistance View
  • There is seating available.
  • There is no hearing assistance system.
  • You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair.
  • British Sign Language interpreters can be provided on request.
  • Documents are available in the following formats: Braille (on request), large print (on request), Makaton (on request), different languages (on request) and audio (on request).
  • There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
  • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
  • Staff receive the following training: equality and diversity training, manual handling training.
• Related Access Guides View
  • View information on Dean Castle - Visitor Centre and Treehouse Café (opens new tab) .
  • View information on Dean Castle Country Park (opens new tab) .
  • View information on Dean Castle Country Park - Rural Life Centre (opens new tab) .
  • View information on Dean Castle Country Park - Dower House (opens new tab) .

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

Toilet and Changing Facilities

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • The nearest toilet with adaptations is located in the toilet block near the car park to the rear of the castle.
    There are also toilets with adaptations within the Rural Life Centre and Visitor Centre and Café buildings.
    Please refer to the separate guides for details.
  • The nearest standard toilets are located in the toilet block near the car park to the rear of the castle.
    Please refer to the separate Dean Castle - Country Park guide for details.
• Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
  • The nearest Changing Places toilet and Parent and Baby changing facilities are located in the Visitor Centre building.
    Please refer to the separate Dean Park - Visitor Centre and Café guide for details.

You are on Parking (Main). Skip to the next section.

Parking (Main)

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• Car Park View
  • The car park is located off Dean Road.
  • The car park is open air/surface.
  • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
  • There are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
  • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
  • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 245cm (width) x 490cm (depth).
  • There is a marked zone to one side but not at the rear.
  • The width of the marked zone is 90cm.
  • The nearest designated bay is 5m from the access point.
  • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has steep ramps or slopes and uneven surfaces.
  • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
  • There are two further designated bays with dimensions of 270cm by 600cm located on the access road to the castle, via the separate entrance further along Dean Road.
    The designated bays on the access road are not clearly marked.
  • There is also further parking with one designated bay to the rear of the castle.
• Charges and Restrictions View
  • Parking is free for all users.
• Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
  • There are 2 electric vehicle charging points.
  • The dimensions of the surveyed electric vehicle charging bay are 290cm (width) x 500cm (depth).
  • The controls are not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The nozzle holster is not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The charging points require tap and pay (contactless payment).
  • There are no electric vehicle charging points designated for Blue Badge holders.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

You are on Parking (Rear of Castle). Skip to the next section.

Parking (Rear of Castle)

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• Car Park View
  • The car park is located at the rear of the castle, accessed via the separate entrance from the main car park off Dean Road.
  • The car park is open air/surface.
  • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
  • There is 1 designated Blue Badge parking bay available.
  • The Blue Badge bay is clearly marked.
  • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 260cm (width) x 495cm (depth).
  • There is a marked zone to both sides and rear.
  • The width of the marked zone is 125cm.
  • The nearest designated bay is 200m from the courtyard access point.
  • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has slight ramps or slopes.
  • The Blue Badge bay is approximately 90m from the rear courtyard access point, although the route has steep slopes, and assistance may be required for the gates.
  • This car park is close to the Dean Castle - Meeting Rooms and Dean Castle - Dower House conference facilities.
• Charges and Restrictions View
  • Parking is free for all users.
• Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
  • There are no electric vehicle charging points designated for Blue Badge holders.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

You are on Access Point (Courtyard). Skip to the next section.

Access Point (Courtyard)

• This access point is located in the front castle courtyard wall.
• The access point is clearly signed.
• There is step-free access via slope.
• The slope has a steep gradient.
• There are double manual doors.
• The doors are permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 99cm.
• The doors have a medium visual contrast.
• There is step-free access via slope as you enter.
• The slope has a slight gradient.
• There are wide double gates to the rear of the courtyard nearer the castle parking and toilet block.
  There are steeper slopes leading up to the rear gates.
  Staff assistance may be required for the heavy rear gates, although they are kept unlocked during opening hours.

You are on Outdoor Spaces (Courtyard and Garden). Skip to the next section.

Outdoor Spaces (Courtyard and Garden)

• The following is available in this area: formal gardens.
• Outdoor areas consist of concrete or tarmac, loose chippings, decking and paving slabs.
• There are footpaths throughout.
• The majority of the paths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
• The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the garden.
• There are some seats situated along the paths for people to rest.

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

Entrance (The Palace)

• This entrance is located to the right as you enter the courtyard.
• The entrance area is clearly signed.
• There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
• There is stepped access at the entrance.
• There are 3 steps with no handrails.
• The steps are unmarked.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 16cm.
• The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
• There is a single manual door at this entrance.
• The door is permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 102cm.
• The door has a medium visual contrast.
• There is stepped access as you enter.
• There are 3 steps with no handrails.
• The steps are unmarked.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 15cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.

You are on Entrance (Shop (and Palace 20th Century Kitchen link)). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Shop (and Palace 20th Century Kitchen link))

• This entrance is located in the front right corner of the courtyard.
• The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces.
• 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 a portable ramp at the entrance.
• The ramp has a steep gradient.
• The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide with no handrails.
• The ramp bypasses the steps.
• There are 2 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 20cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
• There is a single manual gate at this entrance.
• The gate is permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 100cm.
• The gate has a medium visual contrast.
• There is a second single manual door.
• The second door is permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 98cm.
• The second door has a medium visual contrast.
• There is step-free level access as you enter.
• There is a similar portable ramp at an 88cm wide door to access the Palace's 20th Century Kitchen to the right as you enter the shop.
  The portable ramp bypasses 2 clearly marked 18cm high steps without handrails .
  A virtual tour touchscreen is available within the 20th Century Kitchen for viewing other Palace areas which can only be accessed via steps.

