Access Guide
Introduction
- Built in about 140AD it is the only example of its kind in Britain, being a theatre with a stage rather than an Amphitheatre.
- The arena would have been used for anything from religious processions and dancing, to wrestling, armed combat and wild beast shows.
- From about 180AD the stage came into greater use and the auditorium was extended.
- By about 300AD, the theatre could seat 2000 spectators.
- The ruins you can see today were unearthed in 1847 and 1935.
- Subsequent excavations in 1957 and 1961 revealed a row of shop foundations, a Roman Villa and a secret shrine, all thought to date from the first century.
- The theatre was refurbished in 2014 to include new steps, pathways and handrails.
- There is now improved, yet limited disabled access.
- The Theatre is available to book for cultural entertainment.
- It is also possible to view treasures evacuated from the Roman Theatre site at St Albans Verulamium Museum.
Location
- There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
- The nearest National Rail station is St Albans Abbey.
COVID-19 Information
- There is not a member of staff available at the entrance.
- There is not hand sanitiser available at the entrance.
- Hand sanitisers are not available inside the venue.
- There is a limited number of people allowed inside.
- There is a Track and Trace system in place.
- There is not a one-way system throughout.
- There is clear signage inside to help with social distancing.
Opening Hours
Reception (Admissions Kiosk)
- The desk/counter is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the theatre ruins entrance.
- There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
- The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
- The desk/counter does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
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Comments
View
- Staff will open the gate for vehicles to enter the car park.
Parking
- The venue does have its own car park.
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Venue Car Park
View
- Parking is free for all users.
- The car park is located beyond the admissions kiosk.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- There is/are 0 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
- 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.
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Drop-off Point
View
- There is not a designated drop off point.
Outside Access (Theatre Ruins Entrance)
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Entrance
View
- This information is for the entrance located leading to the ruins.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
- The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
- The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
- The width of the door opening is 120cm.
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Ramp/Slope
View
- The ramp/slope is located beyond the entrance.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
Roman Theatre Ruins
- The theatre ruins surface is gravel and grass.
- Assistance is available to patrons via the staff that are at theatre shows.
Accessible Toilet
- Accessible toilet facilities are not available.
Standard Toilet(s)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
View
- Standard toilet facilities are not available.
Additional Info
- Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
- Documents can be requested in Braille.
- Documents can be requested 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.