You are on Getting Here. Skip to the next section.

Getting Here

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• By Road View
  • The venue is located in the centre of Sandwich.
  • There is a public car park next to the venue with Blue Badge parking available.
• By Bus View
  • There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the venue.
  • For more information on Stagecoach timetables please click here (opens new tab).
• By Train View
  • The nearest Railway Station is Sandwich.
  • Sandwich Station is approximately 0.5 miles away.
  • For more information on Sandwich Station please click here (opens new tab).
  • For more information on timetables and ticket prices please click here (opens new tab).

You are on Getting Help and Assistance. Skip to the next section.

Getting Help and Assistance

• There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
• There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
• There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
• Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
• There are not mobility aids available.
• There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people who may feel scared or at risk.

You are on Public Parking. Skip to the next section.

Public Parking

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• Public Car Park View
  • There is a car park for public use within approximately 200m (219yd).
  • The public car park is located on Cattle Market.
  • The name of the car park is Guildhall Car Park.
  • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available within the car park.
• Additional Public Parking Information View
  • For more information on public parking please click here (new tab).

You are on Approach (Guildhall Public Car Park). Skip to the next section.

Approach (Guildhall Public Car Park)

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• Approach View
  • The surface of the approach is block paving.
  • There is a/are fixed bollard(s) on the approach.
  • The minimum width between the bollards/wall is 150cm.
  • The height of the bollard(s) is 91cm.
  • The bollards contrast visually with the paving.
  • There is step-free access on the approach.

You are on Event Room(s) / Space(s) (Undercroft). Skip to the next section.

Event Room(s) / Space(s) (Undercroft)

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• Access to the Room View
  • Undercroft is located externally from the main building, opposite the main entrance.
  • There is not wayfinding signage for the room.
  • There is not clear signage for the room(s) (on or near the door).
  • Staff can provide assistance getting to the room(s)/space(s).
  • There is step-free access.
  • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 77cm.
  • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is good.
  • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
• Room Details View
  • There is not a hearing assistance system available for the room.
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
  • There are no potential trip hazards within the room.
  • There is flooring with a very shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
  • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • There is a short steep slope just before the entrance.
    The layout of the room will vary depending on the function and event taking place.
    There is a standard toilet available next to the room.

You are on Outside Access. Skip to the next section.

Outside Access

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located off Guildhall Square.
  • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
  • There is step-free access at this entrance.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
  • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
  • The main automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
  • The push pad or push button is 90cm from floor level.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the opening is 170cm.

You are on Getting Around (Ground Floor). Skip to the next section.

Getting Around (Ground Floor)

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• Access View
  • There is step-free access throughout the ground floor.
• Circulation View
  • There are not doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
  • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is tiles.
  • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
  • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors/walkways.
  • There are no seats/chairs at regular intervals.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Access to other floors/levels is via stairs and lift.
• Signage View
  • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
• Audio View
  • This venue does not play background music in public areas.

You are on Counter (Council Enquiries). Skip to the next section.

Counter (Council Enquiries)

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• Counter View
  • The counter is located ahead as you enter.
  • The counter is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the entrance.
  • The counter is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step-free access to the counter.
  • There is a clear unobstructed route to the counter.
  • There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the counter which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • The counter is not placed in front of a plain background.
  • The lighting levels at the counter are moderate to good.
  • The height of the counter is 76cm.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
  • The counter is staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system at the counter.
  • The type of flooring in this area is tiles.

You are on Counter (Tourist Information). Skip to the next section.

Counter (Tourist Information)

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• Counter View
  • The counter is located ahead as you enter.
  • The counter is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the entrance.
  • The counter is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step-free access to the counter.
  • There is a clear unobstructed route to the counter.
  • There are no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the counter which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • The counter is not placed in front of a plain background.
  • The lighting levels at the counter are moderate to good.
  • The height of the counter is 99cm.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
  • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
  • The counter is staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system at the counter.
  • The type of flooring in this area is tiles.

You are on Accessible Toilet(s) (Ground Floor). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Ground Floor)

• There is not an/are not accessible toilet(s) available.