You are on Entrance (The Keep - First Floor). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (The Keep - First Floor)

• This entrance is located to the left as you enter the courtyard.
• The entrance area is clearly signed.
• There is stepped access at the entrance.
• There are 20+ steps with a handrail on the left going up.
• The handrail is easy to grip.
• The handrail does not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrail does not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The steps are unmarked.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 18cm.
• The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
• There is a single manual door at this entrance.
• The door is permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 100cm.
• The door has a medium visual contrast.
• There is a second single manual door.
• The second door opens away from you.
• The width of the opening is 93cm.
• The second door has a low visual contrast.
• There is step-free level access as you enter.

You are on Entrance (The Keep - The Cellar and Medieval Kitchen). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (The Keep - The Cellar and Medieval Kitchen)

• This entrance is located round to the rear left as you enter the courtyard.
• The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces.
• The entrance area is not clearly signed.
• There is step-free level access at the entrance.
• There is a single manual door at this entrance.
• The door is permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 96cm.
• The door has a medium visual contrast.
• There is step-free access via ramp as you enter.
• The ramp has a slight gradient.
• The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide with no handrails.
• The ramp bypasses the steps.
• There are 2 steps with no handrails.
• The step markings are not clearly visible.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 15cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.

You are on Shop. Skip to the next section.

Shop

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• Getting Around View
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • The majority of main aisle widths are between 150cm - 180cm.
  • The visual contrast between the shelving and floor varies between low and high.
  • Some of the walls have a reflective finish.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise.
  • Signage is provided.
  • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
  • Seating available on this floor includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • The checkout area is located to the left as you enter.
  • There is step-free level access to the checkout area.
  • The venue has a payment counter.
• Payment Counter View
  • Signage is not provided for the counter.
  • The payment counter has a television.
  • The height of the payment counter is 113cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the counter.
  • The height of the lowered section is 90cm.
  • The card payment machine is portable.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Exhibition Space (The Palace 20th Century Kitchen - and Palace Virtual Tour). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (The Palace 20th Century Kitchen - and Palace Virtual Tour)

• This area is indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: The 20th Century Kitchen, via the shop entrance and portable ramps.
• The following areas have stepped access: The Palace entrance area.
• There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
• The following may be experienced here: 3D visual effects on screen.
• There is no (or very little) background noise.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
• Display information includes: pictorial, information boards, touchscreens and televisions/screens.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• There is a virtual tour available.
• Areas with stepped access only can be experienced by visitors via a virtual tour.

You are on Exhibition Space (The Palace - Ground Floor). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (The Palace - Ground Floor)

• This area is indoors.
• The following areas have stepped access: the temporary exhibition to the right of the ground floor.
• Access throughout may include uneven surfaces.
• The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
• There is no (or very little) background noise.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
• Display information includes: information boards.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests and stools.
• Furniture available in this area includes: long tables.
• The tables are fixed.

You are on Stairs (The Palace). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (The Palace)

• The stairs surveyed are located ahead from The Palace entrance.
• The ground and first floors can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 20+ steps between floors.
• The steps are unmarked and have a handrail on the right going up.
• The handrail is easy to grip.
• The handrail does not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• 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.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.

You are on Exhibition Space (The Palace - The Banqueting Hall - First Floor). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (The Palace - The Banqueting Hall - First Floor)

• This attraction is interactive.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• The following areas have stepped access: The secret room (6 narrow steps without handrails).
• Access throughout may include manual doors.
• The walls and floor have a low visual contrast.
• The following may be experienced here: audio triggered by the visitor.
• There may be background noise.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
• Display information includes: pictorial and information boards.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and benches.
• Some seating is fixed.
• There is a virtual tour available.

You are on Exhibition Space (The Keep - The Cellar Medieval Kitchen and Keep Virtual Tour). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (The Keep - The Cellar Medieval Kitchen and Keep Virtual Tour)

• This area is interactive.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
• There is background noise.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
• Display information includes: information boards, touchscreens and televisions/screens.
• There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
• The hearing assistance system could not be tested at the time of the survey.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches.
• The seating is fixed.
• There are shows/talks with no designated seating for wheelchair users .
• There is a virtual tour available.
• Areas with stepped access only can be experienced by visitors via a virtual tour.
• The Medieval Kitchen is viewed from the glass door.

You are on Exhibition Space (The Keep - Upper Floors). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (The Keep - Upper Floors)

• This area is indoors.
• The following areas have stepped access: the upper floors including the first floor seating/textiles areas, the guardroom, first floor sunken balcony, and the second floor.
• Access throughout may include narrow openings.
• The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
• The following may be experienced here: audio triggered by the visitor.
• There may be background noise.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• Display information includes: information boards.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests and benches.
• Some seating is fixed.
• There is a virtual tour available.
• There is one step in the narrow doorway to the guardroom near the stairs.
  The guardroom has low lighting to help see a floor viewing window to the lit dungeon below.

You are on Stairs (The Keep). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (The Keep)

• The stairs surveyed are located to the right as you enter The Keep from its first floor entrance.
• There is a permanently held open door to access the stairwell.
• The first, balcony and second 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 easy to grip.
• The handrails do not 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 not between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 20cm.
• The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
• There are no handrails on the steps leading down to, and from the staircase up the additional steps onto the balcony and second floors.