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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.

Toilet with Adaptations

  • 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.