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World of Wedgwood

Wedgwood Drive, Barlaston, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST12 9ER

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Access Guide

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Summary

  • View information about opening hours.
  • Amenities in this building include: a tea room and a shop.
  • The most accessible entrance has automatic doors and step-free level access.
  • This entrance is the Main Entrance at the front of the World of Wedgwood.
  • There are 3 floors once inside.
  • Other floors can be accessed via: standard lift and stairs.
  • There is step-free access once inside with lift access to other floors.
  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
  • Staff/volunteers can describe the layout and access around the site.
  • The following are also available: seating, audio description and a companion/carer discount.
  • Toilet and changing facilities available include: a toilet designated as gender neutral, toilets with some adaptations for disabled people and step free standard toilets.
  • There are 2 toilets with adaptations for disabled people.
  • The toilet with adaptations for disabled people surveyed can be found to the right from the entrance atrium.
  • This toilet with adaptations for disabled people is approximately 33m from the main entrance.
  • The toilets with adaptations for disabled people can be found to the right from the entrance atrium, and also in the V&A Wedgwood Collection Atrium.
  • The standard toilets can be found on the ground floor.
  • The standard toilet surveyed can be found to the right from the entrance atrium. Additional toilets are located in the museum atrium.

Parking (Shared with World of Wedgwood, SIXTOWNS by Bros Distillery and Lunar)

  • This site has a car park.
  • This is an open air car park with a tarmac surface.
  • Parking is free for all users.
  • There are 8 Blue Badge parking bays.
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 230cm x 460cm.
  • There is a hatched zone on both sides but not to the rear.
  • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 85m from the main building entrance.
  • Obstacles from the car park include: dropped kerbs, bollards with high colour contrast and a visual identification band and bollards with high colour contrast but no visual identification band.
  • There is not a designated drop-off point.

Public Transport

  • The nearest train station is Stoke-on-Trent.
  • Stoke-on-Trent Station is approximately 5.6 miles away.

Entrance

  • The entrance surveyed is located at the front of the World of Wedgwood main building.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There are double automatic doors which open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 202cm.
  • There is not a second set of doors.

World of Wedgwood Atrium

  • There is step-free level access to the World of Wedgwood Atrium.
  • The height of the guest information desk is 95cm.
  • There is not a low level desk at the recommended height for
  • wheelchair users (between 76cm - 85cm).
  • The desk does not have a hearing assistance system.
  • The Atrium has windows which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • Lighting levels are good in the Atrium.
  • There is background noise here.
  • There are bench seats available in the Atrium.
  • All of the seating is fixed.

Getting Around

  • There are bench seats available throughout the building.
  • Some flooring in the area is smooth and even.
  • Where the flooring is not smooth or even, this is due to carpet.
  • Some of the flooring includes large repeating patterns in bold colours, which may look like steps or holes to some people.
  • Some of the flooring has a very shiny finish, which could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • There is background noise here.
  • All guest facing areas have step-free access, via lift.

Attraction / Exhibit (Ground Floor - V&A Wedgwood Collection)

  • There is step-free level access into the area.
  • The majority of walkways are 150cm+ wide.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise here.
  • The following may be experienced on the tour: interactive video effects.
  • Exhibit information includes the following formats: information board, television/screen, audio description and interactive exhibits at a recommended height for wheelchair users (between 75cm - 120cm).
  • The area does not have a hearing assistance system.
  • There is step-free level access around the area.
  • There are bench seats in this area.
  • All of the seating is fixed.
  • All flooring in the area is smooth and even.
  • Some of the flooring has a very shiny finish, which could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • Lighting levels are low in some areas.
  • There are bottle kiln information stations with a stamp, which are 85cm high.
  • There are interactive touch screens which vary between 84 and 135cm high.
  • There are some audio displays which have a high sound level.

Shop (Ground Floor - Wedgwood Store)

  • The majority of aisle widths are 150cm+.
  • Some flooring in the shop is smooth and even.
  • Where the flooring is not smooth or even, this is due to carpet.
  • Some of the flooring has a very shiny finish, which could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • There is step-free level access to the till area.
  • The height of the counter is 91cm.
  • There is not a low level till at the recommended height for seated users (between 76cm - 86cm).
  • The checkout area is placed in front of a patterned background.
  • The till does not have a hearing assistance system.
  • Services/facilities available in the shop include: a member of staff to provide assistance and a standard wheelchair to borrow.
  • There is step-free level access around the shop.
  • There is background noise here.
  • Lighting levels are good in the shop.
  • Some of the setting displays are on rugs.

