You are on Accommodation Overview (Astor Wing). Skip to the next section.

Accommodation Overview (Astor Wing)

• Astor Wing.

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• About View
  • The Astor Wing is one of two wings adjoining the castle that offer Bed and Breakfast accommodation, with eight additional luxury rooms available in the Anne Boleyn Wing.
  • There are 27 bedrooms in total.
  • There is step-free level access to some of the bedrooms.
  • Only assistance dogs are welcomed at this venue.
  • Shared facilities include: a lounge and a dining room.
  • There is also a bar and a billiard room. The billiard room is accessed via two steps along the corridor.
• Parking and Public Transport View
  • The venue has its own car park.
  • The nearest train station is Hever Station, which is within approximately 1.5 miles.
  • The nearest step-free train station is Cowden, which is within approximately 2.9 miles.
  • For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Google Maps (opens new tab).
  • View information on getting here (opens new tab) .
• Getting In and Around View
  • There is step-free access via ramp at the most accessible entrance.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the external seating area by the Dining Room/ Breakfast Room - with ramped and stepped access.
  • The following areas have stepped access: the Reception, the Dining Room, the Billiards Room and some of the bedrooms/ toilets. The Breakfast Room is step-free and used instead of the Dining Room when required. There is one step in the William Waldorf Bar and stepped access to the courtyard from inside the bar.
  • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces and doors permanently held open.
• Getting Help and Assistance View
  • There is seating available.
  • There is no hearing assistance system.
  • You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair, bath mats and shower chairs.
  • There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
  • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
  • Staff receive the following training: British Sign Language (BSL) and Autism Awareness.

You are on Toilet and Changing Facilities. Skip to the next section.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • There is 1 toilet with adaptations.
  • The toilet with adaptations is located along the first corridor on the right from reception.
  • The toilet with adaptations has a left hand transfer space.
  • The male step-free standard toilet facilities are located by the Dining Room.
  • The female standard toilet facilities are located opposite the Lounge.
  • The shared standard toilet facilities are located opposite to the Billiard Room.
• Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the toilet with adaptations, close to reception.

You are on Access Point (Hever Road). Skip to the next section.

Access Point (Hever Road)

• This access point is located on Hever Road, approximately 250m north of the castle’s main site entrance.
• The access point is clearly signed.
• Assistance is available at the access point.
• There is an intercom at a height of 128cm.
• There are double automatic gates.
• The doors open away from you.

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

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• Car Park View
  • The car park is located approximately 140m from the gated entrance, in front of the Astor Wing/ Reception.
  • The car park is open air/surface.
  • The car park surface consists of tarmac and loose chippings.
  • There is 1 designated Blue Badge parking bay available.
  • The Blue Badge bay is signposted but has no markings.
  • There are no hatched/marked zones.
  • The nearest designated bay is 3m from the Astor Wing entrance.
  • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a steep ramp or slope.
• Charges and Restrictions View
  • Parking is free for all users.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

You are on Entrance. Skip to the next section.

Entrance

• This entrance is located at the front of the building, facing onto the car park.
• The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces.
• The entrance area is clearly signed.
• There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
• There is step-free access via ramp at the entrance.
• The ramp has a steep gradient.
• The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide with no handrails.
• The ramp bypasses the step.
• There is 1 step with no handrails.
• The step is unmarked.
• The height of the step is not between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 5cm.
• There are double manual doors at this entrance.
• The doors are permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 130cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The doors have a high visual contrast.
• The fitted matt by the entrance has raised edging to one side.
• There is step-free level access as you enter.

You are on Reception. Skip to the next section.

Reception

• The reception is located in the first room on the right from the Astor Wing entrance.
• The distance from Astor Wing entrance is 5m.
• There is stepped access to reception.
• There is 1 step with no handrails.
• The step is clearly marked.
• The height of the steps is not between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 13cm.
• The height of the reception desk is 120cm.
• There is not a lowered section at the desk.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
• There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
• Seating available in this area includes: armchairs and chairs without armrests.
• Furniture available in this area includes: tables.

