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Great Hall and State Rooms

Warwick Castle, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 6AH

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Access Guide

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Getting Help and Assistance

  • For additional information on accessibility at Warwick Castle please click here (new tab).
  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • There is a designated place of safety which can be used by people who may feel scared or at risk.
  • The designated place of safety is located at the rear of the Castle Courtyard, beneath the Time Tower.
  • There are a limited number of wheelchairs and mobility scooters available.
    These are free to hire.
    Scooters should be booked in advance of your visit.
    Wheelchairs are offered on a first come first served basis.
    Warwick Castle is part of the Sunflower Lanyard Scheme. The free lanyards can be collected from the Castle Entrance.
  • Disabled guests are welcomed to visit with a free carer ticket. Please select the carer ticket from the options and bring valid documentation with you (as a condition of entry).
  • During busier periods Fast Tract Queuing is available for an individual and their carer, please speak to a member of staff for more information.
  • Quiet Times and Spaces - January to March (excluding half term) are generally quieter months, as is November.
    Mid-week also tends to be quieter than weekends throughout the year.
    10.00 to 11.00 and 15.00 to 16.00 are generally quieter times.

Summary

  • The Great Hall and State Rooms is located at the rear of the Castle Courtyard.
  • For the Castle Courtyard Access Guide please click here (new tab).
  • There are Touch Tours available which need to be booked in advance.
    There is a Braille guide available.
  • There are 360 degree videos available on the Warwick Castle online homepage.
  • The nearest changing places is located to the right of the Conservatory Tea House.
  • For more information on the changing places please click here (new tab).
  • The nearest accessible toilet is located within the Great Hall and State Rooms, ahead as you enter from the Wheelchair entrance.
  • The nearest standard toilets are located at the rear of the castle courtyard, in the Undercroft, there is stepped only access to these toilets.
  • There is a quiet time in this area between 3 and 4pm.

Outside Access (Royal Weekend Party and Great Hall - Wheelchair Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to left of the Great Hall - Stepped Entrance.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Wheelchair Entrance Only'.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The main automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 96cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the opening is 106cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the opening is 100cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located immediately before the first door.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 130cm (4ft 3in).
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located to the left of the entrance.
    • There is/are 11 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 14cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up the step(s).
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • Lift View
    • There is a lift to access this entrance.
    • The lift does not bypass the ramp/slope.
    • The lift does bypass the step(s).

Lift (Royal Weekend Party and Great Hall - Wheelchair Entrance)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located just off the Courtyard Path, to the left of the Great Hall.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the wheelchair entrance.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • A member of staff needs to be notified for use of the lift.
  • A member of staff is required to operate the lift.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • There are entry and exit gates at the lift which are automatic.
  • 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 high.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is High.
  • The clear door width is 94cm (3ft 1in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 140cm x 112cm (4ft 7in x 3ft 8in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • The lift does not 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 good.

Outside Access (Great Hall - Stepped Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located in front of Great Hall.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Great Hall'.
    • There is stepped 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.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the opening is 164cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the opening is 84cm.
    • There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
    • The second set of double doors only have one side closed during the cold season.
      A member of staff is always available to open the door.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located immediately in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 10 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 14cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the step(s).
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • Comments View
    • There is a 14cm step to overcome at this entrance before the main steps (photograph 6).
    • This step can be avoided by using the left archway at this entrance where there is a 3cm step (photograph 7).
    • Guided tours run daily and there is a notice board outside indicating what is available on the day.

Attraction Space(s) (Great Hall)

  • There is step free access throughout this attraction space.
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
  • The type of flooring in the attraction space is tiles.
  • There is flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
  • There is flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • There is not seating available within the attraction space.
  • There are folding seats/stools available.
  • There is a one-way route through this space.
  • Information in this area is presented by: braille, pictorial, information board, a tour guide and actors.
  • The attraction space does play background music/noise.
  • No exhibits/attractions can be audio described.
  • To access the Great Hall using the Wheelchair entrance you have to travel through the Royal Weekend Party Corridor.
    Touch Tours are available which have to be booked in advance.
  • There is a good colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
  • The lighting levels in this area are moderate to good.

Attraction Space(s) (Drawing, Dining and Bedrooms)

  • There is step free access throughout this attraction space.
  • The type of flooring in the attraction space is carpet and wood.
  • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • There is seating available within the attraction space.
  • During busy periods the attraction space can become congested.
  • There is a one-way route through this space.
  • Information in this area is presented by: braille, information board, a tour guide and actors.
  • The attraction space does play background music/noise.
  • No exhibits/attractions can be audio described.
  • The information boards are 95cm high.
    There are some sections in the area where the flooring changes from carpet to wooden flooring.
    There are doors that are permanently held open.
    The width of the narrowest doorway is 146cm.
  • There is a good colour contrast between some walls and the floor in this area.
  • The lighting levels in this area are moderate to good.

Armoury Passageway to Chapel Passageway

  • The Armoury Passageway is located at the rear of the Great Hall.
  • The corridor is used to access the Chapel Passageway.
  • There is a single door to access the Armoury Passageway.
  • The door opens away from you (push) and is permanently held open.
  • The width of the door is 82cm.
  • The door opens into the corridor making it narrow.
  • The width of the corridor is 92cm.
  • The surface of the floor along the corridor is wood.
  • There Is a slight slope, 150cm wide after the door.
  • Further along the corridor there is a single door.
  • The door opens towards you (pull) and is permanently held open.
  • The width of the door is 84cm.
  • After the doorway there is a slight camber to the left along the rest of the route.
  • After passing the Porridge Pot the corridor is difficult to navigate.
  • At its narrowest point the corridor width is 66cm.
  • There are steep cambers in the walkway.
  • Before reaching the corridor towards the Chapel there is a slight slope with an easy incline.
  • There is a single door that opens towards you (pull).
  • The door is permanently held open.
  • The width of the door is 94cm.
  • Lighting levels along the corridor are good.

The Chapel Passageway

  • After exiting the Armoury Passageway you enter the Chapel Passageway.
  • The corridor is used to access the Chapel and the Great Hall.
  • The surface of the floor is carpet and wood.
  • The width of the corridor is 150cm+.
  • Lighting levels along the corridor are moderate to good.

Step(s) (Chapel)

  • There is a/are step(s) located in front of the Chapel entrance.
  • The step(s) is/are used to access the Chapel.
  • There is/are 3 step(s).
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are 16cm.
  • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • The depth of the steps are 28cm.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the step(s).
  • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are easy to grip.
  • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.

Attraction Space(s) (Chapel)

  • There is step free access throughout this attraction space.
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
  • The type of flooring in the attraction space is tiles and stone.
  • There is flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
  • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • There is seating available within the attraction space.
  • There is bench seating available.
  • Information in this area is presented by: braille, pictorial, information board and a tour guide.
  • The attraction space does not play background music/noise.
  • There is a good colour contrast between some walls and the floor in this area.
  • The lighting levels in this area are good.

Toilet with Adaptations (Castle Courtyard - The Royal Weekend Party - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located within the Upper State Room, ahead as you enter from the wheelchair entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the wheelchair entrance.
    • 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 and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 156cm x 232cm (5ft 1in x 7ft 7in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are low to moderate.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin and a waste disposal bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a push button flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • There is not a/are not wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • 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 a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 164cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a wall which acts as a backrest.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 102cm (3ft 4in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
    • 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 high.
    • 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 94cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is high.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Comments View
    • There is an additional manual door to access the accessible toilet (photograph 1).
    • The door opens away from you (push).
    • The width of the door is 94cm.
    • There is an opening with no doors (photograph 2).
    • The width of the opening is 92cm.