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Castle Howard - Boathouse

Castle Howard Estate, York, YO60 7DA

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Access Guide

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Overview

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • There is 1 toilet with adaptations.
  • The toilet with adaptations is located in the toilet block at the Boathouse.
  • The toilet with adaptations has a left hand transfer space.
  • Ambulant toilet facilities are located in the toilet block at the Boathouse.
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located in the toilet with adaptations, in the toilet block at the Boathouse.

Outdoor Spaces (Adventure Playground)

  • Outdoor areas consist of uncompacted earth and wood bark.
  • There are footpaths in some areas.
  • The majority of the paths are not wide enough for wheelchair users.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the majority of the play area.
  • The following areas have stepped access: the slides.
  • There are some seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
  • The paths have uneven surfaces which may create barriers for some users.
  • Playground View
    • There is a route around the play equipment which is not firm and even, but is over 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, rocking, rotating, climbing, balancing, crawling and viewing.

Outdoor Spaces (Skelf Island)

  • The following is available in this area: a playground with play equipment.
  • Outdoor areas consist of wood bark and uncompacted earth.
  • There are footpaths throughout.
  • The majority of the paths are not wide enough for wheelchair users.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the decking leading to the playground.
  • The following areas have stepped access: all of the play equipment.
  • There are not any seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
  • The paths have uneven surfaces which may create barriers for some users.
  • Playground View
    • There is a fenced play area with an access point over 100cm wide.
    • There is a route around the play equipment which is firm and even, but is less than 150cm wide.
    • The play equipment is not within easy reach for a range of users.
    • The following play experiences are available: swinging, sliding, climbing, balancing, crawling and viewing.

Seating Area (Playground Picnic Area)

  • The seating area is located in the adventure playground.
  • The seating area is uncovered.
  • The most accessible route to the seating area has uneven surfaces.
  • 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.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: picnic tables.
  • The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under the tables is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There may be background noise in this area.

Entrance (Toilets)

  • This entrance is located at the front right of the Boathouse.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is step-free access via slope at the entrance.
  • The slope has a slight gradient.
  • There is a single manual door at this entrance.
  • The door is permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 81cm.
  • The door has a high colour contrast.

Toilet with Adaptations (Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located ahead as you enter the toilet block.
    • The distance from the toilet block entrance is 2m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • 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 low colour contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 81cm.
    • The door has a twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a low colour contrast.
    • There is not a grab rail on the internal door .
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 175cm (width) x 215cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 121cm (from the side of the toilet pan to the wall).
    • There is a lever flush on the non-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 rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a low colour contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low colour contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 99cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 69cm 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 colour contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high colour contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 95cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a low colour contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 105cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a low colour contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 94cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There is one coat hook.
    • The coat hook is 130cm from the floor.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 101cm.
    • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Entrance (Boathouse Café)

  • This entrance is located at the front of the boathouse.
  • 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 slope at the entrance.
  • The slope has a steep gradient with resting areas.
  • There are double manual doors at this entrance, however one door is locked or bolted.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 106cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a low colour contrast.
  • There is an identical set of doors opposite, to access the rear deck.
  • There is a second set of double manual doors .
  • The second set of doors open away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 107cm.

Eating and Drinking (Boathouse Cafe)

  • Location and Service View
    • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered, staff who can provide assistance with ordering and numerous seating options.
    • Full table service is not available.
    • Menus are digital.
    • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free, lactose free, vegetarian and vegan.
    • The following are available: drinking straws, takeaway cups, easy grip cutlery and takeaway cutlery.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Order and Payment View
    • The payment counter was surveyed.
    • The counter is located ahead as you enter the café.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • Hot food is ordered in the café and guests are given a device which will buzz and flash when their order is ready. Hot food is then collected from the kiosk next to the boathouse.
    • The height of the counter is 120cm.
    • There is a lowered section at the counter.
    • The height of the lowered section is 95cm.
  • 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.
    • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests and benches.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: tables and picnic tables.
    • The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • There may be background noise in this area.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Seating Area (Patio and Rear Deck)

  • The seating area is located in front of, and behind, the Boathouse.
  • The seating area is uncovered.
  • The most accessible route to the seating area has a slight ramp or slope.
  • 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.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and chairs with armrests.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables and picnic tables.
  • The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There may be background noise in this area.

Counter (Boathouse Hot Food Collection)

  • The counter is located at the front left of the Boathouse Deck kiosk.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 114cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • The height of the tray rail is 107cm.
  • There may be background noise in this area.