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Scotney Castle - Garden

Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 8JN

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About this venue

Relax in our picturesque garden with the glorious backdrop of our fairy-tale castle. Venture into the wonderful woodland and parkland with over 770 acres to explore. The estate is open all year, offering a variety of walks through our beautiful parkland, woodland and hop farm. Children can enjoy our natural play area in the garden and wilderness camp on the estate.

Access Guide

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Introduction

COVID-19 Information

  • The information in this section was taken in October 2020.
  • There are external queuing points.
  • The external queuing points are clearly marked/signed.
  • There are separate doors for entering and exiting.
  • There is a member of staff available at the entrance.
  • The hand sanitisers are hand held.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 58cm.
  • The height of the hand sanitisers range between 58cm and 80cm.
  • Hand sanitisers are 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.
  • There are protective clear screens located at tills/counters.
  • Toilets are available.
  • The venue is not certified with the 'We’re Good To Go’ COVID-19 industry standard.

Opening Times (Feburary to October)

  • Monday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Tuesday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Wednesday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Thursday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Friday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Saturday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Sunday 10:00 - 17:00.

Opening Times (November to December)

  • Monday 10:00 - 15:00.
  • Tuesday 10:00 - 15:00.
  • Wednesday 10:00 - 15:00.
  • Thursday 10:00 - 15:00.
  • Friday 10:00 - 15:00.
  • Saturday 10:00 - 15:00.
  • Sunday 10:00 - 15:00.

Location

  • The venue is situated outside the centre of the village.
  • This venue is situated in Lamberhurst.
  • The venue is not situated on a road which has a steep gradient.
  • There is not a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Parking is not free for all users.
  • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • The car park is located at the front of the castle.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
    • There is/are 6 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 440cm x 500cm (14ft 5in x 16ft 5in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 87m (95yd 5in) from the visitor centre and shop entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 108m (118yd 4in) from the visitor centre and shop entrance.
    • 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 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.
  • On Street Parking and Drop-off Details. View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • There is an overflow car park which has a grass surface.

COVID-19 Information

  • The information in this section was taken in October 2020.
  • There are separate doors for entering and exiting.
  • There is a member of staff available at the entrance.
  • There is hand sanitiser available at the entrance.
  • The hand sanitisers are hand held.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 110cm.
  • Hand sanitisers are not available inside the venue.
  • There is a limited number of people allowed inside.
  • There is a one-way system throughout.
  • The one-way system is clearly marked/signed.
  • There is clear signage inside to help with social distancing.
  • There are protective clear screens located at tills/counters.
  • Toilets are not available.
  • The venue is not certified with the 'We’re Good To Go’ COVID-19 industry standard.

Access Point (Garden Entrance)

  • Access Point View
    • This information is for the access point located to the right of the main car park.
    • There is an information board/map at this access point.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this access point.
    • This is no gate at this access point.
    • There are bollards at this access point.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located leading down to the access point.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • Comments View
    • The route from the car park to the garden access point is uneven. There is also a speed hump on this route.

Second Hand Book Shop

  • There is a second hand book shop located opposite the payment booth at the garden access point.
  • The entrance is a level access with a double with set of manual doors that open towards you.
  • The width at the double doors is 160cm and they are permanently held open.
  • The aisles are over 150cm wide.
  • Payments are taken with a portable chip and pin machine located at the access point payment booth.

Parks and Gardens

Inside Access

  • There is not level access to the service.
  • Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
  • Comments View
    • The Old Castle in the gardens was under refurbishment at the time of surveying.

Level Change (Gardens)

  • Throughout the gardens there are a series of easy, moderate and steep slopes.
  • Members of staff can mark out on a map of the gardens the most accessible route to avoid the steep slopes.
  • Most paths are surfaced but some of the paths along the spring walk and loose chippings.

Parks and Gardens

  • The park or garden does have footpaths.
  • The path(s) has a / have compact earth, concrete, gravel and muddy surface(s).
  • The majority of the path(s) is / are wide enough for wheelchair users.
  • There are steep and steep slopes on the paths.
  • There are bench seats situated along the paths for people to rest.

Accessible Toilet

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • 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 located in the toilet block, to the left as you enter the venue from the car park.
    • There is 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 92cm (3ft).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 226cm x 300cm (7ft 5in x 9ft 10in).
    • 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 160cm (5ft 3in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a/are 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 a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is fair.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • There is another similar accessible facility in the toilet block with the lateral transfer space on the right.

Standard Toilet(s)

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Documents can be requested in Braille.
  • Documents can be requested in large print.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not generally on duty.