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

Getting Around

• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of walkways.
• The following areas have stepped access: Reception, the Dining Room, the Billiards Room and some of the bedrooms/ toilets. The Breakfast Room is step-free and used instead of the Dining Room when required. There is one step in the William Waldorf Bar and stepped access to the courtyard from inside the bar.
• Access throughout may include uneven surfaces and doors permanently held open.
• There is a high visual contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
• There is no (or very little) background noise.
• Wayfinding signage is not provided.
• Seating available in the walkways includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests, armchairs and benches.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• The steps along the corridor leading to the Billiards Room and the shared toilet are unmarked.

You are on Geranium Bedroom and Ensuite with Adaptations (Super King/Twin). Skip to the next section.

Geranium Bedroom and Ensuite with Adaptations (Super King/Twin)

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• Bedroom Access View
  • The bedroom surveyed is located on the ground floor.
  • The distance from the entrance is 20m.
  • The most accessible route to the bedroom has step-free level access.
  • There is step-free level access into the bedroom.
  • There is written text signage on or near the door.
  • The key lock is at a height of 116cm.
  • The door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
• Bedroom Features View
  • The bedroom has a super king bed which can be split into two singles.
  • The top of the mattress is 59cm from the floor.
  • The space under the bed is 3cm from the floor.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre next to the bed (150cm x 150cm).
  • The following is available in this bedroom: a chair without armrests, an armchair, wardrobes for seated users, bedside plug sockets, a desk and a TV with subtitles.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.
  • This bedroom does not have an adjoining room.
• Ensuite Access View
  • There is step-free level access into the ensuite.
  • The ensuite door opens inwards and has a low visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening to the ensuite is 84cm.
  • Internally the door has a medium visual contrast.
  • There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
• Ensuite Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the ensuite are 243cm (width) x 277cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet.
  • The lateral transfer space is 177cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a lever flush on the non-transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown rail has a low visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 51cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 86cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 74cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • There are no vertical grab rails at the wash basin.
  • There is a bar of soap.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a mirror.
  • There is an unobstructed shelf.
  • The shelf does not meet the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
  • The ensuite has a pedal bin.
  • There are multiple coat hooks.
  • The coat hooks are 144cm and 100cm from the floor.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • The ensuite has a wheel-in shower.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shower (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
  • The shower controls are twist/turn.
  • There is no shower seat, but one can be requested in advance.
  • There are grab rails for the shower.
  • The shower grab rails have a medium visual contrast.

You are on Lounge. Skip to the next section.

Lounge

• The lounge is located along the left-hand side of the corridor that leads from Reception.
• There is step-free level access into the lounge.
• There is a single manual door with a low visual contrast.
• The door is permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 96cm.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
• Seating available in the lounge includes: chairs without armrests, sofas, chairs with armrests and armchairs.
• Furniture available in the lounge includes: coffee tables and tables.
• The surface height of some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
• The clear height under some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

You are on Dining Room. Skip to the next section.

Dining Room

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• Location and Access View
  • The Dining Room is located at the end of the main corridor, approximately 75m from the main entrance/ reception.
  • The most accessible route has doors permanently held open and step-free level access.
  • There is stepped access into this area.
  • There are 2 steps with no handrails.
  • The steps are unmarked.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm .
  • The height of the highest step is 17cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There is a single manual door with a low visual contrast.
  • The door is permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 87cm.
• Service View
  • This area has staff who can provide assistance with ordering.
  • Full table service is available.
  • Menus are handheld and online.
  • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, nut allergy, vegetarian, vegan, lactose free and dairy free.
  • The following are available: drinking straws.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating Area View
  • The seating area is uncovered.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the external seating area is accessed via a steep slope that is approximately 100cm wide, with a handrail on the left-hand side when going up. The threshold at the entrance is uneven.
  • There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The walls and floor have a low visual contrast.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and chairs with armrests.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
  • The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.

You are on Breakfast Room. Skip to the next section.

