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The Historic Chatham Dockyard Getting Around

The Historic Chatham Dockyard, Main Gate Road, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4TZ

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Access Guide

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Summary

  • There is onsite parking available here with designated Blue Badge parking.
  • The most accessible entrance has: a steep ramp/slope.
  • Toilet and changing facilities available include: standard toilets, ambulant cubicles and step free standard toilets.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 42m from the site entrance.
  • This venue also has the following available: a companion/carer discount and seating.
  • The attractions within the Dockyard can only be accessed via the steep ramp at the site entrance.
    The Dockyard has a mixture of paths / walkways with slight and steep slopes.
    The closest accessible toilets to the entrance onto the site are within the Mess Deck and in Museum Square.
    The accessible toilets in the external areas of the site, covered in this guide, have steep ramps and manual doors.
    The external standard toilets have a mixture of stepped or step-free access.
    The parent and baby room and play area both have stepped access.
    There are various manual wheelchairs available for loan at the admissions point. Booking in advance is advised to avoid disappointment.
    For emergency use, there is a staff operated 6-seater electric buggy.
    One personal assistant is permitted free entry if you are in receipt of Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment. If you need multiple personal assistants, prior arrangements must be made in advance and written evidence of this may be required.

Parking (Main Car Park)

  • This venue has a car park .
  • This is an open air car park with a loose chippings and gravel surface.
  • Parking is free for all users.
  • There is not a designated drop-off point.
  • Comments View
    • Photographs 1-4 show the main car park.
    • Photographs 5 and 6 show the step-free or shallow stepped access onto the pavement from the car park.
    • Photograph 7 shows a tarmacked car parking section that is used at times, however, it is further from the entrance.
    • There are Blue Badge bays and electrical vehicle charging bays in the No.5 Slip, to the right of the site entrance and main car park.

Parking (No.5 Slip: Blue Badge Bays and Electric Vehicle Bays)

  • This venue has a car park .
  • This is a sheltered car park with a tarmac and concrete surface.
  • Parking is free for all users.
  • There are 5 Blue Badge parking bays.
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 225cm x 470cm.
  • There is a hatched zone on both sides and to the rear.
  • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 127m from the site entrance.
  • Potential obstacles between the Blue Badge parking and the entrance include dropped kerbs, uneven surfaces and a road crossing.
  • There is not a designated drop-off point.
  • Comments View
    • Photograph 1 shows the No.5 slip which has the Blue Badge bays and 6 electrical vehicle charging bays within it. This is to the right-hand side from the main car park and site entrance.
    • Access does not have to be pre-arranged.
    • A security barrier and intercom 120cm high are used to access the car park. Staff will open the barriers when requested via this intercom.
    • Photograph 4 shows one of the Blue Badge Bays and photograph 5 shows the electrical vehicle charging bays.
    • Photographs 6-8 show the route to the site entrance.
    • There is a pedestrian crossing which is level with the road one side, with a dropped kerb and tactile paving on the other side.
    • The route consists of tarmac and block paving.

Public Transport

  • There is not a bus stop within approximately 150m of the venue.
  • There is a designated drop-off area for coach tours within 150 metres of the site entrance.
  • The nearest train station is Gillingham.
  • Gillingham Station is approximately 1.9 miles away.

Entrance (The Historic Chatham Dockyard: Site Entrance)

  • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
  • A width of at least 150cm and There is a ramp with a steep gradient .
  • The ramp has handrails on both sides.
  • There is a single automatic door which opens by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 151cm.
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • There is a single automatic door which open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 173cm.

Entrance (Security Barriers / Entrance onto Site via Command of the Oceans)

  • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
  • There is a slope with a slight gradient and a width between 75cm and 150cm .
  • The ramp has handrails on both sides.
  • There are no doors at this entrance.
  • The width of the opening is 125cm.
  • Comments View
    • The security barriers, shown in photograph 1, have a ticket bar code reader that is 92cm high. The barriers automatically open away from you.
    • The ramp and corridor, shown in photographs 2-5, lead towards the Command of the Oceans gallery space and the two exit doors that lead outside.

Entrance (Command of the Oceans to Museum Square: External Site Area)

  • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
  • There is a slope with a slight gradient and a width of at least 150cm .
  • There are double automatic doors which open away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 153cm.
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • There is a single automatic door which opens by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 168cm.
  • Comments View
    • There is a very slight slope by the first set of automatic doors, shown in photograph 2.
    • The slight slope is located beyond the second automatic door as shown in photograph 4.

