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Belfast Castle

Antrim Road, Belfast, BT15 5GR

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About this venue

Belfast Castle is a magnificent sandstone building offering a wealth of history and grandeur for a range of functions. Its sense of history, the superb setting and first-rate facilities makes Belfast Castle an ideal venue for that special occasion and offers a unique experience for all who visit. It occupies a prominent position on the slopes of Cave Hill, some 120 metres (400 feet) above sea level. The building was officially re-opened to the public on 11 November 1988 after a major refurbishment programme by Belfast City Council.

Access Guide

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Introduction (Opening Times)

  • Opening times:.
  • Castle: 09:00 - 18:00 daily.
  • Ability Cafe: 9:00 - 16:00 (Hot food served until 15:00) .
  • Cave hill Visitor Centre: 9:00 -17.30.
  • Cave hill Adventure Playground: 9:00-21:00 (summer hours).

Location

  • There is not a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Yorkgate.
  • There is not a tram stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • The car park is located at the front of the venue.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
    • There is/are 3 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 300cm x 520cm (9ft 10in x 17ft 1in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 6m (6yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entarance.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
  • Second set of doors View
    • The automatic doors are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 140cm (4ft 7in).

Level Change (Main Entrance)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp or slope is located on the path leading to the entrance.

Reception

  • The desk/counter is 11m (12yd 1in) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • The lighting levels are bright.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Inside Access

  • 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 bright.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B,G,1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are not 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 bright.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right as you enter the venue.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are B, G. . If you wish to access 1st floor, you can speak to reception and they will allow access via a fob.
  • The lift is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 105cm x 167cm (3ft 5in x 5ft 6in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Restaurant Bar Internal (Cellar Restaurant)

  • The following information is for the restaurant.
  • Once inside, there is level access to the service.
  • Full table service is available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • There is not a lowered section at the service counter.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is 28m (30yd 1ft) from the lift.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 68cm (2ft 3in).
  • 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 traditional.

Accessible Toilet (Function Rooms)

  • There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is written text and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 37m (40yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located off the main corridor next to the function rooms.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex 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 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 190cm x 246cm (6ft 3in x 8ft 1in).
    • 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 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • 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 and waste paper pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
    • 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 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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 placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 79cm (2ft 7in).
  • 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 fair.
    • There is a fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • 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 92cm (3ft).

Standard Toilet(s) (Function Rooms)

  • 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 next to the function rooms.
    • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 35m (38yd 10in) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located next to the function rooms.
    • The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels are bright.

Accessible Toilet (Cellar Restaurant)

  • There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is written text and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 13m (14yd 8in) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located in the basement, off the corridor.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex 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 89cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 157cm x 280cm (5ft 2in x 9ft 2in).
    • 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • 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 and waste paper pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
    • 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 a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 105cm (3ft 5in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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 placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 75cm (2ft 6in).
  • 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.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the accessible tolilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 89cm (2ft 11in).

Standard Toilet(s) (Cellar Restaurant)

  • 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 in the basement.
    • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 23m (25yd 6in) from the lift.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
    • This is by lift.
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located in the basement.
    • The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 19m (20yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
    • This is by lift.
    • Lighting levels are bright.

Standard Toilet(s) (First Floor)

Level Change (Standard Toilets - First Floor)

  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located on the approach to the toilets.
  • There is/are 4 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are bright.
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.

Outside Access (Cave Hill Visitor Centre Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located to the left of the main entrance, in the basement.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is / are single.
  • The door(s) is / are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 100cm (3ft 3in).

Level Change (Cave Hill Visitor Centre Entrance)

  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located on the approach to the entrance.
  • There is/are 15+ step(s) to the area/service.
  • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.

Inside Access (Cave Hill Visitor Centre)

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • The lighting levels are bright.

Outside Access (Garden Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the side of the building.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is / are single.
  • The width of the door opening is 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • Comments View
    • The garden entrance is accessed via the cellar restaurant and visitor centre. Wheelchair users can use the lift beyond the main entrance and enter the basement to the right. The garden entrance is along the corridor to the right.

Level Change (Garden Entrance)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp or slope is located to the right as you face the entrance.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does not have handrails.
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
  • There is/are 3 step(s) to the area/service.
  • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).

Gardens

  • The photographs show the gardens to the side of the castle and the seating areas available within the grounds.

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Documents are not available in Braille.
  • Documents are not available in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.