Access Guide
Overview
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About
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- 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.
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Parking and Public Transport
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- The venue has its own car park, with Blue Badge parking available.
- There is a drop-off point.
- The nearest train station is Chesterfield.
- The nearest tram stop is Eckington.
- For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Google Maps (opens new tab).
- Tickets and information for the guided tours are available from the Visitor Centre/Reception building.
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Getting In and Around
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- 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.
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Getting Help and Assistance
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- 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
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Toilet Facilities
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- 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.
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Changing Facilities
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- Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the toilets with adaptations, opposite the Visitor Centre and in the Stable Courtyard.
Parking
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Car Park
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- 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.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- This car park is for staff and visitors only.
- Parking is free for all users.
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Electric Vehicle Charging Points
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- Electric Vehicle charging points are not available.
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Drop-off Point
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- 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
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Location
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- The reception is located to the left hand side of the Stable Courtyard.
- The distance from the Blue Badge bays is 40m.
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Route
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- 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.
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Access
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- 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)
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Location
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- The toilet surveyed is located within the toilets block, opposite the Visitor Centre.
- The distance from the Visitor Centre is 20m.
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Route
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- The most accessible route to the toilet has a slight slope.
- There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
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Access
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- 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.
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Dimensions and Features
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- 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)
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Location
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- 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.
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Route
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- 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.
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Access
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- 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.
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Dimensions and Features
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- 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
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Access to the Shop
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- 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.
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Shop
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- 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.
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Payment Counters and Checkouts
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- 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
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Location and Access
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- 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.
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Order and Payment
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- 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.
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Service
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- 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.
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Seating Area
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- 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
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Location and Access
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- 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.
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Seating Area
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- 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
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About
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- The following is available in this area: woodland, farmland and open countryside.
- Additional facilities in this area include: picnic area.
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Getting Around
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- 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
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About
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- The following is available in this area: woodland, farmland and open countryside.
- Additional facilities in this area include: vineyard.
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Getting Around
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- 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.
