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Worcester Cathedral

8 College Yard, Worcester, WR1 2LA

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include a place of worship, Cloister Cafe, Cathedral Shop, meeting and function rooms, Cathedral Tower and Cathedral Library. Musical Concerts are also given in the Cathedral.

Opening Times (Cathedral)

  • Monday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Tuesday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Wednesday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Thursday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Friday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Saturday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Sunday 13:00 - 15:00.

Location

  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Worcester Foregate Street.

Parking

  • Parking for Blue Badge holders can be made available next to the North Porch entrance. Visitors should check with the office first in case of events at the Cathedral preventing Blue Badge parking.
  • Visitors can be dropped off in front of the North Porch entrance, unless an event is taking place. This is not a marked area.
  • The cathedral square car park is located nearby. This can be seen in photograph 4.

Outside Access (North Porch Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located in the buildings North Porch.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • 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 single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 97cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
  • Comments View
    • The North Porch can be seen in photograph 2.

Outside Access (Friends Door Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off College Yard, to the left of the North Transept.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 96cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • Comments View
    • The entrance provides access to the Quire area and King John's Tomb, bypassing the lift.
    • This entrance is also used as the main entrance during events in the Nave.

Reception

  • The desk/counter is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the North Porch entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk/counter does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is a touch screen.
  • The touch screen is not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.

Inside Access

  • There is not level access to the service(s).
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Comments View
    • There is an interactive touchscreen located in the south transept. The height of the touchscreen is between 84cm and 110cm. This can be seen in photograph 2.
    • The tomb of King John can be seen in photograph 3.

Level Change (Transept)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located leading from the naïve (nave) and the west end.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does not have handrails.
  • Comments View
    • There are similar slopes in both the North and South Transept's. The North Transept ramp can be seen in photograph 1 and the South Transept ramp in photograph 2.

Level Change (Quire Area and King John's Tomb)

  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located in the North Transept.
  • There is/are 7 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up.
  • There is a lift to access this area/service.
  • Comments View
    • There is a similar set of stairs in the south transept with handrails on the left (shown in photograph 2).
    • There is a similar set of stairs in the middle of the transept, with handrails on either side ( shown in photograph 3).

Lift (Quire Area and King John's Tomb)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located next to the stairs in the north transept.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • The lift is approximately 40m (43yd 2ft) from the North Porch entrance.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 80cm x 120cm (2ft 7in x 3ft 11in).
  • The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does not have tactile markings.
  • Comments View
    • To access the lift please contact a Welcomer or Verger.
    • Only non-motorised chairs/scooters are permitted to use this lift.
    • There is a seat available in the lift.
    • AT the time of survey (May 2023) the lift was not oporational.

Level Change (High Altar and Prince Arthur's Tomb)

  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located in the Quire area next to the tomb of King John.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are bright.
  • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • The level change is located within the Quire Area.
    • There are 4 steps to the high altar.
    • At which point there are 3 additional steps to reach the tomb of Prince Arthur (shown in photograph 2).
    • The tomb can be seen in photographs 3, 4 and 5.
    • The High Altar can be seen in photograph 6.
    • Access to this level can also be accessed through the Friend's Door Entrance.

Level Change (East End)

  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located to the east of the Quire area.
  • There is/are 6 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are medium.
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • There is a lift to access this area/service.
  • The lift does bypass the step(s).

Lift (East End)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the north of the Quire area when approaching the east end.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • The lift is approximately 40m (43yd 2ft) from the Choir and King John's Tomb lift.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 94cm (3ft 1in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 114cm x 150cm (3ft 9in x 4ft 11in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • Comments View
    • There is an easy ramp at the bottom of the lift with a width of 94cm (shown in photograph 4).

Level Change (Cloister Area)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located leading down to the Cloister area from the Nave.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 99cm (3ft 3in).
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located leading down to the Cloister area from the Nave.
  • There is/are 6 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • There is a single width, heavy door between the Nave and the ramp and steps.
    • The door opens towards you (pull) and has an opening width of 70cm.

Cathedral Shop

  • The shop is located in the Cloister area.
  • Once in that area there is level access into the shop.
  • The shop is accessed via manual double doors.
  • The doors are heavy and open towards you (pull).
  • The door opening width is 160cm.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the shop.
  • Lighting levels are bright.
  • For the shop opening times please click here (opens in new tab).

Eating and Drinking (Cloister Cafe)

  • The following information is for the café.
  • The café is located in the Cloister area.
  • 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.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the cafe entrance.
  • The standard height for tables is 70cm.
  • There is not ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are hand held only.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • 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
    • Access to the Cafe is via double manual doors with a locked leaf.
    • The doors are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 68cm.
    • The Café is closed on Sundays.

Other Floors (Crypt)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are ground and Crypt.
    • There are 15 steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Other View
    • The area(s)/service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are the Crypt.
  • Comments View
    • The staircase described above is accessed from the east end (shown in photographs 1 and 2).
    • There is a separate staircase to exit the Crypt leading into the south transept (shown in photograph 3).
    • There are 14 steps some of which are deep.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • There are handrails on the right only.

