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Access Guide

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Overview

  • About View
    • Renishaw Hall and Gardens is a country estate, located in Eckington, Sheffield, which has been home to the Sitwell family for over 400 years. The Grade I Listed Hall and award-winning Italianate gardens welcome visitors during open season (March to November).
    • Facilities available in the venue include: guided tours of the Hall, vineyard tours, picnic area, cafe, gift shop, museum and venue hire.
    • View information on opening times.
  • Parking and Public Transport View
  • Getting In and Around View
    • There is step-free access via a slight slope at the most accessible entrance.
    • The most accessible entrance is also the main entrance.
    • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
    • The following areas have stepped access: the entrance to the Visitor Centre, some parts of the guided tour of the Hall and some areas of the gardens.
    • The following areas have step-free access via ramps: the entrance to the Visitor Centre, some parts of the guided tour of the Hall and some areas of the gardens and courtyard.
    • There are no doors along circulation routes.
    • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces and narrow walkways.
    • The ground floor and first floor of the museum can be accessed via stairs.
  • Getting Help and Assistance View
    • Seating is available.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair, an electric wheelchair and walking aids.
    • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include: large print (on request) and different languages.
    • There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
    • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
    • Staff receive the following training: Disabilityn Awareness, Mental Health Awareness, Autism Awareness, Safeguarding, Dementia Awareness, Manual Handling, First Aid and Fire Safety.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There are 2 toilets with adaptations.
    • The toilets with adaptations are located opposite the Visitor Centre and in the Stable Courtyard.
    • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
    • Female and male step-free standard toilet facilities are located opposite the Visitor Centre and in the Stable Courtyard.
  • Changing Facilities View
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the toilets with adaptations, opposite the Visitor Centre and in the Stable Courtyard.

Parking

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located in front of the Hall. The Blue Badge parking area located to the right hand side of the Stable Courtyard.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of loose chippings.
    • There are 10+ designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are signposted but have no markings.
    • The nearest designated bay is 40m from the Visitor Centre.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access.
    • This route has uneven surfaces.
    • The Stable Courtyard is approximately 20 metres from the nearest Blue Badge bay.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for staff and visitors only.
    • Parking is free for all users.
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
    • Electric Vehicle charging points are not available.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is a designated drop-off point available.
    • The designated drop-off point is located outside the Visitor Centre.
    • There is no dropped kerb from the drop-off point.

Visitor Centre/Reception

  • Location View
    • The reception is located to the left hand side of the Stable Courtyard.
    • The distance from the Blue Badge bays is 40m.
  • Route View
    • The most accessible route to the reception has step-free level access.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
    • This route has uneven surfaces.
  • Access View
    • There is ramped and stepped access to the reception.
    • The ramp does not bypass the step.
    • The ramp has a slight gradient.
    • The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide.
    • There are handrails on both sides.
    • There is one step to the reception.
    • There are no handrails for the step.
    • The step is clearly marked.
    • The height of the step is not between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step is 3cm.
    • There is also a high door threshold at the entrance to the Visitor Centre.
    • Each door measures 59cm wide and opens towards you.
    • The doors have a low contrast.
    • The height of the reception desk is 100cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the desk.
    • The reception has patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • There may be background noise in this area.
    • The flooring is shiny and patterned.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
    • The Visitor Centre accepts card payments only.

Toilet with Adaptations (Visitor Centre - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location View
    • The toilet surveyed is located within the toilets block, opposite the Visitor Centre.
    • The distance from the Visitor Centre is 20m.
  • Route View
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has a slight slope.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • Access View
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is a high door threshold at the entrance.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a low colour contrast.
    • The door requires effort to open.
    • The width of the opening is 79cm.
    • The door has a twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door, with a high colour contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 160cm (width) x 225cm (depth).
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 92cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a spatula flush for the toilet.
    • The flush is on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 88cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The wash basin and tap can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 72cm from the floor.
    • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high colour contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a low colour contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 102cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a high colour contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 85cm 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 nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 152cm from the floor.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 92cm.
    • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
    • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.

The Hall

  • The attraction is indoors.
  • There is not step-free level access throughout.
  • The following areas have stepped access: the doorway at the start of the tour, some door thresholds around the Hall and the Old Kitchen.
  • The following areas have step-free access via slopes or ramps: some areas of the rooms and hallways.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
  • The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • Display formats include: pictorial.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Guided tours are available.
  • There is not step-free level access throughout the tour.
  • The following areas have stepped access: the doorway at the start of the tour, some door thresholds around the Hall and the Old Kitchen.
  • The following areas have step-free access via slopes: some areas of the rooms and hallways.
  • The tour also has uneven surfaces.
  • Wayfinding signage is not provided throughout the tour.
  • Portable seats are available to borrow at the beginning of the tour.
  • Some floor mats throughout the tour could provide a trip hazard.

Stable Courtyard

  • The following is available in this area: courtyard, seating, cafe, toilets with adaptations with baby changing facilities and standard toilets, butchers, gift shop and museum.
  • Outdoor areas consist of cobbled surfaces, gravel and paving slabs.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: access to the gift shop, museum, cafe and toilets.
  • There are seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
  • The paths have uneven surfaces.