Eating and Drinking (Ground Floor - Wedgwood Tea Room)

  • This is a tea room which serves hot and cold meals and snacks.
  • There is step-free level access into the area.
  • Tables can be booked in advance.
  • There is full table service.
  • Menu types include; handheld menus.
  • Menus are easy to read.
  • The following are available here: drinking straws and a portable card machine for payment.
  • Lighting levels are good here.
  • There is background noise here.
  • The seating area has: room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm), chairs without armrests, armchairs, coffee tables, high tables, bench seats and high stools.
  • The seating area does not have: a priority table and a mixture of chairs with and without armrests.
  • There are some tables which are at a recommended height for wheelchair users (between 70cm - 80cm).
  • The following furniture is permanently fixed: some of the chairs.
  • Some flooring in the area is smooth and even.
  • Where the flooring is not smooth or even, this is due to carpet.
  • Some of the flooring includes large repeating patterns in bold colours, which may look like steps or holes to some people.
  • Some of the flooring has a very shiny finish, which could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • There is step-free level access around the area.

Accessible Toilet (Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

  • This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor, ahead from the entrance, then to the right at the rear of the entrance atrium.
  • There is step-free level access into the toilet.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 33m from the main entrance.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
  • The door is manual, opens outwards and has a fair colour contrast with the surrounding walls.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door opening is 86cm.
  • The door has a lever twist lock.
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 132cm x 275cm and it does not have a 150cm x 150cm turning space.
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the right of the seat but it is obstructed.
  • The lateral transfer space is 76cm 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 door, a horizontal grab rail on the non transfer side, a vertical grab rail on the transfer side 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: the toilet roll holder, the wash basin and the soap dispenser.
  • The following fixtures cannot be reached from the toilet seat: towel dispenser and hand dryer.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm.
  • The height of the toilet roll holder is 98cm.
  • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
  • The height of the wash basin is 72cm.
  • The height of the soap dispenser is 95cm.
  • The height of the towel dispenser is 78cm.
  • The height of the hand dryer is 80cm.
  • There is pull cord emergency alarm at a recommended height (within 10cm from the floor).
  • There is a shelf located where it is not reachable for seated and standing users.
  • The shelf does not meet the criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets. For the Stoma Friendly Toilets criteria click here.
  • The cubicle also has: a full length mirror and a sanitary bin.
  • The height of the coat hook is 121cm from the floor.
  • The following have a good colour contrast with their surroundings: all grab rails, the dropdown rail, the floor and the toilet seat.
  • The following have a less clear colour contrast with their surroundings: the internal door.

Standard Toilet (Ground Floor)

  • There is step-free level access into the toilet.
  • The door is manual, opens outwards and has a fair colour contrast with the surrounding walls.
  • The male and female standard toilets were surveyed.
  • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
  • There is also a gender neutral toilet available in the same location as the accessible toilet.

Parent and Baby Room / Breastfeeding Room (Ground Floor)

  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • The door is manual, opens outwards and has a fair colour contrast with the surrounding walls.
  • The width of the door opening is 77cm.
  • There is a baby change facility which is not at a recommended height (between 70cm -75cm).
  • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
  • There is a chair without armrests.
  • Waste bins include: a nappy bin and a general waste bin with lid.

Lift

  • A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2.
  • Externally the lift has: a door with a good colour contrast to the surroundings, buttons with a good colour contrast to the surroundings, controls at a recommended height (between 90 - 110cm) and tactile markings.
  • The lift door opening width is 123cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 185cm x 250cm.
  • Internally the lift has: controls at a recommended height (between 90 - 120cm), tactile markings, buttons with a good colour contrast to the surroundings, a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
  • Lighting levels are low in the lift.

Stairs

  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2.
  • The number of steps between floors varies from at least 15.
  • The steps are not clearly marked with handrails on both sides.

Tour (First Floor - Factory Tour)

  • The tour is guided.
  • The tour takes approximately 1 hour.
  • There is step-free access via lift throughout the tour.
  • The majority of walkway widths are between 120cm and 180cm.
  • Tour information includes the following formats: pictorial, information board and television/screen.
  • All flooring along the tour route is smooth and even.
  • Some of the flooring has a very shiny finish, which could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • There are parts of the factory tour which may be noisy at times and be hot due to heating processes.

