You are on Overview. Skip to the next section.

Overview

Collapse all Expand all

• About View
  • The main entrance, ticket office and information point is located in the Black Tower. There is an outside area and cobbled path to reach the Keep, which is a separate building.
  • The following is available here: a café, a castle, gardens, a museum and a shop.
• Parking and Public Transport View
  • The venue does not have its own car park.
  • There is not a public car park nearby.
  • There is on-street Blue Badge Bay parking and on-street standard parking.
  • The nearest train station is Newcastle.
  • This station has step-free access.
  • For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Google maps (opens new tab).
• Getting Around View
  • The following areas have stepped access: the majority of the Keep.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps: the Black Gate and gardens entrance.
  • Circulation routes around the site consist of: surfaced footpaths.
  • Limited resting areas are available along circulation routes.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Some map boards are provided.
  • There are bollards along circulation routes.
  • To access the gardens via a ramp, you need to exit the castle and follow the road around to enter from the other side of the cobbled road.
• Getting Help and Assistance View
  • There is not a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
  • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.

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 2 toilets with adaptations.
  • The toilets with adaptations are located in the Black Gate, within the shop on floor 1, and on floor 2 within the education room.
  • There are no toilets within the Keep.
  • All toilets with adaptations have a right hand transfer space.
  • Shared step-free standard toilet facilities are located within the shop/café.
• Changing Facilities View
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the toilet with adaptations.

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

Collapse all Expand all

• Public Parking View
  • On-street designated Blue Badge parking and standard parking is available.
  • The on-street designated Blue Badge parking bays are located on St Nicolas Street, next to the Black Gate and next to the Keep on Castle Garth.
  • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.

You are on Entrance. Skip to the next section.

Entrance

• This entrance is located off St Nicolas Street.
• 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 ramped and stepped access at the entrance.
• The ramp bypasses the steps.
• The ramp gradient varies between slight and steep.
• There are level resting areas along the ramp.
• The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide.
• There is a handrail on the right going up.
• There are 4 steps as you enter.
• There is 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 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 depth of the steps is between 30cm-45cm.
• There is an opening without doors.
• The width of the opening is more than 200cm.
• There is step-free access via ramp as you enter.
• The ramp gradient varies between slight and steep.
• There are level resting areas along the ramp.
• The ramp is over 150cm wide.
• There are handrails on both sides.

You are on Getting Around (Black Gate). Skip to the next section.

Getting Around (Black Gate)

Collapse all Expand all

• Access View
  • There is step-free access between floors via lift.
• Circulation View
  • Doors are held open along circulation routes.
  • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces, narrow openings and pillars.
  • There is a low colour contrast between the walls and floor along most circulation routes.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signage is consistent throughout.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

You are on Lift (Black Gate). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Black Gate)

• The lift surveyed is located to the rear of the Black Gate, around to the left from the entrance.
• The distance from the entrance is 26m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has slight ramps.
• There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.

Collapse all Expand all

• Standard Lift View
  • The ground floor and floors 1 to 3 can be accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a low colour contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The weight limit for the lift is 900kg.
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings.
  • The control buttons have a low colour contrast.
  • The majority of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 88cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 129cm (width) x 164cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile and Braille markings.
  • The control buttons have a medium colour contrast.
  • The majority of the internal controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a list of floor services/facilities, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a mirror to aid reversing.
  • The lift has a separate door to exit.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

You are on Stairs (Black Gate). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (Black Gate)

• The stairs are located in the centre of the Black Gate.
• The ground floor and floors 1 to 3 can be accessed by these stairs.
• There is a handrail on the left going up.
• The handrail is easy to grip.
• The handrail covers the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrail does not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The steps have some clear markings.
• 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-45cm.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

You are on Visitor Welcome - Entrance / Shop / Café (Black Gate). Skip to the next section.

Visitor Welcome - Entrance / Shop / Café (Black Gate)

Collapse all Expand all

• Access to the Shop View
  • The visitor welcome is located on floor 1 of the Black Tower, accessed via the lift or stairs.
  • The most accessible route has slight ramps.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • There is step-free level access into the shop.
  • There is a single manual door.
  • The door is permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 86cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The door has a high colour contrast.
  • There is a second set of double manual doors.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 160cm.
  • The doors have a high colour contrast.
• Shop View
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas, this includes use of a lift.
  • The majority of main aisle widths are under 120cm.
  • The majority of product aisle widths are under 120cm.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise.
  • There is wayfinding signage.
  • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
  • Seating available for customers includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
• Payment Counters and Checkouts View
  • The payment counter is located to the right on entering.
  • Signage is not provided for the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 83cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • The payment machine is portable.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.
  • There is also Tourist information payment counter which was surveyed.
  • The payment counter is located to the left after entering visitor welcome.
  • Signage is not provided for the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 110cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the counter.
  • The height of the lowered section is 79cm.
  • The counter has windows which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested, however it was not working at the time of the survey.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
  • There is an information screen on the counter for information at a height of 110cm to 123cm.