Getting Around (External Site Areas - Paths and Pavements)

  • Circulation View
    • There is a play/activity area located within Wagon Stop and outside close to Wagon Stop and the Victorian Ropery. There is another by the main car park and site entrance.
    • There are two main services for eating and drinking.
      The Mess Deck is by the ticket office and site entrance, whilst Wagon Stop is to the rear of the site close to HMS Cavalier.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in public areas.
  • Comments View
    • There is step-free access to the majority of the site, with the warships and submarine being the most inaccessible areas.
    • The surfaces of paths consists of tarmac, concrete and gravel.
    • One of the main pedestrian paths through the site (photographs 4 and 5), has tram tracks which could be a trip hazard.
    • Photographs 9-11 shows some the painted pedestrian symbols along the route and the dropped kerbs at some pavements. Some parts of the pavement are level with the access road.
    • There are slight and steep slopes, mostly towards the rear of the site around the Victorian Ropery (photographs 14-16).
    • Photographs 17-19 show a few of the pedestrian crossings across the access road.
    • Photograph 20 shows the pavement with a steep slope that leads towards the Commissioner's Garden.

Getting Around (External Site Areas - Seating and Signage)

  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is not consistent throughout the building.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • Comments View
    • Photographs 1 and 2 show the two site maps. One map is in Museum Square near the No.1 Smithery and the other is close to Wagon Stop.
    • There are information boards around the site (photograph 3) and various types of signage (photographs 4-6) indicating the location of exhibits or toilets.
    • Photographs 7 and 8 show the signage which is by every exhibit. They are consistent in typeface and design.
    • Photographs 9-12 show some of the benches and picnic benches around the site.

Ramp or Slope (Access to Play Area and Seating Area)

  • There is a slope with a slight gradient and a width of at least 150cm .
  • The ramp has handrails on both sides.

Play Area and Seating Area

  • The play area is located opposite the Victorian Ropery and the Steam, Steel and Submarines exhibit to the rear of the site.
  • There are two entrances, both with identical heavy gates that open away from you and are 125cm wide.
  • They both have a 27cm step into the play area past the gate.
  • There is paved ramped access to the seating area and entrance with an uneven grassy path leading to the other gated entrance to the play area.
  • Photographs 6-8 show the play area which has swings and various equipment, a bench and a wood chip surface.

Accessible Toilet (Museum Square - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is ramped/sloped access into the accessible toilet.
  • There is a manual door which opens outwards and has a high colour contrast.
  • The door has a sliding bolt lock.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door opening is 96cm.
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 190cm x 160cm and it does not have a 150cm x 150cm turning space.
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the left of the seat.
  • The lateral transfer space is 110cm (from the side of the toilet pan to the wall).
  • There is a lever flush on the non transfer side.
  • The following grab rails are available: a horizontal grab rail on the door, a vertical rail on the left side of the wash basin, a horizontal grab rail on the non transfer side and a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The following have a high colour contrast with their surroundings: the floor, the internal door and some grab rails.
  • The following have a less clear colour contrast with their surroundings: the toilet seat, the dropdown rail and some grab rails.
  • There is pull cord emergency alarm at a recommended height for a seated user.
  • The cubicle also has: a waste bin with lid and a nappy/incontinence items bin.
  • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
  • The following fixtures are at the recommended height: the toilet seat, the toilet roll holder, the wash basin and hand dryer.
  • The following fixtures are not at a recommended height: the soap dispenser and a coat hook for standing users.
  • The following fixtures can be reached from the toilet seat: the toilet roll holder, the wash basin and the soap dispenser.
  • The following fixtures cannot be reached from the toilet seat: hand dryer.
  • There is a short, steep ramp to access this toilet that is 95cm wide and 2 metres long.
    There is a slight lip at the threshold to the toilet.
    There is a coat hook that is 172cm high.

Standard Toilet(s) (Museum Square)

  • There is ramped/sloped access into the toilet(s).
  • The male and female standard toilets were surveyed.
  • The wash basin tap type is push.
  • There is a baby change facility which is not at a recommended height.
  • Both entrances to the standard toilets have a slight slope in front of the entrance with a handrail to one side (photographs 1-5).
    Photographs 6-11 show the male and female toilets which have identical cubicles, with one cubicle in both solely with a sink and fixed baby change table that is 86cm high.
    The sinks are approximately 82cm high.

Accessible Toilet (Thunderbolt Pier - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is ramped/sloped access into the accessible toilet.
  • There is a manual door which opens outwards and has a high colour contrast.
  • The door has a twist lock.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door opening is 84cm.
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 193cm x 162cm and it does not have a 150cm x 150cm turning space.
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the right of the seat.
  • The lateral transfer space is 110cm (from the side of the toilet pan to the wall).
  • There is a spatula flush on the transfer side.
  • The following grab rails are available: a vertical grab rail on the transfer side, a horizontal grab rail on the door, a horizontal grab rail on the non transfer side and a vertical rail on the right side of the wash basin.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The following have a high colour contrast with their surroundings: the internal door, the floor and some grab rails.
  • The following have a less clear colour contrast with their surroundings: the toilet seat, some grab rails and the dropdown rail.
  • There is pull cord emergency alarm at a recommended height for a seated user.
  • The cubicle also has: a waste bin with lid and a sanitary bin.
  • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
  • The following fixtures are at the recommended height: the toilet seat, the toilet roll holder, the wash basin and hand dryer.
  • The following fixtures are not at a recommended height: the soap dispenser.
  • The following fixtures can be reached from the toilet seat: the toilet roll holder, the wash basin and the soap dispenser.
  • The following fixtures cannot be reached from the toilet seat: hand dryer.
  • There is a steep ramp with a minimum width of 98cm to access the toilet.
    There is a handrail on the left-hand side going up.
    The door is heavy.

