You are on COVID-19 Information. Skip to the next section.

COVID-19 Information

• There are external queuing points.
• The external queuing points are clearly marked/signed.
• Visitors are asked to queue in their cars.
• 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.
• 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 available.

You are on Introduction. Skip to the next section.

Introduction

• Services / facilities within the building include gardens, woodland and lake walks, a restaurant, coffee shop, gift shop, picnic areas and exhibits.

You are on Opening Hours. Skip to the next section.

Opening Hours

• For information about the opening hours please click here.

You are on Location. Skip to the next section.

Location

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

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

• The venue does have its own car park.

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• Venue Car Park View
  • Parking is not free for all users.
  • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
  • There is a £3 charge for every car that enters the car park.
  • The car park is located at the front of the venue.
  • 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 10+ Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
  • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 110m (120yd 11in) from the ticket office entrance.
  • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 150m (164yd 2in) from the ticket office 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 concrete.
  • There is a dropped kerb between the car park and the venue.
  • The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
  • 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
  • There is a mobility buggy to take Blue Badge holders from the car park to the ticket office.
  • The Blue Badge spaces are not marked out, but are signed.

You are on Reception (Ticket Office). Skip to the next section.

Reception (Ticket Office)

• The desk/counter is 110m (120yd 11in) from the car park.
• There is not 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 a hearing assistance system.
• The type of system is a fixed loop.
• Staff are trained to use the system.

You are on Level Change (Ticket Office and Toilets). Skip to the next section.

Level Change (Ticket Office and Toilets)

• There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
• The ramp/slope is located in front of the ticket office.
• The ramp/slope is easy.
• The ramp/slope is permanent.
• There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
• The ramp does not have handrails.

You are on Parks and Gardens. Skip to the next section.

Parks and Gardens

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

You are on Outside Access (Granary Restaurant Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Granary Restaurant Entrance)

• This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
• There is level access into the venue.
• The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
• The door(s) is / are double.
• The door(s) is / are heavy.
• The width of the door opening is 148cm (4ft 10in).

You are on Eating and Drinking (Granary Restaurant Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking (Granary Restaurant Entrance)

• The following information is for the restaurant.
• The restaurant is located in the castle grounds.
• Full table service is not available.
• Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
• Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
• There is not a lowered section at the counter.
• No tables are permanently fixed.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• No chairs have armrests.
• The nearest table is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the restaurant entrance.
• The standard height for tables is 73cm.
• There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
• Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
• Drinking straws are available.
• Menus are hand held only.
• Menus are not available in Braille.
• Menus are not available in large print.
• Picture menus are not available.
• Menus are clearly written.
• Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
• The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.

You are on Outside Access (Café Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Café Entrance)

• This information is for the entrance located at the front of the café building.
• There is not level access into the venue.
• The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
• The door(s) is / are single.
• The door(s) is / are heavy.
• The width of the door opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).

You are on Level Change (Café Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Level Change (Café Entrance)

• There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
• The ramp/slope is located in the doorway.
• The ramp/slope is easy.
• The ramp does not have handrails.
• The width of the ramp/slope is 85cm (2ft 9in).

You are on Eating and Drinking (Café). Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking (Café)

• The following information is for the café.
• The café is located in the castle grounds.
• Full table service is not available.
• Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
• Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
• There is not a lowered section at the counter.
• Some tables are permanently fixed.
• Some chairs are permanently fixed.
• No chairs have armrests.
• The nearest table is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the café entrance.
• The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 75cm (2ft 6in).
• The distance between the floor and the highest table is 110cm (3ft 7in).
• The standard height for tables is 75cm.
• There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
• Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
• Drinking straws are available.
• Menus are wall only.
• Menus are not available in Braille.
• Menus are not available in large print.
• Picture menus are not available.
• Menus are clearly written.
• Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
• The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.

You are on Outside Access (Gift Shop Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Gift Shop Entrance)

• This information is for the entrance located at the front of the shop building.
• There is level access into the venue.
• The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
• The door(s) is / are double.
• The door(s) is / are heavy.
• The width of the door opening is 160cm (5ft 3in).

You are on Inside Access (Gift Shop). Skip to the next section.

Inside Access (Gift Shop)

• There is not level access to the service(s).
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• This venue does not play background music.
• Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
• The lighting levels are bright.

You are on Level Change (Gift Shop). Skip to the next section.

Level Change (Gift Shop)

• There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
• The step(s) is/are located beyond the entrance.
• There is/are 3 step(s) to the area/service.
• The lighting levels at the step(s) are bright.
• The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
• There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
• The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.

You are on Accessible Toilet (Ticket Office). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet (Ticket Office)

• Accessible toilet facilities are available.

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• 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 5m (5yd 1ft) from the ticket office entrance.
  • This accessible toilet is located to the left of the ticket office.
  • 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 twist lock.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 78cm (2ft 7in).
  • The door is light.
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 140cm x 175cm (4ft 7in x 5ft 9in).
  • There is not 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 75cm (2ft 6in).
  • 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 a/are clinical waste 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 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the toilet roll holder is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin cannot 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 good.
  • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The lighting levels are medium.

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (Ticket Office). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Ticket Office)

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• Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
• Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
  • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the left of the ticket office.
  • The female and male toilets are approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the ticket office entrance.
  • Inside the venue, there is not level access to the female and male toilets.
  • Lighting levels are medium.
• Baby Change Facilities View
  • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
  • Baby change facilities are located within the female and male standard toilets.
  • The height of the baby change table once extended is 96cm (3ft 2in).

You are on Accessible Toilet (Café). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet (Café)

• Accessible toilet facilities are available.

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
  • There is Braille and no signage on or near the toilet door.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the café entrance.
  • This accessible toilet is located at the rear of the building, past the counter.
  • 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 twist lock.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
  • The door is heavy.
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 164cm x 240cm (5ft 5in x 7ft 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 right.
  • The lateral transfer space is 94cm (3ft 1in).
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • The tap type is push.
  • There is a mixer tap.
  • There is an emergency alarm.
  • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
  • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
  • There is a/are sanitary disposal units.
  • 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 the left.
  • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
  • There is a mirror.
  • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
  • There is a hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the hand dryer is 108cm (3ft 7in).
  • 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 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 poor.
  • The contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
  • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
  • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
• 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 90cm (2ft 11in).

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (Café). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Café)

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• Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
• Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s) View
  • The shared toilets that were surveyed are located at the rear of the building, past the counter.
  • The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 9m (9yd 2ft) from the café entrance.
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the shared toilet(s).
  • Lighting levels are bright.

You are on Additional Info. Skip to the next section.

Additional Info

• Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
• A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
• An assistance dog toilet area can be provided onsite.
• The assistance dog toilet area is located outside the grounds.
• A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.