Toilet with Adaptations (Stable Courtyard - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location View
    • The toilet surveyed is located to the far left hand side of the courtyard, next to the cafe.
    • The distance from the entrance to the courtyard is 25m.
  • Route View
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has a slight ramp.
    • Doors are held open along the most accessible route.
    • This route has uneven surfaces.
  • Access View
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a low colour contrast.
    • The door requires effort to open.
    • The width of the opening is 76cm.
    • The door has a locking handle.
    • Internally the door has a low colour contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door, with a low colour contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 138cm (width) x 238cm (depth).
    • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet.
    • The lateral transfer space is 64cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a spatula flush for the toilet.
    • The flush is on the non-transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 49cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 107cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has lever taps.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 77cm from the floor.
    • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high colour contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high colour contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 117cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a high colour contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 105cm 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 137cm from the floor.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 80cm.
    • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Gift Shop

  • Access to the Shop View
    • There is step-free access via ramp into the shop.
    • The ramp has a slight gradient.
    • The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide.
    • There is a handrail on the right going up.
    • There is a single manual door.
    • The door is permanently held open.
    • The width of the opening is 102cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
    • The door has a high colour contrast.
  • Shop View
    • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
    • The majority of main aisle widths are between 120cm - 150cm.
    • Product displays/containers that may be more difficult for some to reach or open include: low shelving and high shelving.
    • The flooring is patterned.
    • There is background noise which varies depending on the time of day.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • Payment Counters and Checkouts View
    • The payment counter is located to the left hand side, on entering the gift shop.
    • Signage is not provided for the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 90cm.
    • 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.
    • The payment machine is portable.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Sitwell Museum

  • The area is indoors.
  • There is not step-free level access throughout.
  • The following areas have stepped access: the first floor of the exhibition.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
  • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
  • There may be background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • Display formats include: pictorial, information boards and televisions/screens.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.

Stairs to Access the First Floor of the Museum

  • The stairs are located immediately ahead, after entering the door to the Museum.
  • The ground floor and first floor of the Museum can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are handrails on both sides, which are within reach.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The steps are unmarked.
  • The height of the steps is not between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 24cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm-45cm.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Cafe

  • Location and Access View
    • The cafe is located at the far left hand side of the courtyard.
    • The most accessible route has a slight ramp.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
    • There is step-free level access into this area.
    • There are double manual doors.
    • The doors are permanently held open.
    • The width of the opening is 97cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
    • The doors have a high colour contrast.
  • Order and Payment View
    • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
    • The service counter was surveyed.
    • The counter is located to the right hand side, on entering the cafe.
    • 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.
    • The payment machine is portable.
    • The height of the tray rail is 76cm.
  • Service View
    • This area also has staff who can provide assistance with ordering.
    • Full table service is available on request only.
    • Menus types include: wall-mounted and handheld.
    • 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, takeaway cups and takeaway cutlery.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Seating Area View
    • The seating area is both inside and outside.
    • The outdoor seating area is uncovered.
    • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of the seating area.
    • There is step-free access by ramp to the outdoor seating area.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
    • The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
    • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests and benches.
    • Some seating is fixed.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: 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 uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

Outdoor Seating Area

  • Location and Access View
    • The seating area is located outside the cafe, in the courtyard.
    • The most accessible route has a slight ramp.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
    • There is step-free level access to this area.
  • Seating Area View
    • The seating area is uncovered.
    • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
    • There is step-free access by ramp to the cafe.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
    • The surface height of the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • The clear height under the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • There may be background noise in this area.

The Rex Whistler Room

  • The room is located at the rear of the courtyard, through the gated walkway.
  • The distance from the entrance to the courtyard is 40m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • This route has uneven surfaces.
  • There is no signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There are double manual doors.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 208cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a low colour contrast.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps: the seating area, from the entrance doors.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
  • The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
  • Seating available in this room includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests and benches.
  • Some seating is fixed.
  • Furniture available in this room includes: tables.
  • None of the tables are fixed.
  • The surface height of the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There may be background noise in this room.
  • Announcements are in person.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.

The Gardens, Lake and Woodlands

  • The following is available in this area: woodland and formal gardens.
  • Additional facilities in this area include: water features, statues, vantage points, seating and the lake.
  • Outdoor areas consist of wood bark, grass and gravel.
  • 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 of the pathways around the gardens, woodlands and lake.
  • The following areas have stepped access: some areas of the pathways around the gardens, woodlands and lake.
  • There are seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
  • The paths have narrow gaps and uneven surfaces.

Picnic Area

  • About View
    • The following is available in this area: woodland, farmland and open countryside.
    • Additional facilities in this area include: picnic area.
  • Getting Around View
    • There are no footpaths.
    • Surface types include: grass.
    • There is seating available for people to rest.
    • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.

The Vineyard

  • About View
    • The following is available in this area: woodland, farmland and open countryside.
    • Additional facilities in this area include: vineyard.
  • Getting Around View
    • There are unsurfaced paths/trails throughout.
    • Path or trail surfaces consist of: wood bark, grass and gravel.
    • The majority of the unsurfaced footpaths are not wide enough for wheelchair users.
    • Paths or trails have some sections with potential obstacles such as: uneven surfaces, gates, narrow gaps, overgrowing vegetation and muddy surfaces.
    • There is no signage in this area.
    • There are seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
    • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
    • The following areas have step-free access via slopes: most of the route to the vineyard.