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Alnwick Garden

The Alnwick Garden, Denwick Lane, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1YU

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Access Guide

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Overview

  • About View
    • This is a large collection of gardens with multiple tourist attractions available.
    • Facilities available in the venue include: a garden centre and gift shop, café, treehouse restaurant, children's play area and mini golf.
    • View information on opening times
  • Parking and Public Transport View
  • 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, this may include the use of a lift.
    • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the majority of the gardens, Lilidorei play area and treehouse area.
    • The following areas have stepped access: the Grand Cascade.
    • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces, manual doors, automatic doors and narrow walkways.
    • The Pavilion Café basement can be accessed via a standard lift.
    • There is a changing place in The Pinery Gift Shop and accessible toilets can be found in the basement of the Pavilion Café, Pinery gift shop, treehouse restaurant and outside the ticket office.
  • 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 and walking aids.
    • Documents are available in the following formats: large print (on request).
    • There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
    • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.

Parking

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located in front of The Alnwick Garden.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • There are 15+ designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are signposted but have no markings.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 500cm (width) x 550cm (depth).
    • There are no hatched/marked zones.
    • The nearest designated bay is 80m from Alnwick Garden main entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a slight ramp or slope and uneven surfaces.
    • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
    • There are 2 similar car parks on either side of the B1340. The accessible parking is adjacent to the gardens while standard parking is on the other side of the road. Both parking areas are clearly signed on road signs. There is a member of staff checking blue badges at the accessible car park entrance.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for visitors only.
    • 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 in the accessible car park, at the bottom of the main entrance slope.
    • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the drop-off point.

Ticketing (Admissions Office)

  • Ticket Office View
    • The ticket office surveyed is located to the front right of the Pinery building.
    • There is step-free level access to the ticket office.
    • There are double automatic doors with a low visual contrast.
    • The doors open by sliding.
    • The width of the opening is 164cm.
    • There is step-free level access throughout the ticket office.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • The queue width is at least 150cm and the width at each turn is at least 150cm.
    • There is not a separate wheelchair accessible queue lane.
    • Some flooring is shiny.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
    • The height of the counter is 117cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
    • The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
    • There is a portable hearing assistance system which is not clearly signed.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.

Entrance (Main Garden)

  • This entrance is located at the top of the accessible car park slope, to the left.
  • The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces.
  • The entrance area is not clearly signed.
  • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via slope at the entrance.
  • The slope has a slight gradient.
  • The slope connects the main entrance gate to the accessible car park. It is a long slope (50m) with no resting places.
  • There is a single manual gate at this entrance.
  • The gate is permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 195cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The gate has a high visual contrast.

Outdoor Spaces (Alnwick Gardens)

  • The following is available in this area: a playground with play equipment, formal gardens, gardens and a visitor centre.
  • Additional facilities in this area include: a treehouse and mini golf area .
  • Outdoor areas consist of rubber tarmac, wood bark, grass, block paving, gravel, compact earth and paving slabs.
  • 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: majority of the formal gardens.
  • The following areas have stepped access: the Grand Cascade.
  • There are some seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
  • The paths have narrow gaps, gates and uneven surfaces.
  • There are some gates that are permanently held open within the formal gardens.
    These gates have an opening width greater than 75cm.
  • Playground View
    • There is a playground with an access point over 100cm wide.
    • There is a route around the play equipment which is firm and even, and is at least 150cm wide.
    • 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, rotating, climbing, balancing, crawling, sensory (visual, audible, or tactile) and social play.
    • Some sections of the Lilidorei playground structure have ramped access for wheelchair users.

Outdoor Spaces (The Poison Garden)

  • The following is available in this area: formal gardens.
  • Outdoor areas consist of block paving.
  • There are footpaths throughout.
  • The majority of the paths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • There are some seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
  • The Poison Garden is filled exclusively with around 100 toxic, intoxicating and narcotic plants.
    The garden is kept locked behind black iron gates and is only open for guided tours.
    Visitors are strictly prohibited from smelling, touching or tasting any plants.

Eating and Drinking (Pavilion Café)

  • Location and Service View
    • The Pavilion Café is located through the main garden entrance and to the right.
    • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered, self service counters and designated seating.
    • Full table service is available on request only.
    • Menus are wall-mounted, digital and pictorial.
    • 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.
    • Large print menus are available upon request.
  • Order and Payment View
    • The payment counter was surveyed.
    • The counter is located at the rear right of the café.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 91cm.
    • 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.
    • Some flooring is shiny.
    • 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 long tables.
    • There is background noise in this area.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Entrance (The Gift Shop and Plant Centre)

  • This entrance is located opposite the main garden gate, across the courtyard.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 160cm.
  • The doors have a high visual contrast.

Counter (The Gift Shop and Plant Centre)

  • The counter is located ahead of you as you enter the gift shop entrance.
  • The distance from the gift shop entrance is 8m.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 79cm.
  • There is a fixed hearing assistance system which is not clearly signed.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested, however it was not working at the time of the survey.
  • There is background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Getting Around (The Gift Shop and Plant Centre)

  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • The majority of displays are within reach of a wheelchair user and staff are able to provide assistance.

Changing Places (The Gift Shop)

  • Location and Access View
    • The Changing Places facility surveyed is located in the gift shop, to the left.
    • The Changing Places toilet is in addition to other toilet facilities.
    • There is a sign at the entrance to the Changing Places facility indicating the location of the nearest toilets and baby changing facilities.
    • The distance from The Gift Shop entrance is 20m.
    • The most accessible route to the Changing Places facility has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • A RADAR key is required for access to this facility.
    • The door opens outwards and has a low visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 89cm.
    • The door has a locking handle (with a RADAR key to access).
    • Internally the door has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
    • The dimensions of the facility are 380cm (width) x 346cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (180cm x 180cm).
  • Toilet Details View
    • There is lateral transfer space on both sides of the toilet.
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 88cm.
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 105cm.
    • There is a spatula flush on the left transfer side.
    • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The vertical grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The dropdown rails have a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is located on the dropdown rail.
  • Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
    • The changing bench is wall mounted and height adjustable.
    • The length of the changing bench is 175cm.
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead and accesses all areas.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
    • The shower controls are push.
    • There is no shower seat.
  • Other Facilities View
    • There is a height adjustable wash basin.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 104cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser has a low visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 94cm from the floor.
    • A wide paper roll dispenser is not available.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a medium visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 93cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is an unobstructed shelf.
    • The shelf meets the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
    • The facility has a waste bin, a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 135cm and 100cm from the floor.
    • A privacy screen is available.
    • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Toilet with Adaptations (Pavilion Café Right-Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located in the basement of the Pavilion Café.
    • The distance from Pavilion Café entrance is 25m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and a lift.
    • There is step-free level access via lift into the facility.
    • There is Braille, tactile, pictorial, written text and ‘Not All Disabilities Are Visible’ signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a medium visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 88cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • 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 194cm (width) x 278cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 125cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a push button flush on the wall above the cistern.
    • 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 46cm from the floor.
    • 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 low visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 95cm 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 mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have 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 72cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 103cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer which requires hands to be inserted into the top.
    • The hand dryer has a low visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 81cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm 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 is one coat hook.
    • The coat hook is 154cm from the floor.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 88cm.
    • The walls and floor have a low visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
    • There is a free sanitary item dispenser at a height of 113cm.