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Overview

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• About View
  • Ancestral estate of the Earls of Antrim and award-winning Walled Garden, with family activities and events throughout the year.
  • Facilities available in the venue include: Blue Badge parking, accessible and standard toilets, gift shops, tea room, food and retail outlets, children's playground, historic house and gardens, walking trails and tours, museum, meeting and conference facilities and self-catering accommodation.
  • View information on opening times.
• Parking and Public Transport View
  • The venue has its own car park, with Blue Badge parking available.
  • The nearest train station is Larne.
  • The nearest bus station is Larne.
  • For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Google Maps (opens new tab).
  • View information on getting here (opens new tab).
• Getting In and Around View
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: The Walled Garden, Retail Quarter, Woodland Walk and Mini Land Rover Experience.
  • The following areas have stepped access: the main Castle entrance and exit. However, a portable ramp is available. Visitors can let the venue know in advance if this is required. Upper floors of the Castle are not open to visitors.
  • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces, manual doors, doors permanently held open and narrow walkways.
  • Accessible toilet facilities are available at The Welcome Centre, Tea Room and The Walled Garden.
• 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 an electric scooter.
  • View more information on borrowing or hiring equipment (opens new tab).
  • It is advised to enquire and arrange mobility equipment loans in advance of visits.
  • There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
  • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
  • Additional facilities/services include: Wi-Fi.
  • Staff receive the following training: Disability and Equality Training.

You are on Toilet and Changing Facilities. Skip to the next section.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • There are 3 toilets with adaptations.
  • Toilets with adaptations are located near The Welcome Centre, Tea Room and The Walled Garden.
  • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
  • The gender inclusive step-free standard toilet facilities are located in The Welcome Centre and Tea Room.
  • The male and female step-free standard toilet facilities are located near The Walled Garden.
• Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located near The Welcome Centre and Tea Room.

You are on Main Car Park and Tea Room Parking. Skip to the next section.

Main Car Park and Tea Room Parking

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• Car Park View
  • The car park is located beyond the main entrance, with further parking near The Tea Room.
  • The car park is open air/surface.
  • The car park surface consists of tarmac and loose chippings.
  • There are 6 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
  • The Blue Badge bays are signposted but have no markings.
  • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access and uneven surfaces.
• Charges and Restrictions View
  • This car park is for visitors only.
  • Parking is free for all users.
  • Car parking charges may be introduced in 2026.
• Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
  • There are 2 electric vehicle charging points.
  • The controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The nozzle holster is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The charging points require tap and pay (contactless payment).
  • There are no electric vehicle charging points designated for Blue Badge holders.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is a designated drop-off point available.
  • The designated drop-off point is located near The Tea Room.
  • Access to The Tea Room parking and drop off-point is via the automatic gate.

You are on The Welcome Centre, Ticket Office and Shop. Skip to the next section.

The Welcome Centre, Ticket Office and Shop

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• Ticket Office View
  • The ticket office surveyed is located ahead, from the car park.
  • There is step-free level access to the ticket office.
  • There are double manual doors with a medium visual contrast.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 167cm.
  • There is a second door as you enter.
  • The door opens away and is held open depending on the weather.
  • The door has an opening width of 90cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the ticket office.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • The height of the counter is 119cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the counter.
  • The height of the lowered section is 74cm.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Access throughout may include narrow walkways.
  • The majority of main aisle widths are between 150cm - 180cm.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • There is a high visual contrast between the shelving and floor in the majority of walkways.
  • There may be background noise.

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

Toilet with Adaptations (Welcome Centre - Right Hand Transfer)

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located to the rear of The Welcome Centre.
  • The distance from The Welcome Centre is 30m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has a slight ramp or slope and uneven surfaces.
  • 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 visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening is 90cm.
  • The door has a twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a medium visual contrast.
  • There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 150cm (width) x 215cm (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.
  • The lateral transfer space is 80cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a push button flush on top of the cistern.
  • There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
  • There is no vertical grab rail for the toilet.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown rail has a low visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 50cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low visual 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 visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 60cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 72cm 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 can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 100cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 67cm 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 nappy/incontinence items bin.
  • There is one coat hook.
  • The coat hook is 170cm from the floor.
  • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 87cm.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • The outer door into the toilet facilities is automatic and operated via push pad.
  • The push pad is at a height of 104cm.
  • The door opens by sliding and has an opening width of 90cm.

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

Entrance (Heritage Centre)

• This entrance is located to the right of the Retail Quarter.
• 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 level access at the entrance.
• There is a single manual door at this entrance.
• The door is permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 90cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The door has a high visual contrast.
• There is a turnstile entrance system to the exhibition space.
• The turnstile gate can be used if required.
• The second gate opens both ways.
• The width of the opening is 97cm.
• The second gate has a low visual contrast.
• There is step-free access via slope as you enter.
• The slope has a slight gradient.

