Access Guide
Opening Times (Restaurant)
- Monday 08:30 - 11:00.
- Monday 12:00 - 14:00.
- Tuesday 08:30 - 11:00.
- Tuesday 12:00 - 14:00.
- Wednesday 08:30 - 11:00.
- Wednesday 12:00 - 14:00.
- Thursday 08:30 - 11:00.
- Thursday 12:00 - 14:00.
- Friday 08:30 - 11:00.
- Friday 12:00 - 14:00.
- Saturday Closed.
- Sunday Closed.
Opening Times (Coffee Bar)
- Monday 08:00 - 16:30.
- Tuesday 08:00 - 16:30.
- Wednesday 08:00 - 16:30.
- Thursday 08:00 - 16:30.
- Friday 08:00 - 16:30.
- Saturday Closed.
- Sunday Closed.
Getting Here
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By Road
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- The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is located in the south central area of Southampton. The NOC can be found from joining the M27 from the M3 if you are coming from London or either directly from the M27 leaving at junction 3 and taking the M271 south. From the end of the M271 take the first exit leading to the A33 eastbound and follow signs to Dock Gate 4 and the Waterfront.
- There is limited visitor parking outside the venue and this should be arranged via the NOC in advance. There is parking for NOC staff.
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By Bus
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- There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the venue.
- There is a Uni-Link Bus service which travels from Southampton Airport to the NOC. The NOC bus stop is served by routes U1A, U1C, U1E, U1W, U6C and U6H.
- For more information on bus services, fares and timetables please click here (opens new tab).
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By Train
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- The nearest Railway Station is Southampton Central.
- Southampton Central is served by CrossCountry, the GWR, South Western Railway and Southern. This station is around 1 hour 30 minutes from London Waterloo Station. There is a direct bus route from this station to the NOC as well as permanent taxi ranks outside station.
- For more information on National Rail please click here (opens new tab).
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Useful Links
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- For more information on how to get to the National Oceanographic Centre by other means, please see the website below.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
Parking
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Parking
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- The building does have its own parking facilities.
- The car park is located at the front and side of the venue.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
- The car park does not have a barrier control system.
- The car park surface is tarmac and block paving.
- Clearly marked/signposted parent and child parking bays are not available.
- All parking spaces are provided on a first come first served basis.
- There are additional car parks for staff.
- Staff parking is free with a permit-controlled barrier to access the car park.
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Blue Badge Parking
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- There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
- The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
- There is/are 4 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
- The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 325cm x 463cm (10ft 8in x 15ft 2in).
- The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to both sides but not at the rear.
- The marked zones around the Blue Badge parking bay(s) have at least the recommended width of 120cm.
- The dimensions of other designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) vary in size.
- Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do need to be booked in advance.
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Paying
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- There are no parking charges for the car park.
- The car park is free for all users.
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Access from the Car Park
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- The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
- Assistance may be required because there is/are dropped kerbs.
- The entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
- The surface on the approach to the entrance is block paving.
- There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
- There is some tactile paving on dropped kerbs between the car park and the entrance.
- The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 21m (22yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
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Drop-off Point(s)
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- There is a/are clearly marked drop-off point(s).
- The drop-off point(s) is/are located directly in front of the main entrance.
- The route from the drop-off point(s) to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
- Assistance may be required because there is/are dropped kerbs.
- There is tactile paving on dropped kerbs between the drop-off point(s) and the entrance.
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Comments
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- Visitor parking should be pre-booked.
- Two standard electric vehicle charging bays are available.
- There is also a Blue Badge electric vehicle charging bay with dimensions of 251cm x 468cm, and 120cm hatched zones on both sides, but not at the rear.
- There is a short but steep ramp to access these bays.
- The bays must be booked in advance and visitors' PodPoint account and email address must be provided.
- Visitor parking should be pre-booked.
Getting Help and Assistance
- There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
- There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
- British Sign Language interpreters cannot be provided on request.
- The alternative formats documents can be provided in include: large print, different languages on request, large print on request and audio on request.
- There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
- There are not mobility aids available.
Approach
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Approach
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- The surface of the approach is block paving.
- There is a/are fixed bollard(s) on the approach.
- The height of the bollard(s) is 90cm.
- The bollards contrast visually with the paving.
- There is step-free access on the approach.
- There is a slope with a very easy incline.
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance is signed with 'Welcome'.
