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.

Tunbridge Wells Common

c/o The Conservators, Town Hall, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1RS

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Introduction

  • Tunbridge Wells Common, along with Rusthall Common, is an area of public open space extending to 104 hectares (256 acres).
  • It is owned by the Manor of Rusthall, managed by the Conservators and funded by the Borough Council.
  • The Commons are famous for their sandstone outcrops such as the Toad Rock and Wellington Rocks.
  • There is a cricket ground on the Common, opposite the car park on Fir Tree Road.

Opening Times

  • The common is open 24 hours per day.
  • The paths do not have lighting.

Location

  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Tunbridge Wells.
  • Comments View
    • Tunbridge Wells Common is land bounded by Mount Ephraim to the North, London Road to the East and Eridge Road to the South.
    • It is crossed by Major Yorks Road.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • 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 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 have a height restriction barrier.
    • The maximum height is 201cm (6ft 7in).
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • Signage indicates a maximum stay of four hours (Photograph 4).

General Information

  • There are many wide tarmac footpaths across the Common.
  • Some have steep gradients (Photograph 2).
  • Some wheelchair users may require assistance to use these paths.
  • There are also many other paths in the wooded areas which are unmade, uneven and likely to be muddy.
  • There are steps along some of these routes.
  • There are many benches around the Common, with some along the main paths. Some are sited away from them on grassy areas (Photograph 5).

Accessible Toilet

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 100m (109yd 1ft) from the car park and 50m from Mount Ephraim Road.
    • This accessible toilet is located in the toilet block, close to the Wellington Rocks.
    • There is not level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • 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 may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 185cm x 185cm (6ft 1in x 6ft 1in).
    • 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • 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 not available in the cubicle.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • 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 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.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Level Change (Accessible Toilet)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located in front of the door.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are on the left going up.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 120cm (3ft 11in).

Standard Toilet(s)

  • 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 in the toilet block, close to the Wellington Rocks.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 100m (109yd 1ft) from the car park and 50m from Mount Ephraim Road.
    • Inside the venue, there is not level access to the female and male toilets.
    • Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • There is one shallow step to access the standard toilets at the door shown in Photograph 2 (female and male).

Level Change (Toilet Block)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located leading up to the toilet block from the path from the car park.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located to the right of the toilet block.
  • There is/are 2 step(s) to the area/service.
  • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • Both the accessible and standard toilets are located in this toilet block.
    • The toilet block is located approcimately 20m from one of the main paths.
    • The path which leads to the toilet block is sloping, made of tarmac but uneven and partly overgrown with moss.
    • The steps at the right hand end of the building lead directly onto a grassy slope.
    • Both the female and male standard toilets have a further step up at their entrances.