You are on Overview. Skip to the next section.

Overview

Collapse all Expand all

• About View
  • Facilities available in the venue include: exhibition rooms, dark sky viewing, meeting rooms, hiking, a shop and a café.
  • View information on opening times
• Parking and Public Transport View
  • The venue has its own car park.
  • There is a drop-off point.
  • The nearest train station is Bardon Mill.
  • For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Google Maps (opens new tab)
• Getting In and Around View
  • There is step-free level access 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 landscape exhibition.
  • The following areas have stepped access: the landscape exhibition.
  • Access throughout may include manual doors.
• Getting Help and Assistance View
  • There is seating available.
  • There are fixed and portable hearing assistance systems.
  • You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair.
  • There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
  • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
• Related Access Guides View
  • View information on The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre - Café / Shop (opens new tab) .

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

Collapse all Expand all

• Car Park View
  • The car park is located in front of the building.
  • The car park is open air/surface.
  • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
  • There are 4 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
  • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
  • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 226cm (width) x 467cm (depth).
  • There are no hatched/marked zones.
  • The nearest designated bay is 20m from main entrance.
  • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access.
  • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
• Charges and Restrictions View
  • Parking is not free for all users.
  • Clearly presented parking signs are available.
  • Payment machines are located at the front of the car park.
  • There is not a payment machine with controls at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • There is a level manoeuvring space for a wheelchair user in front of the payment machine (185cm x 210cm).
• Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
  • There is 1 electric vehicle charging point.
  • The dimensions of the surveyed electric vehicle charging bay are 324cm (width) x 467cm (depth).
  • The controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The nozzle holster is not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The charging points require tap and pay (contactless payment).
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is a designated drop-off point available.
  • The designated drop-off point is located at the front of the car park, to the right of the Blue Badge bays.
  • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the drop-off point.
  • The bus stop is also used as the drop off point.

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

Entrance (Main Entrance)

• This entrance is located at the front of the building.
• 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 is an intercom at a height of 111cm.
• There is a single automatic door at this entrance.
• The door opens by sliding.
• The width of the opening is 144cm.
• The door has a low visual contrast.
• There is a second single automatic door.
• The second door opens by sliding.
• The width of the opening is 140cm.

You are on Reception. Skip to the next section.

Reception

• The reception is located ahead as you enter via the main entrance.
• The distance from the main entrance is 7m.
• There is step-free level access to reception.
• The height of the reception desk is 110cm.
• There is a lowered section at the desk.
• The height of the lowered section is 76cm.
• The reception has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
• There is a clearly signed portable hearing assistance system.
• The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
• The height of the touchscreen display ranges from 80cm to 110cm from the floor.
• The lower part of the desk is at the far left. The touchscreen is to the right of the reception desk.
• There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
• Some flooring is shiny.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Getting Around. Skip to the next section.

Getting Around

• 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 Landscape Exibition.
• The following areas have stepped access: The Landscape Exibition.
• Access throughout may include manual doors.
• Some flooring is shiny.
• There is a high visual contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of walkways.
• There is background noise in some areas of the venue.
• Wayfinding signage is provided.
• The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• Lighting levels are low in the Landscape Exhibition area. Wheelchairs available to borrow are stored under the stairwell.

You are on Exhibition Space. Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space

• This area is indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
• The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: The Landscape Exibition.
• Access throughout may include narrow walkways.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
• The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
• The following may be experienced here: lighting effects, 3D visual effects on screen and interactive video effects.
• There is background noise.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
• Display information includes: pictorial, touchscreens, information boards, audio description, audio guides and televisions/screens.
• There is a fixed hearing assistance system which is not clearly signed.
• The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches.
• A ramp overcomes some steps in the Landscape Exhibition.

You are on Exit (Rear Exit to Children's Play Area). Skip to the next section.

Exit (Rear Exit to Children's Play Area)

• The exit area is not clearly signed.
• There is a single manual door at this exit.
• The door opens away from you.
• The width of the opening is 85cm.
• The doors have a high visual contrast.
• There is step-free access via slope as you exit.
• The slope has a steep gradient.