You are on Eating and Drinking (Black Gate). Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking (Black Gate)

Collapse all Expand all

• Location and Access View
  • The café area is within the Visitor Welcome in the Black Gate.
  • The most accessible route has a lift.
  • Doors are held open along the most accessible route.
  • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • There is a single manual door.
  • The door is permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 88cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The door has a high colour contrast.
  • There is a second set of double manual doors.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 160cm.
  • The door has a high colour contrast.
• Order and Payment View
  • This area has a self-service counter.
  • The self-service counter was surveyed.
  • The counter is located on the right next to ticket office desk.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 83cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the counter.
  • The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • Payment is made at the ticket office desk.
• Service View
  • Full table service is not available.
  • The following are available: takeaway cups and takeaway cutlery.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating Area View
  • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
  • 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.
  • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and high stools.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables and high tables.
  • The surface height of the tables is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

You are on Learning Room (Black Gate). Skip to the next section.

Learning Room (Black Gate)

• The room is located on floor 2.
• The distance from the lift is 4m.
• The most accessible route to the room has a lift.
• Doors are held open along the most accessible route.
• This route has uneven surfaces.
• There is written text signage on or near the door.
• There is step-free level access into the room.
• There is a key pad at a height of 140cm.
• There is a single manual door.
• The door opens away from you.
• The door requires effort to open.
• The width of the opening is 88cm.
• The door has a low colour contrast.
• There is step-free level access throughout.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
• The walls and floor have a low colour contrast.
• Seating available in this room includes: chairs without armrests.
• Furniture available in this room includes: tables.
• None of the tables are fixed.
• The surface height of the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
• The clear height under the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• There is no (or very little) background noise in this room.
• Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

You are on Exhibition Space (Black Gate). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Black Gate)

• The area is indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
• There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
• Display formats include: pictorial and information boards.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests and chairs without armrests.
• Furniture available in this area includes: tables.

You are on Outdoor Spaces. Skip to the next section.

Outdoor Spaces

Collapse all Expand all

• About View
  • The following is available in this area: grounds.
• Getting Around View
  • There are surfaced footpaths throughout.
  • Surfaced footpaths consist of: cobbles.
  • The majority of the surfaced footpaths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
  • Some footpaths have sections with potential obstacles such as: uneven surfaces and bollards.
  • There is no signage in this area.
  • There are some seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
  • There is not step-free level access throughout.
  • The following areas have stepped access: all of the grounds.
  • The steps to this area can be overcome by exiting the Black Gate and following the road around to the left to enter from the other end.
  • Deck chairs are available.

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

Entrance (Keep)

• This entrance is located on the South side of the Keep, off Castle Garth.
• 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 slope at the entrance.
• The slope has a slight gradient.
• There is a single manual door.
• The door is permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 110cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The door has a low colour 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.
• There is a handrail on the left going down.
• Only the first room in the Keep is accessible by ramp, the rest of the Keep is accessed via steps.

You are on Getting Around (Keep). Skip to the next section.

Getting Around (Keep)

Collapse all Expand all

• Access View
  • There is not step-free access between floors.
  • There is not step-free level access throughout.
  • The following areas have stepped access: every area of the keep other than the entrance room.
• Circulation View
  • Doors are held open along circulation routes.
  • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces, narrow walkways and pillars.
  • There is a low colour contrast between the walls and floor along most circulation routes.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signage is consistent throughout.
  • Seating available in the walkways includes: benches.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

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

Stairs (Keep)

• The stairs are located throughout the Keep.
• The basement, lower hall, great hall and viewing areas can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are no handrails for the steps.
• The steps have some clear markings.
• The height of the steps is not between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 21cm.
• The depth of the steps is not between 30cm-45cm.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
• There are some handrails on some of the stairs.

You are on Exhibition Space (Keep). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Keep)

• The museum is indoors.
• There is not step-free level access throughout.
• The following areas have stepped access: all areas other than the entrance room.
• The following areas have step-free access via ramps: the entrance room.
• Some flooring is shiny.
• The walls and floor have a low colour contrast.
• There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• Display formats include: information boards.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches.
• There are talks with no designated seating for wheelchair users.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Right Hand Transfer)

Collapse all Expand all

• Location View
  • The toilet surveyed is located on the first floor of Black Gate, within the shop and ticket office.
  • The distance from the lift is 11m.
• Route View
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
  • Doors are held open along the most accessible route.
• Access View
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a high colour contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 87cm.
  • The door has a twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door, with a medium colour contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 130cm (width) x 185cm (depth).
  • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
  • The lateral transfer space is 85cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a lever flush for the toilet.
  • The flush is on the transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a low colour contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a low colour contrast.
  • There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown grab rail has a low colour contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low colour contrast.
  • There is not a wall mounted toilet roll holder.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • The wash basin and tap can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 74cm from the floor.
  • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a low colour contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a medium colour contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 87cm from the floor.
  • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The towel dispenser has a medium colour contrast.
  • The towel dispenser is 114cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hand dryer.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a waste bin, a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There are multiple coat hooks.
  • The coat hooks are 157cm and 165cm from the floor.
  • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 81cm.
  • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.