You are on Heritage Centre. Skip to the next section.

Heritage Centre

• All exhibits are indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• Access throughout may include manual doors.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• Display information includes: pictorial, information boards and televisions/screens.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches.
• There are shows/talks with no designated seating for wheelchair users .
• The tour is self-guided but volunteers/staff are available to provide additional information.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of the tour.
• The following areas of the tour have step-free access via ramps or slopes: access to the exhibition.

You are on Getting Around - The Retail Quarter, Middle Courtyard and Past and Present Courtyard. Skip to the next section.

Getting Around - The Retail Quarter, Middle Courtyard and Past and Present Courtyard

• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
• Access throughout may include uneven surfaces.
• There is background noise which varies depending on the time of day.
• Wayfinding signage is provided.
• Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
• The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
• Seating available in the walkways includes: benches.
• This is an open area with several retail and food units.
• There is step-free access to the majority of the units.
• Some historical buildings have low door thresholds.

You are on Playground. Skip to the next section.

Playground

• The following is available in this area: a playground with play equipment and formal gardens.
• Outdoor areas consist of wood bark, grass and rubber matting.
• There are footpaths in some areas.
• 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 paths have uneven surfaces.

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• 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 following play experiences are available: sliding, rocking, climbing, balancing, viewing and social play.

You are on Tea Room. Skip to the next section.

Tea Room

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• Location and Access View
  • The Tea Room is located to the centre of the estate, near The Walled Garden.
  • The most accessible route has slight ramps or slopes and uneven surfaces.
  • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • There are double manual doors with a medium visual contrast.
  • One of the doors was locked at the time of the survey.
  • The locked door can be opened on request.
  • The door opens towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 84cm.
• Service View
  • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered, colleagues who can provide assistance with ordering and numerous seating options.
  • Full table service is available on request only.
  • Menus are handheld, available on a board and displayed on the counter.
  • 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 and takeaway cutlery.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Order and Payment View
  • The service counter was surveyed.
  • The counter is located to the side of The Tea Room.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 90cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • The height of the tray rail is 90cm.
• Seating Area View
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
  • The following areas have stepped access: the raised 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 with armrests, chairs without armrests, armchairs and benches.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
  • The surface height of some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There may be background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • There is access to the terrace from TheTea Room.
  • The most accessible route has step-free level access and uneven surfaces.
  • There are double manual doors with a low visual contrast.
  • The doors open away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 106cm.
  • There is also access to this area via the front entrance, if required.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: picnic tables.

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

Toilet with Adaptations (Tea Room - Right Hand Transfer)

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located near the Tea Room.
  • The distance from the entrance is 29m.
  • 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 visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening is 84cm.
  • The door has a locking handle.
  • 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 158cm (width) x 277cm (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.
  • The lateral transfer space is 80cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a spatula flush on the transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a low visual contrast.
  • There is no vertical grab rail for the toilet.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown rail has a low visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a medium visual contrast.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 72cm 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 can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 120cm from the floor.
  • 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 sanitary bin and a pedal bin.
  • There is one coat hook.
  • The coat hook is 120cm from the floor.
  • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 103cm.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on The Walled Garden. Skip to the next section.

The Walled Garden

• The following is available in this area: formal gardens, gardens and a toilet block.
• Outdoor areas consist of loose chippings, grass 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 all areas.
• There are some seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
• The paths have uneven surfaces.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (The Walled Garden - Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (The Walled Garden - Left Hand Transfer)

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located near The Walled Garden.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access, a very easy slope, uneven surfaces and doors permanently held open.
  • 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 visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening is 87cm.
  • The door has a sliding bolt lock.
  • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
  • There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 144cm (width) x 198cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet.
  • The lateral transfer space is 67cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a pull chain flush for the toilet.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 50cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a high visual 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 visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 75cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 76cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • The vertical grab rail is on the left as you face the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a soap dispenser, however it is not wall mounted.
  • The soap dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 118cm 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 118cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hand dryer.
  • There is no emergency alarm.
  • There is a mirror.
  • The cubicle has a waste bin.
  • There is one coat hook.
  • The coat hook is 100cm from the floor.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Woodland Walk. Skip to the next section.

Woodland Walk

• The following is available in this area: woodland and formal gardens.
• Outdoor areas consist of grass, gravel and uncompacted earth.
• 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: some areas on the trail.
• There are some seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
• The paths have gates and uneven surfaces.

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Mini Land Rover Experience and Dog Park

• The following is available in this area: parkland, gardens and open countryside.
• Additional facilities in this area include: Mini Land Rover Experience attraction and an enclosed Dog Park.
• Outdoor areas consist of loose chippings, grass and gravel.
• There are footpaths in some areas.
• The majority of the paths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
• There are some seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
• The paths have gates and uneven surfaces.