Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

Search for accessible places to go

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Route - St. Helen's- Santon Downham

off Mark Lane, Santon Downham, Suffolk, IP27 0TJ

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Introduction

  • St Helen’s Picnic Site is the start of a series of trails that lead through the forests of Santon Downham. .
  • This easy access route is approximately 0.7miles / 1km and takes you through woodland and along the Little Ouse River.
  • The Easy Going Trail from All Saints Church has Orange markers that lead you past a barrier towards the former railway station cottages along a natural surfaced path.
  • Passing under the railway line (it can get muddy here), turn right and follow a long, gently ascending forest track to the site of St Helen’s Church and the Holy Well.
  • There are lovely views over the Little Ouse River and a very well written interpretation panel telling.
  • the story of the site.
  • Then retrace your steps back to the car park.
  • You can also explore forest trails South of the river.

Location

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

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • The car park is located in front of the venue.
    • 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 with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is / are uneven surfaces.
    • The car park surface is loose chippings.
    • 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.
  • Comments View
    • Seasonal parking charges may apply.

Walk

  • The walk starts off at the car park and takes you through woodland, then along the river and back to the car park.
  • On the way you will pass All Saints Church, one of Britain's smallest churches and you might see kingfishers, crossbills or woodpeckers.
  • There is wooden seating available along the route.

Paths

  • The surface of the paths around the walk is compact earth, with a width of 90cm going down to 60cm in places.
  • The paths have some easy slopes around the route.

Accessible Toilet

  • 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 pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 28m (30yd 1ft) from the car park.
    • This accessible toilet is located within a toilet block in the center of the car park.
    • There is not 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 locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 230cm (5ft 3in x 7ft 7in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • 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 not an emergency alarm.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • 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 not a mirror.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • 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 80cm (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 poor.
    • There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • 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 75cm (2ft 6in).
  • Comments View
    • Toilet block has seasonal opening. Please call in advance to check.

Level Change (Accessible and Standard Toilets)

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

Standard Toilet(s)

Additional Info

  • Documents are not available in Braille.
  • Documents are not available in large print.
  • A bowl of water cannot be provided for an assistance dog.
  • An assistance dog toilet area can be provided onsite.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.