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Darwin Forest

Two Dales, Matlock, DE4 5PL

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Access Guide

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Accommodation Overview

  • About View
    • Darwin Forest is located in the Derbyshire Peak District and is one of the UK's top holiday parks, providing luxury and accessible self-catering lodges.
    • There are 137 luxury lodges available, 2 of which have adaptations.
    • Dogs are welcomed at this venue.
  • Parking and Public Transport View
  • Getting In and Around View
    • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
    • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: some lodges.
    • The following areas have stepped access: some lodges and the gym.
    • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces and manual doors.
    • The gym in the health centre can be accessed via a stair lift and stairs.
  • Getting Help and Assistance View
    • There is seating available.
    • There is a fixed hearing assistance system.
    • You can borrow or hire the following equipment: shower chairs.
    • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include: large print (on request).
    • There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
    • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There are 4 toilets with adaptations.
    • The toilets with adaptations are located in the reception lobby, in the Little Monkeys play centre, in the health centre and near the restaurant.
    • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
    • Female and male step-free standard toilet facilities are located in the reception lobby, in the Little Monkeys play centre, in the health centre and near the restaurant.
  • Changing Facilities View
    • Changing facilities with adaptations are located in the health centre.
    • Standard changing facilities are located in the health centre.
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the toilets with adaptations.
  • Washroom and Shower Facilities View
    • Shower facilities with adaptations are located in the health centre.
    • Standard shower facilities are located in the health centre.

Blue Badge Parking

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located in front of the reception building.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • There are 4 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 268cm (width) x 470cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to one side but not at the rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 100cm.
    • The nearest designated bay is 5m from the reception building.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access.
    • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
    • There is also a larger, main car park nearby with no Blue Badge parking bays.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for Blue Badge holders only.
    • Parking is free for all users.
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
    • There are no electric vehicle charging points designated for Blue Badge holders.
    • There is 1 electric vehicle charging point.
    • The dimensions of the electric vehicle charging bay are 268cm (width) x 470cm (depth).
    • The controls are not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The nozzle holster is not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • You do not need an online account to use the charging point.
    • Payment can be made with a credit/debit card (contactless) and via an app.
    • The EV charging point is located in the main car park, nearby.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Entrance to the Reception Building

  • This entrance is located to the right hand side of the reception building.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There is a single automatic door.
  • The door opens by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 100cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The door has a low colour contrast.
  • There is a second, single automatic door.
  • The door opens by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 100cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The door has a low colour contrast.

Reception

  • Location View
    • The reception is located to the right hand side, on entering the reception building.
    • The distance from the entrance is 4m.
  • 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.
  • Access View
    • There is step-free level access to the reception.
    • The height of the reception desk is 97cm.
    • There is a lowered section at the desk.
    • The height of the lowered section is 74cm.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • There may be background noise in this area.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
    • 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: stools.

Toilet with Adaptations (Reception Lobby - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location View
    • The toilet surveyed is located off the reception lobby.
    • The distance from the reception lobby is 1m.
  • Route View
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • Access View
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high colour contrast.
    • The width of the opening is 98cm.
    • 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 medium colour contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 232cm (width) x 153cm (depth).
    • There is 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 79cm (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 low colour contrast.
    • There is no vertical grab rail for the toilet.
    • There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown grab rail has a low 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 low colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 80cm 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 80cm from the floor.
    • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a low colour contrast.
    • There is a soap dispenser, however it is not wall mounted.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a low colour contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 120cm from the floor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is no emergency alarm.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There is one coat hook.
    • The coat hook is 117cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Woodland Store

  • Access to the Shop View
    • The shop is located next to the reception.
    • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
    • There is step-free level access into the shop.
    • There is a single manual door.
    • The door opens away from you.
    • The width of the opening is 105cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
    • The door has a low colour contrast.
  • Shop View
    • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
    • The majority of main aisle widths are under 120cm.
    • Product displays/containers that may be more difficult for some to reach or open include: low shelving and high shelving.
    • There may be background noise.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • Payment Counters and Checkouts View
    • The payment counter is located to the right hand side, as you enter the shop.
    • Signage is not provided for the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 89cm.
    • There is a lowered section at the counter.
    • The height of the lowered section is 72cm.
    • 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.

Restaurant

  • Location and Access View
    • The restaurant is located opposite the Health Centre.
    • The most accessible route has a slight ramp.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
    • There is one step into this area.
    • There are no handrails for the step.
    • The step is unmarked.
    • The height of the step is not between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step is 6cm.
    • There is a single manual door.
    • The door opens towards you.
    • The width of the opening is 82cm.
    • The door has a low colour contrast.
    • This area has a bar where food and drink can be ordered.
  • Order and Payment View
    • The bar was surveyed.
    • The bar is located to the right hand side, on entry to the restaurant.
    • There is step-free level access to the bar.
    • The height of the bar is 105cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the bar.
    • The bar has patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The payment machine is portable.
  • Service View
    • This area also has staff who can provide assistance with ordering.
    • Full table service is available on request only.
    • Menus are 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 partially covered.
    • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of the seating area.
    • There is stepped access 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.
    • The flooring is patterned.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests and chairs without armrests.
    • 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 vary due to the size of the space.

Play Centre - Little Monkeys

  • The room is located beyond the reception building.
  • The distance from the reception building is 20m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • There is written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There are double manual doors.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • One of the doors was locked at the time of the survey.
  • The locked door can be opened on request.
  • The width of the opening is 105cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a medium colour contrast.
  • There is step-free level access throughout.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
  • Seating available in this room includes: chairs without armrests and benches.
  • Furniture available in this room 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 is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Additional facilities/services include: a play area.
  • There is background noise in this room.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
  • There is a café area, toilet with adaptations, baby changing area and standard toilets within the Play Centre.