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Newcastle Racecourse

High Gosforth Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 5HP

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Access Guide

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Location

  • The venue is situated outside the centre of the town or city.
  • This venue is situated in Newcastle upon Tyne.
  • The venue is not situated on a road which has a steep gradient.
  • The nearest mainline station is Newcastle.

Parking (Main Car Park B)

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • The car park is located opposite the grandstand, golf course and Brandling House.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • 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 uneven surfaces.
    • The car park surface is grass.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Comments View
    • The main car park is located adjacent to the golf course.
    • The main car park is for racecourse visitors.

Parking (Designated Parking Area)

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is not free for all users.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • The car park is located opposite the grandstand turnstiles.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders can booked in advance.
    • 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 uneven surfaces.
    • The car park surface is grass.
    • There is a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • The road is generally busy.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • There are no defined space markings for the Blue Badge bays. The area has a landscape mesh surface, with grass growing through the mesh.
    • The car park is 60m from the venue's entrance.
    • The convenient drop-off point is located outside the turnstile entrance by the grandstand.

Parking (Brandling House Conference Building and Owners)

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • The car park is located opposite Brandling House.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • 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 uneven surfaces.
    • The car park surface is loose chippings.
    • There is a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • The road is generally quiet.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • The car park is for visitors to the conference facilities.

Outside Access (Racecourse Office)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the racecourse office building.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 89cm.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 1 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 16cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

Reception (Racecourse Office)

  • The desk/counter is 2m (2yd 7in) from the Racecourse Office entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk/counter does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Comments View
    • The racecourse reception area is accessed by one steep step and a single, heavy door which you push away from you.

Outside Access (Brandling House Conference Building - Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of Brandling House.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 128cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the right as you face the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 126cm (4ft 2in).
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 2 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 17cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are 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.

Reception (Brandling House Conference Building)

  • The desk/counter is 6m (6yd 1ft) from the front entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system is not signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.

Inside Access (Brandling House Conference Building)

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are not welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • All of the conference facilities and the private boxes are accessed from level one.

Lift (Brandling House Conference Building)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the right of the stairs.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2.
  • The lift is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the Brandling House entrance.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 909cm (29ft 10in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 135cm x 112cm (4ft 5in x 3ft 8in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Other Floors (Brandling House Conference Building)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Eating and Drinking (Kameko Bar)

  • The following information is for the bar.
  • The bar is located to the right beyond the Brandling House entrance.
  • The bar does not serve food.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the bar entrance.
  • The standard height for tables is 70cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are not available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is not available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Children are not welcomed in the bar area.
  • Comments View
    • There is an outside seating area to the side of the bar.
    • There are a set of double doors that open away from you 125cm wide.
    • There is a ramp 128cm wide.

Eating and Drinking (Owners & Trainers Bar and Lounge)

  • The following information is for the restaurant/bar.
  • The restaurant is located on the first floor Brandling House Conference Building.
  • The bar does serve food.
  • Full table service is available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the owners and trainer lounge entrance.
  • The standard height for tables is 70cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are not available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is not available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Children are not welcomed in the bar area.
  • Menus are hand held only.
  • 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 an a la carté menu.

Eating and Drinking (Park View Suite)

  • The following information is for the restaurant/bar.
  • The restaurant is located on the second floor Brandling House Conference Building.
  • The bar does serve food.
  • Full table service is available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 70cm (2ft 4in).
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Menus are hand held only.
  • 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 a la carte.

Eating and Drinking (Gosforth Park Suite)

  • The following information is for the restaurant.
  • The restaurant is located on the first floor Brandling House Conference Building.
  • Full table service is available.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 70cm (2ft 4in).
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Menus are hand held only.
  • 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 a la carte.
  • Comments View
    • The is full table service in the Park View Suite.
    • There are double doors in the suite that lead onto the grandstand viewing areas that are 160cm wide.

Accessible Toilet (Brandling House Conference Building - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the accessible entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located adjacent to the reception area.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 205cm x 160cm (6ft 9in x 5ft 3in).
    • There is not sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 78cm (2ft 7in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary and open waste paper bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a low colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located in the accessible toilet.
  • Comments View
    • There are additional standard and accessible toilets located adjacent to The Blaydon Race Bar area, The Colonel Porter Stand, The Silver Ring Grandstand and on levels 1 and 2 of Brandling House Conference building.
    • All of the toilet areas are identical.

Standard Toilet(s) (Brandling House Conference Building)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located adjacent to the reception area.
    • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the accessible entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels in the female toilets are good.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located adjacent to the reception area.
    • The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the accessible entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels in the male toilets are low to moderate.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the female standard toilets.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • Comments View
    • There are additional standard and accessible toilets located adjacent to The Blaydon Race Bar area, The Colonel Porter Stand, The Silver Ring Grandstand and on levels 1 and 2 of Brandling House Conference building.
    • All of the toilet areas are identical.

Sports Ground (Grandstand)

  • Home Support Seating View
    • Wheelchair users do not have a designated accessible seating area.
  • Away Support Seating View
    • Wheelchair users do not have a designated accessible seating area.
  • Comments View
    • Designated wheelchair seating is available outside Park View Suite and also at the front of the grandstands.
    • There are stewards available for assistance.
    • The photograph shows the wheelchair seating area located outside the Park View Suite.

Outside Access (Grandstand Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the grandstand.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
    • The width of the door opening is 84cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • Comments View
    • Picture 1 -3 shown the door to the right hand side of the turnstiles. The door is maned during race days to allow wheelchair user to access the grandstand entrance beyond.

Inside Access (Grandstand Area)

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are good.

Eating and Drinking (The Blayden Race Bar Eating Areas)

  • The following information is for the café/bar.
  • The café/bar is located in the Grandstand Blaydon Bar.
  • The bar does serve food.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the Grandstand Entrance.
  • The standard height for tables is 70cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is not available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Children are welcomed in the bar area.
  • Menus are hand held and wall.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
  • Comments View
    • Within the Blayden Bar area there is the Blayden Bar, Plate Bar, Eidar Bar, Coffee Shop and Chip Shop.
    • The area has open plan sheeting for the food and drinking area.

Accessible Toilet (Blayden Bar- Left Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the grandstand entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located beyond the entrance to the right.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from member of staff.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 175cm x 240cm (5ft 9in x 7ft 10in).
    • There is sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 106cm (3ft 6in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary, non-infectious waste and open waste paper bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • 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 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • 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).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 80cm (2ft 7in).

Standard Toilet(s) (Blayden Bar)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located beyond the entrance to the right.
    • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the grandstand entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels in the female toilets are good.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located beyond the entrance to the right.
    • The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the grandstand entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels in the male toilets are good.

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.