You are on Outdoor Spaces (Children's Play Area). Skip to the next section.

Outdoor Spaces (Children's Play Area)

• The following is available in this area: a grassed play area.
• Outdoor areas consists of concrete or tarmac and sand.
• There are no footpaths.
• The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: all of the area.
• There are some seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
• The paths have uneven surfaces.

Collapse all Expand all

• Playground View
  • There are no firm and even routes over 150cm wide around the play equipment.
  • The play equipment is not within easy reach for a range of users.
  • The following play experiences are available: swinging, rocking, climbing, balancing and social play.

You are on Room (The Alan Reece Room). Skip to the next section.

Room (The Alan Reece Room)

• The room is located on the ground floor, to the left as you enter.
• The distance from the main entrance is 10m.
• The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access.
• There is written text signage on or near the door.
• There is step-free level access into the room.
• There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 104cm.
• There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
• The door opens towards you.
• The width of the opening is 85cm.
• There is step-free level access throughout the room.
• 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 have a medium visual contrast.
• Seating available in the room includes: chairs without armrests.
• Furniture available in the room includes: tables.
• 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.
• There is no (or very little) background noise in this room.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
• There is a worktop and sink behind bifold doors, to the left as you enter. The height of the worktop is 94cm. There is a sink at a height of 95cm. The sink has a mixer tap with separate lever controls. There is a lower worktop at a height of 76cm. The lower worktop has a sing at a height of 76cm. The sink has a lever mixer tap. Other similar and smaller rooms are available.

You are on Lift. Skip to the next section.

Lift

• The lift surveyed is located in the corridor to the left, just past the reception desk.
• The distance from the main entrance is 20m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
• G, 1 are accessed by this lift.
• The lift door has a high visual contrast.
• The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
• The external lift control buttons have a high visual contrast.
• All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The lift door opening width is 90cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 107cm (width) x 138cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have a low visual contrast, tactile markings and Braille markings.
• All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• Internally the lift has: a visual floor indicator, a hearing assistance alarm system and a mirror to aid reversing.
• Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.

You are on Stairs. Skip to the next section.

Stairs

• The stairs surveyed are located in the main corridor, to the right of the reception desk.
• G, 1 can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 20+ steps between floors.
• The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are easy to grip.
• The handrail covers the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrail extends horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The height of the step is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 17cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Entrance (Roof Top Walk). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Roof Top Walk)

• This entrance is located on the first floor, through the café on the left.
• The entrance area is not clearly signed.
• There is a single manual door at this entrance.
• The door opens away from you.
• The width of the opening is 95cm.
• The door has a low visual contrast.
• There is step-free access via slope as you enter.
• The slope has a steep gradient.

You are on Outdoor Spaces (Roof Top Walk). Skip to the next section.

Outdoor Spaces (Roof Top Walk)

• Additional facilities in this area include: a rooftop walk with views of Hadrian's Wall and the surrounding area.
• Outdoor areas consist of decking.
• There are footpaths throughout.
• The majority of the paths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
• The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the complete walk.
• There are seats situated along the paths for people to rest.

Collapse all Expand all

• Playground View
  • Most of the path is metal grating. The slope is long but has regular resting and turning points.

You are on Changing Places (Ground Floor - Transfer Both Sides). Skip to the next section.