- There is step-free access at this entrance.
- There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
- The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is an intercom.
- The height of the intercom is 96cm (3ft 2in).
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (by revolving).
- The width of the opening is 120cm.
- There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
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Comments
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- There is a blue button at a height of 85cm on the right of the door which slows the rotational speed of the door.
Other Floors
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Stairs
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- Stairs can be used to access other floors.
- The stairs are for public use.
- The stairs are located ahead as you enter.
- The stairs are approximately 4m from the main entrance.
- The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
- The steps are not clearly marked.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- 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.
- There is a landing.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
- The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.
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Comments
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- Similar staircases are located in each node of the building.
Lift
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located to the left as you pass reception.
- Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the main 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 1, 2 and 4.
- 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 colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is high.
- The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is low.
- 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 not 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 moderate to good.
- There is a/are similar lift(s) available.
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Comments
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- Similar lifts are located in each node of the building.
Entrance (NOCS Café Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located on level 4 of the National Oceanographic Centre.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance is signed with 'Cafeteria'.
- There is step-free 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 permanently held open.
- The width of the opening is 146cm.
Inside Access
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Access and Circulation
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- There is step-free access throughout the area.
- There is not a/are not door(s) in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
- The type of flooring throughout is carpet, tiles and laminate.
- There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
- The lighting levels are good.
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Signage
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- Wayfinding signage is not provided.
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Safe Place(s)
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- There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
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Audio
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- This venue does not play background music/sound.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
Eating and Drinking
- The following information is for the refectory.
- The refectory is located on level four of the National Oceanography Centre.
- There is step-free access to the refectory.
- Full table service is not available.
- Food and/or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
- Food and/or drinks can be brought to the table.
- The height of the service counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
- There is a lowered section of the counter.
- The height of the lowered section at the counter is 80cm.
- There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
- There is a counter/tray rail at a height of 85cm to allow a disabled person to manoeuvre a tray.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- There is step-free access within the refectory.
- There is not ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- This area does not play background music.
- The type of flooring in this area is carpet, tiles and laminate.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs have armrests on both sides.
- The nearest table is approximately 6m from the entrance/opening.
- The nearest table is approximately 3m from the till/counter.
- The standard height for tables is 70cm.
- Takeaway cups are available.
- Takeaway cutlery is available.
- Drinking straws are available.
- There are menu boards/signs and wall menus available.
- Menus are not available in Braille.
- Menus are not available in large print.
- Picture menus are not available.
- Menus are clearly written.
- Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
- The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
- The lighting levels are good.
Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor, Node 1 - Left Hand Transfer)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
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Location and Access
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- This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor in node 1, to the right as you pass reception.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 58m (63yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- There is Braille, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is light.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 89cm (2ft 11in).
- The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 162cm x 216cm (5ft 4in x 7ft 1in).
- The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The toilet has not got a non-slip floor.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
- The lateral transfer space is 91cm (2ft 12in).
- The transfer space is obstructed by female sanitary bin.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There is a spatula type lever flush.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
- There is a/are female sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
- There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
- There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
- The toilet has a backrest and a cistern.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 43cm (1ft 5in).
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 85cm (2ft 9in).
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- The height of the wash basin is 75cm (2ft 6in).
- There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the left hand side of the wash basin.
- The wash basin tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- Taps have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 96cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the towel dispenser is 140cm (4ft 7in).
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the hand dryer is 105cm (3ft 5in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is medium.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
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Baby Changing Facilities
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- Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
- The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
- The baby change table is not height adjustable.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 100cm (3ft 3in).
Standard Toilet(s)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Female Toilet(s)
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- The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the ground floor, in node 1.
- The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 56m (61yd 9in) from the main entrance.
- There is step-free access into the female toilet(s).
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
- There is not a lowered wash basin.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is lever twist.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
- There is a/are similar standard toilet(s) available.
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Access to Standard Male Toilet(s)
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- The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the ground floor, in node 2.
- The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 87m (95yd 5in) from the main entrance.
- There is step-free access into the male toilet(s).
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- There is not a lowered urinal.
- An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
- There is a lowered wash basin.
- The height of the lowered wash basin is 77cm.
- There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the lowered wash basin.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is lever twist.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
- There is a/are similar standard toilet(s) available.
Related Access Guides
- To view other AccessAble Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
- National Oceanography Centre Main Building link (new tab) - click here