Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

Search for accessible places to go

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Waterstones

52-56 Howardsgate, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL8 6BP

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

Introduction

Opening Times

  • Comments View
    • The website has details of opening times for the next 7 days.

Location

  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Welwyn Garden City.

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own car park.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
    • The name of the car park is Euro Car Park - Church Road.
    • The car park is located next to Sainsbury's on Church Road.
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available within the car park.
  • On Street Blue Badge Parking View
    • On street marked Blue Badge bays are available.
    • The dimensions of the marked Blue Badge bays are 255cm x 660cm (8ft 4in x 21ft 8in).
    • On street Blue Badge parking is located on Fretherne Road.
  • On Street Standard Parking View
    • Clearly signed and / or standard marked parking bays are available.
    • Standard marked parking bays are located on Fretherne Road.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the venue on Howardsgate.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) both ways.
    • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
    • The width of the door opening is 83cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.

Counter

  • The counter is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the counter from the entrance.
  • There is a bell to attract attention.
  • The bell is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 92cm (3ft).
  • There is not a lowered section.
  • Lighting levels are good.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are good.

Eating and Drinking (Café W)

  • The following information is for the café.
  • The café is located at the front of the venue, to the right after you enter.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The standard height for tables is 70cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is not available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are wall only.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
  • Comments View
    • A wall drinks menu is available and all food is labelled in the display cabinet.

Accessible Toilet (Left Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located at the rear of venue, to right of the staff only area.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 75cm (2ft 6in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 144cm x 233cm (4ft 9in x 7ft 8in).
    • There is not sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is sensor.
    • There is not a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 178cm and 185cm from the floor.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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 wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
    • There is a low colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 86cm (2ft 10in).
  • Comments View
    • On entering the room there is a flat area which extends 100cm towards the toilet.
    • Then there is a steep slope which is 50cm long to the top level.
    • From the top of the ramp it is level to the back wall, a distance of 80cm.
    • The basin and hand dryer are both located over the slope on the floor, the measurements to each are from the top of the slope.
    • The cold tap has a lever and the hot tap is activated by a sensor.

Standard Toilet(s)

Additional Info

  • Documents are not available in Braille.
  • Documents are not available in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.