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor - Functions Only). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor - Functions Only)

• Standard toilet facilities are available.

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • The female and male toilets are located either side after you enter.
  • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
  • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 2m from the entrance.
  • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
  • The height of the wash basin(s) is 82cm.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • The taps in the male standard toilets are lever.
• Baby Changing Facilities View
  • Baby change facilities are available in both the female and male toilets.
  • There is a flip down baby change table available.
  • The height of the baby change table is 89cm.

You are on Other Floors. Skip to the next section.

Other Floors

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• Stairs View
  • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
  • The stairs are for public use.
  • The stairs are located to the right of the tourist information desk.
  • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
  • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
  • The depth of the steps are 26cm.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
  • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are not easy to grip.
  • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • There is a landing.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
  • The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.

You are on Lift. Skip to the next section.

Lift

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located to the right of the tourist information desk.
• Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
• The lift is approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from the entrance.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1.
• Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
• There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
• Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
• The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
• The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is poor.
• The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
• The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 140cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
• There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
• The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
• The lift does have an audible announcer.
• The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
• There is not a hearing loop system.
• The lift does not have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The lighting levels in the lift are moderate to good.

You are on Getting Around (First Floor). Skip to the next section.

Getting Around (First Floor)

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• Access View
  • There is step-free access throughout the first floor.
• Circulation View
  • There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
  • There are corridors/walkways with a surface width of less than 120cm (excluding any permanent obstructions over a small distance).
  • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet and wood.
  • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
  • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
  • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
  • There are seats with armrests on both sides at regular intervals.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • The corridor from the newer part of the Guildhall to the older part of the Guildhall passes through the Jury Room.
    Some of the doorways in the older part of the building are narrower and some of the floor boards are warped and can be sloped in places.
• Signage View
  • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.

You are on Event Room(s) / Space(s) (Delph Room). Skip to the next section.

Event Room(s) / Space(s) (Delph Room)

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• Access to the Room View
  • Delph Room is located on the first floor, ahead as you exit the lift.
  • There is not wayfinding signage for the room.
  • There is not clear signage for the room(s) (on or near the door).
  • Staff can provide assistance getting to the room(s)/space(s).
  • The corridor/walkway leading to the room(s)/space(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is step-free access.
  • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The width of the door opening is 85cm.
  • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
  • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
• Room Details View
  • There is a fixed hearing assistance system available for the room.
  • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
  • There are no potential trip hazards within the room.
  • There is flooring with a very shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
  • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • The layout of the room varies depending on functions and events taking place.

You are on Event Room(s) / Space(s) (The Gallery). Skip to the next section.

Event Room(s) / Space(s) (The Gallery)

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• Access to the Room View
  • The Gallery is located on the first floor, opposite the lift.
  • There is not wayfinding signage for the room.
  • There is not clear signage for the room(s) (on or near the door).
  • Staff can provide assistance getting to the room(s)/space(s).
  • The corridor/walkway leading to the room(s)/space(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is step-free access.
  • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the door opening is 170cm.
  • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is good.
  • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
• Room Details View
  • There is not a hearing assistance system available for the room.
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
  • There are no potential trip hazards within the room.
  • There is flooring with a very shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
  • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • The layout of the room varies depending on the meeting and events taking place.

You are on Event Room(s) / Space(s) (Jury Room). Skip to the next section.

Event Room(s) / Space(s) (Jury Room)

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• Access to the Room View
  • Jury Room is located on the first floor, to the right after you exit the lift, at the rear of kitchen corridor.
  • There is not wayfinding signage for the room.
  • There is clear signage for the room(s) (on or near the door).
  • There is written signage for the room(s), in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
  • Staff can provide assistance getting to the room(s)/space(s).
  • The corridor/walkway leading to the room(s)/space(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is step-free access.
  • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The width of the door opening is 85cm.
  • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is good.
  • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
• Room Details View
  • There is a fixed hearing assistance system available for the room.
  • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
  • There are no potential trip hazards within the room.
  • There is flooring with a very shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
  • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • The layout of the room varies depending on the meeting or event taking place.