Standard Toilet(s) (Thunderbolt Pier)

  • There is stepped access into the toilet(s).
  • The male and female standard toilets were surveyed.
  • The wash basin tap type is push.
  • There is a baby change facility which is not at a recommended height.
  • The doors into the toilets are 73cm wide.
    The male toilet has a 2cm step to access it.
    The female toilet has a 13cm step to access it.
    The sinks are approximately 82cm high.
    There are fixed baby change tables 86cm high in both the male and female toilets.

Accessible Toilet (Outdoor Play Area - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is ramped/sloped access into the accessible toilet.
  • There is a manual door which opens outwards and has a low colour contrast.
  • The door has a sliding bolt lock.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door opening is 91cm.
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 146cm x 199cm and it does not have a 150cm x 150cm turning space.
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the right of the seat.
  • The lateral transfer space is 62cm (from the side of the toilet pan to the wall).
  • There is a lever flush on the transfer side.
  • The following grab rails are available: a vertical rail on the right side of the wash basin, a horizontal grab rail on the non transfer side, a horizontal grab rail on the door and a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The following have a high colour contrast with their surroundings: the floor.
  • The following have a less clear colour contrast with their surroundings: all grab rails, the internal door, the toilet seat and the dropdown rail.
  • There is no emergency alarm.
  • The cubicle also has: a sanitary bin and a padded back rest for seat.
  • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
  • The following fixtures are at the recommended height: the toilet roll holder, the soap dispenser and hand dryer.
  • The following fixtures are not at a recommended height: the toilet seat, the wash basin and a coat hook for standing users.
  • The following fixtures can be reached from the toilet seat: the toilet roll holder and the wash basin.
  • The following fixtures cannot be reached from the toilet seat: the soap dispenser and hand dryer.
  • There are two cubicles within this accessible toilet.
    Both are accessed via a single, manual door that opens outwards and is 85cm wide. The door has a good colour contrast (photographs 1-3).
    The ramp has a handrail on the right-hand side going up.
    The area between the two toilets is shown in photograph 4.
    There is a coat hook 181cm high.
    The toilet has a lid.

Accessible Toilet (Outdoor Play Area - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is ramped/sloped access into the accessible toilet.
  • There is a manual door which opens outwards and has a low colour contrast.
  • The door has a sliding bolt lock.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door opening is 90cm.
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 146cm x 199cm and it does not have a 150cm x 150cm turning space.
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the left of the seat.
  • The lateral transfer space is 70cm (from the side of the toilet pan to the wall).
  • There is a lever flush on the transfer side.
  • The following grab rails are available: a horizontal grab rail on the non transfer side, a vertical grab rail on the transfer side, a horizontal grab rail on the door and a vertical rail on the left side of the wash basin.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The following have a high colour contrast with their surroundings: the floor.
  • The following have a less clear colour contrast with their surroundings: the toilet seat, the internal door, the dropdown rail and all grab rails.
  • There is no emergency alarm.
  • The cubicle also has: a nappy/incontinence items bin, a sanitary bin and a padded back rest for seat.
  • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
  • The following fixtures are at the recommended height: the toilet roll holder and hand dryer.
  • The following fixtures are not at a recommended height: the toilet seat, the wash basin, the soap dispenser and a coat hook for standing users.
  • The following fixtures can be reached from the toilet seat: the toilet roll holder and the wash basin.
  • The following fixtures cannot be reached from the toilet seat: the soap dispenser and hand dryer.
  • There are two cubicles within this accessible toilet. Both are accessed via a single, manual door that opens outwards and is 85cm wide. The door has a good colour contrast (photographs 1-3).
    The ramp has a handrail on the right-hand side going up.
    The area between the two toilets is shown in photograph 4.
    There is a coat hook 181cm high.
    The toilet has a lid.

Steps (Outdoor Play Area - Access to Standard Toilets and Parent and Baby Room)

  • There are 3 steps.
  • The steps are not clearly marked but there are handrails on both sides.

Parent and Baby Room / Breastfeeding Room (Outdoor Play Area - Parent and Baby Room)

  • There is stepped access into the parent and baby room.
  • There is a baby change facility which is not at a recommended height.
  • The wash basin tap type is push.
  • Waste bins include: a nappy bin and a general waste bin with lid.

Standard Toilet(s) (Outdoor Play Area)

  • There is stepped access into the toilet(s).
  • The male and female standard toilets were surveyed.
  • The wash basin tap type is push.
  • There is a short downwards slope in the female toilet immediately after the entrance door (photograph 6).
    The sinks are approximately 89cm high.

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