Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

Search for accessible places to go

Alston Observatory

Alston Hall, Longridge, Preston, Lancashire, PR3 3BP

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

COVID-19 Information (University of Central Lancashire)

Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include a planetarium/teaching room and an optics laboratory.
  • Services / facilities within the grounds include the MAT Building and the Wilfred Hall Observatory.

Location

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

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Parking is free for all users.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • The car park is 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 are 0 designated 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 slopes/ramps.
    • The car park surface is loose chippings.
    • The patron does not have to cross a road.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • There is a moderate slope in front of the entrance.
  • The path leading to the entrance has a loose chippings surface.
  • The main doors open towards you (pull).
  • The doors are double width.
  • The doors are heavy.
  • The door opening is 164cm (5ft 4in) wide.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.
  • Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.

Planetarium

  • Wheelchairs are left with the patron.
  • A companion may sit with you.
  • Companions sit beside you.
  • It is 10m (11yd) from the designated seating area to the nearest adapted toilet.
  • This venue does not provide audio described performances.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is not a wheelchair to borrow.
  • Concessions are not available.
  • Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.
  • The planetarium does not contain fixed seating.

Accessible Toilet

  • There are accessible toilets within this venue designated for public use.
  • 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.
    • The accessible toilet is 10m (32ft 10in) from the main entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located to the right of the main entrance as you enter.
    • There is level access to the accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is locked by a sliding bolt.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 78cm (2ft 7in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 196cm x 238cm (6ft 5in x 7ft 10in).
    • Floor manoeuvring space is clear in the accessible toilet.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 100cm (3ft 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 not a functional emergency alarm available.
    • No emergency alarm fitted in the cubicle.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a coat hook.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted 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 are mirrors in the accessible toilet.
    • 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 43cm (1ft 5in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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 sink.
    • The sink cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The sink is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The sink is 76cm (2ft 6in) high.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the grab rails and wall is fair.
    • The contrast between the drop down rails and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • Lighting levels are medium.

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.
  • This service can be requested.
  • Staff are not Text Relay aware.