You are on Event Room(s) / Space(s) (The Mayor's Parlour). Skip to the next section.

Event Room(s) / Space(s) (The Mayor's Parlour)

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• Access to the Room View
  • The Mayor's Parlour is located at the rear of the first floor.
  • There is not wayfinding signage for the room.
  • There is clear signage for the room(s) (on or near the door).
  • There is written signage for the room(s), in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
  • Staff can provide assistance getting to the room(s)/space(s).
  • The corridor/walkway leading to the room(s)/space(s) is not sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is step-free access.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The width of the door opening is 75cm.
  • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is good.
  • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
• Room Details View
  • There is not a hearing assistance system available for the room.
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
  • There are no potential trip hazards within the room.
  • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • There is a large meeting table at the centre of the room, the height from the floor to the underside of the table is 56cm.
    Due to the age of this part of the building some of the floorboards are warped and the flooring is sloped in places.

You are on Event Room(s) / Space(s) (Council Chamber). Skip to the next section.

Event Room(s) / Space(s) (Council Chamber)

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• Access to the Room View
  • The Council Chamber is located on the first floor, at the rear of the building, in the corridor leading to the main access to the council chamber passes through a narrow doorway, this can be bypassed by going through the Mayors Parlour.
  • There is wayfinding signage for the room.
  • There is not clear signage for the room(s) (on or near the door).
  • Staff can provide assistance getting to the room(s)/space(s).
  • The corridor/walkway leading to the room(s)/space(s) is not sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is step-free access.
  • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The width of the door opening is 80cm.
  • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is good.
  • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
• Room Details View
  • There is a fixed hearing assistance system available for the room.
  • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
  • There are no potential trip hazards within the room.
  • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Due to the age of this part of the building some of the floorboards are warped and the flooring is sloped in places.
    There is step-free access to the public gallery seating area at the rear of the chamber.
    The height of the councillors desk from the floor to the underside is 62cm.
    There is a step up to the raised area at the front of the room.

You are on Accessible Toilet(s) (First Floor - Transfer Both Sides). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet(s) (First Floor - Transfer Both Sides)

• There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.

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• Location and Access View
  • This accessible toilet is located at the rear of the building.
  • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
  • This is a shared toilet.
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The door is locked by a twist lock.
  • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
  • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
  • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
• Toilet Features View
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 220cm x 235cm (7ft 3in x 7ft 9in).
  • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 145cm from floor level.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on both sides.
  • The lateral transfer space on the left is 88cm.
  • The lateral transfer space on the right is 120cm.
  • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • There is a spatula type lever flush.
  • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
  • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
  • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
  • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • There is an emergency alarm.
  • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
  • There is a/are sanitary and general waste (with lid) disposal units.
  • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
• Additional Fixtures View
  • There is a mirror.
  • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
  • The shelf has the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
  • The shelf is at a height of 91cm.
  • The shelf is located where it is reachable.
  • The toilet has a cistern.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
  • There is a toilet roll holder.
  • The toilet roll holder is on the dropdown rail.
  • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
  • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
  • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the soap dispenser is 90cm.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is poor.
• Comments View
  • The corridor leading to the main access for the accessible toilet passes through a narrow doorway. This can be bypassed by going through the Mayor's Parlour and Council Chamber. There is 5cm step in door leading from the Council Chamber.

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

Standard Toilet(s) (First Floor)

• Standard toilet facilities are available.

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • The female and male toilets are located on the first floor, along the corridor leading towards the Jury Room.
  • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
  • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
  • The height of the wash basin(s) is 83cm.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
• Toilet Facilities 2 View
  • The shared toilet is located along the corridor leading towards the Jury Room.
  • There is step-free access to the toilet(s).
  • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
  • There are horizontal wall mounted rails available on both sides of the toilet.
  • There are vertical wall mounted rails on both sides of the toilet.
  • The height of the wash basin(s) is 74cm.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

You are on Related Access Guides. Skip to the next section.

Related Access Guides

• To view other AccessAble Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
• The Guildhall Museum link (new tab) - click here