Crypt

  • The Norman Crypt of St Wulfstan doesn’t have step free access.
  • There is a small museum area which includes information boards and a model of the cathedral as it was in the time of the saint in 726 AD.
  • The surface of the floor is made of flagstones and is uneven.
  • The crypt is used for services, private prayer and for the Reserved Sacrament.

Lift (The Undercroft)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right from The Undercroft entrance.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are L0, 1 and 2.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the Undercroft entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 140cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.

Other Floors (The Undercroft)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are L0, 1 and 2.
    • There are 9 steps between floors.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Entrance (The Undercroft Learning Centre)

  • Entrance View
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • 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) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 152cm.

Undercroft Conference Space

  • The Undercroft Conference Space is 6m from the Undercroft lift, to the left when exiting the lift.
  • The Undercroft Conference Space comprises 3 adjoining rooms that can be set up to the specific requirements of event organisers. The connecting doors are 95cm wide and have touch pad releases to exit. (Image 9). Touch pads are 124cm high.

Accessible Toilet (The Undercroft - Right Hand Transfer)

  • This accessible toilet is located to the rear left, in the toilet block.
  • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet, via lift.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 6m from the Undercroft lift.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is a manual door which opens inwards and has a fair colour contrast.
  • The door has a twist lock.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door opening is 78cm.
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 150cm x 195cm and it does not have a 150cm x 150cm turning space.
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the right of the toilet seat.
  • The lateral transfer space is 80cm 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 horizontal grab rail on the non transfer side, a horizontal grab rail on the door and vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The following fixtures can be reached from the toilet seat: a toilet roll holder on the dropdown rail, the wash basin and the soap dispenser.
  • The following fixtures cannot be reached from the toilet seat: hand dryer.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm.
  • The height of the toilet roll holder is 50cm.
  • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
  • The height of the wash basin is 73cm.
  • The height of the soap dispenser is 90cm.
  • The height of the hand dryer is 90cm.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm but it is not at a recommended height for seated users (within 10cm from the floor).
  • There is a shelf located where it is not reachable.
  • The shelf is positioned between 85cm and 105cm and has minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
  • The cubicle does not have a mirror, disposal facilities and coat hooks.
  • The cubicle also has: a sanitary bin.
  • The following have a good colour contrast with their surroundings: the internal door and the floor.
  • The following have a less clear colour contrast with their surroundings: all grab rails, the dropdown rail and the toilet seat.

Standard Toilet(s) (The Undercroft)

  • There is step-free access into the toilet(s), via lift.
  • There is a manual door which opens inwards and has a fair colour contrast.
  • The gender neutral toilet was surveyed.
  • The wash basin tap type is sensor.

Library

  • Access to the Library is via appointment only.
  • The library is accessed via a spiral staircase with 15+ deep steps.
  • There is a separate break out space and library located here. There is an additional 6 steps between these areas (shown in photograph 2).
  • The break out space can be seen in photograph 3.
  • The library can be seen in photographs 4, 5 and 6.
  • Assistance can be provided for visitors.
  • If requested visitors can be met elsewhere in the cathedral and manuscripts can be taken to them.
  • It may be necessary to view some priceless artefacts in a secure location.
  • The library is working towards digitizing parts of it's collection to provide better access to documents.
  • Male, female and an accessible toilet are available in the Cloister area of the cathedral.

Tower

  • There are a total of 235 deep steps to reach the top of the Tower.
  • The doorways on the way to the top of the tower have widths ranging from 55cm to 87cm.
  • The first 115 steps have a handrail to the right (shown in photograph 1).
  • After the first 115 steps you will reach the clock room (shown in photographs 3 and 4).
  • To proceed further up the tower it may be necessary to wait since the following 120 steps have widths of between 50cm and 69cm and lack much depth.
  • The spiral staircase is monitored as it impossible for people to go up the stairs at the same time as others heading down.
  • These 120 steps have handrails on the right to begin with, but as you progress further up the tower the handrail changes to your left.
  • The doorway to access the roof is narrow and has a low clearance (shown in photograph 6).
  • There is a raised viewing gallery on the roof (shown in photograph 7).
  • Male, female and an accessible toilet are available in the Cloister area of the cathedral.

Level Change (Toilets)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located in the passageway leading to the toilets.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • Comments View
    • There is a steep threshold in the open doorway leading to the toilet passageway.
    • The width of the doorway is 90cm.

Accessible Toilet (Right Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the Cloister entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located in the Cloister area, close to the café.
    • There is not level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from vergers and welcomers.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 188cm x 252cm (6ft 2in x 8ft 3in).
    • There is 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 116cm (3ft 10in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is 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 not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • 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 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 cannot 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 good.
    • There is a high 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 in the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 89cm (2ft 11in).
  • Comments View
    • There is ramped or stepped access from the nave to the Cloister area.

Standard Toilet(s)

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Documents are 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.