Changing Places (Ground Floor - Transfer Both Sides)

Collapse all Expand all

• Location and Access View
  • The Changing Places facility surveyed is located on the ground floor, at the end of the right corridor.
  • The Changing Places toilet is in addition to other toilet facilities.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 25m.
  • 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 signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening is 85cm.
  • The door has a lever twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a medium visual contrast.
  • The dimensions of the facility are 357cm (width) x 304cm (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, however the right side is obstructed.
  • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 72cm.
  • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 65cm.
  • There is an elbow pad flush for the toilet.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the left as you face the toilet.
  • The vertical grab rail has 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 46cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is located on the dropdown rail.
• Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
  • The changing bench is free standing and height adjustable.
  • The length of the changing bench is 180cm.
  • The facility hoist is powered overhead and accesses all areas.
• Shower Details View
  • There is an adjustable shower head.
  • The shower controls are twist turn mixer.
  • There is no shower seat.
• Other Facilities View
  • There is a fixed height wash basin.
  • The wash basin is 80cm 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 high visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 107cm from the floor.
  • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser has a high visual contrast.
  • The towel dispenser is 110cm from the floor.
  • A wide paper roll dispenser is available.
  • The height of the wide paper roll dispenser is 77cm.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a low visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 110cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a full length mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The facility has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There are multiple coat hooks.
  • The coat hooks are 109cm and 144cm from the floor.
  • A privacy screen is not available.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

Collapse all Expand all

• Location and Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located on the ground floor, at the end of the right corridor.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 25m.
  • 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 high visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening is 85cm.
  • The door has a lever twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a medium visual contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 138cm (width) x 220cm (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, however it is obstructed.
  • The lateral transfer space is 82cm (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 high visual contrast.
  • 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 48cm 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 medium visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 88cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 74cm 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 high 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 103cm 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 93cm from the floor.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a low visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 100cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a full length mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a sanitary bin and a pedal bin.
  • There are multiple coat hooks.
  • The coat hooks are 108cm and 146cm from the floor.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor - Furthest Left - Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor - Furthest Left - Right Hand Transfer)

Collapse all Expand all

• Location and Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located on the first floor at the end of the front corridor furthest away.
  • The distance from the lift is 35m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has a lift.
  • 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 86cm.
  • The door has a lever twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 135cm (width) x 209cm (depth) and there is not 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 70cm (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 high visual contrast.
  • 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 48cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is located on the dropdown rail.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 74cm 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 high 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 101cm 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 101cm from the floor.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a low visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 99cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a full length mirror.
  • There is a shelf, however there is an obstruction in front of it.
  • The shelf does not meet the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
  • The cubicle has a sanitary bin and a pedal bin.
  • There are multiple coat hooks.
  • The coat hooks are 108cm and 144cm from the floor.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor - Closest Right - Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor - Closest Right - Left Hand Transfer)

Collapse all Expand all

• Location and Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located on the first floor at the end of the front corridor.
  • The distance from the lift is 35m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has a lift.
  • 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 86cm.
  • The door has a lever twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 137cm (width) x 210cm (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, however it is obstructed.
  • The lateral transfer space is 68cm (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 high visual contrast.
  • 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 48cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is located on the dropdown rail.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 74cm 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 high 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 102cm 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 97cm from the floor.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a low visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 98cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a full length mirror.
  • There is a shelf, however there is an obstruction in front of it.
  • The shelf does not meet the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
  • The cubicle has a sanitary bin and a pedal bin.
  • There are multiple coat hooks.
  • The coat hooks are 98cm and 143cm 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 Parent and Baby Room / Feeding Room (Ground Floor). Skip to the next section.

Parent and Baby Room / Feeding Room (Ground Floor)

• The room surveyed is located on the ground floor at the end of the right corridor.
• The distance from the main entrance is 30m.
• The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access.
• There is step-free level access into the room.
• There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
• The door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
• The width of the door opening is 85cm.
• Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
• The height of the baby change facility when in use is 88cm.
• There is a wash basin, a hand dryer, a paper towel dispenser, a mirror and a coat hook in the room.
• The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
• The room has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a pedal bin.
• The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Standard Toilet Facilities. Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet Facilities

• The male and female standard toilet facilities were surveyed.
• The toilets are located on the ground floor at the end of the right corridor..
• The distance from the main entrance is 25m.
• The most accessible route has step-free level access.
• There is step-free level access into the toilets.
• There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
• Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
• The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
• The height of the baby change facility when in use is 91cm.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.