Breakfast Room

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• Location and Access View
  • The Breakfast Room shares its location, entrance and external seating area with the Dining Room. As it has step-free access, it is used for dining when required.
  • The most accessible route has doors permanently held open and step-free level access.
  • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • There is a single manual door with a low visual contrast.
  • The door is permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 87cm.
• Service View
  • This area has colleagues who can provide assistance with ordering.
  • Menus are handheld and online.
  • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: vegan, vegetarian, lactose free, gluten free, dairy free and nut allergy.
  • The following are available: drinking straws.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating Area View
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the external seating area is accessed via a steep slope that is approximately 100cm wide, with a handrail on the left-hand side when going up. The threshold at the entrance is uneven.
  • There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and benches.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
  • The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

You are on The William Waldorf Bar. Skip to the next section.

The William Waldorf Bar

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• Location and Access View
  • The William Waldorf Bar is located on the ground floor, beyond reception.
  • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
  • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
  • The door opens away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 82cm.
• Service View
  • This area has a bar where drinks can be ordered and colleagues who can provide assistance with ordering.
  • Full table service is available on request only.
  • Menus are handheld.
  • The following are available: drinking straws.
• Order and Payment View
  • The bar was surveyed.
  • The counter is located to the side of room.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 106cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
• Seating Area View
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
  • The following areas have stepped access: the lower bar area and the courtyard.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
  • Seating available in this area includes: armchairs, sofas and high stools.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables and coffee tables.
  • Some chairs are fixed.
  • The surface height of some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the time of day.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • There is access to the courtyard from this room.
  • There is a single manual door that opens outwards.
  • The width of the door is 89cm.
  • There is a 7cm step at the threshold.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (OLD). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (OLD)

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located along the first corridor on the right after reception.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 20m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a low visual contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 83cm.
  • The door has a locking handle.
  • Internally the door has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a low visual contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 266cm (width) x 185cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet.
  • The lateral transfer space is 140cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a spatula flush on the non-transfer side.
  • There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown rail has a low visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
  • There is not a wall mounted toilet roll holder.
  • The toilet roll holder has a low visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 43cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 72cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a lever tap.
  • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rail has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 115cm from the floor.
  • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The towel dispenser has a low visual contrast.
  • The towel dispenser is 97cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hand dryer.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There is one coat hook.
  • The coat hook is 190cm from the floor.
  • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 82cm.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Left Hand Transfer)

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located along the first corridor on the right after reception.
  • The distance from the entrance is 20m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a medium visual contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 82cm.
  • The door has a locking handle.
  • Internally the door has a medium visual contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 250cm (width) x 173cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet.
  • The lateral transfer space is 186cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a spatula flush on the transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is located on the dropdown rail.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 74cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • There are no vertical grab rails at the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 109cm from the floor.
  • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The towel dispenser has a high visual contrast.
  • The towel dispenser is 102cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hand dryer.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a full length mirror.
  • There is a shelf, however there is an obstruction in front of it.
  • The shelf meets the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
  • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There are multiple coat hooks.
  • The coat hooks are 100cm and 144cm from the floor.
  • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 73cm.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Access Point (Courtyard). Skip to the next section.

Access Point (Courtyard)

• This access point is located between Reception and the central courtyard.
• The access point is clearly signed.
• Assistance is available at the access point.
• There is stepped access.
• There is 1 step with no handrails.
• The step is unmarked.
• The height of the step is not between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 12cm.
• There is a single manual door.
• The door opens away from you.
• The door is easy to open.
• The width of the opening is 88cm.
• The door has a low visual contrast.
• The courtyard has step-free access via the car park.

You are on Outdoor Spaces. Skip to the next section.

Outdoor Spaces

• The following is available in this area: formal gardens.
• Outdoor areas consist of block paving.
• There are footpaths throughout.
• The majority of the paths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• There are seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
• The paths have narrow gaps.

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

Related Access Guides

• View information on Hever Castle (opens new tab) .
• View information on Hever Castle - Courtyard Shop (opens new tab) .
• View information on Hever Castle - Grounds and Lake Walk (opens new tab) .
• View information on Hever Castle - Hever Shop (opens new tab) .
• View information on Hever Castle Information Centre (opens new tab) .
• View information on Hever Castle - Moat Café (opens new tab) .
• View information on Hever Castle Military Museum (opens new tab) .