Attraction / Exhibit (Second Floor - Decorating Studio, Clay Studio and The Studio)

  • There is step-free level access into the area.
  • The majority of walkways are 150cm+ wide.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise here.
  • There is step-free level access around the area.
  • There are armchairs, sofas, high stools and chairs without armrests in this area.
  • All flooring in the area is smooth and even.
  • The majority of the flooring has a very shiny finish, which could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • Lighting levels are good here.
  • There are tables and benches for the decorating studio.
  • The tables are 69cm high to the underside.
  • The clay studio has fixed height potter's wheels with fixed stools.
  • There is an adapted potter's wheel for wheelchair users, which is on wheels, and is height adjustable with elbow supports.

Outdoor Spaces (The Courtyard)

  • This information is for the access point located outside the main building, to the right before the main entrance.
  • Access Point View
    • There is step-free level access into the area.
    • There are 4 steps, which are unmarked, with no handrails.
    • There is open access at this access point.
    • The steps do not have to be used to access the area.
  • Outdoor Spaces View
    • The following outdoor facilities are available: gardens.
    • Surfaces for the outdoor spaces include: grass and concrete or tarmac.
    • Footpaths are available in all of the outdoor space.
    • The majority of the paths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
    • There is step-free level access around some of the area.
    • There are more than 3 steps with handrails in the main areas.
    • There are bench seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
    • There are very slight long slopes in parts of the courtyard.

Eating and Drinking (Courtyard Café)

  • This is a kiosk which serves hot and cold snacks.
  • There is step-free level access into the area.
  • There is a counter where food and drink can be ordered, table service (on request only) and staff can provide assistance.
  • Menu types include; menu boards.
  • Menus are easy to read.
  • The following are available here: drinking straws, takeaway cups and takeaway cutlery.
  • There may be background noise here.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is a counter over 85cm high without a tray rail.
  • There is not a low level counter at the recommended height for wheelchair users (between 76cm - 85cm).
  • The seating area has: room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm), long tables and bench seats.
  • The seating area does not have: a priority table and a mixture of chairs with and without armrests.
  • Tables are at a recommended height for wheelchair users (between 70cm - 80cm).
  • The following furniture is permanently fixed: some of the chairs.
  • Some flooring in the area is smooth and even.
  • Where the flooring is not smooth or even, this is due to grass.
  • There is step-free level access around the area.
  • Some of the courtyard is on a very slight slope.

Ramp or Slope (Entrance to Fiskars Store)

  • The slope is slight and between 75cm and 150cm wide .

Shop (Fiskars Store)

  • The door is manual, opens outwards and has a poor colour contrast with the surrounding walls.
  • The width of the door opening is 80cm.
  • The majority of aisle widths are not 150cm+.
  • All flooring in the shop is smooth and even.
  • The majority of the flooring has a very shiny finish, which could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • There is step-free level access to the till area.
  • The height of the counter is 91cm.
  • There is not a low level till at the recommended height for seated users (between 76cm - 86cm).
  • The till does not have a hearing assistance system.
  • Services/facilities available in the shop include: a member of staff to provide assistance and a standard wheelchair to borrow.
  • There is step-free level access around the shop.
  • There is background noise here.
  • Lighting levels are good in the shop.

Shop (Josiah & Co / Lunar Storehouse)

  • The door is manual, opens outwards and has a poor colour contrast with the surrounding walls.
  • The width of the door opening is 82cm.
  • The majority of aisle widths are not 150cm+.
  • Some flooring in the shop is smooth and even.
  • Where the flooring is not smooth or even, this is due to carpet.
  • Some of the flooring has a very shiny finish, which could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • There is step-free level access to the till area.
  • The height of the counter is 92cm.
  • There is not a low level till at the recommended height for seated users (between 76cm - 86cm).
  • The till does not have a hearing assistance system.
  • Services/facilities available in the shop include: a member of staff to provide assistance and a standard wheelchair to borrow.
  • There is step-free level access around the shop.
  • There is background noise here.
  • Lighting levels are good in the shop.
  • There are some rugs in the seating and display areas.

Eating and Drinking (Josiah & Co)

  • This is a café which serves desserts.
  • There is step-free level access.
  • There is a counter where food and drink can be ordered and a self service counter.
  • Menu types include; menu boards.
  • Menus are easy to read.
  • The following are available here: takeaway cups.
  • Lighting levels are good here.
  • There is background noise here.
  • There is a counter over 85cm high without a tray rail.
  • There is not a low level counter at the recommended height for wheelchair users (between 76cm - 85cm).
  • The seating area has: room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm), chairs without armrests, sofas, armchairs, coffee tables, long tables and stools.
  • The seating area does not have: a priority table and a mixture of chairs with and without armrests.
  • There are no tables which are at a recommended height for a wheelchair user (between 70cm - 80cm).
  • Some flooring in the area is smooth and even.
  • Where the flooring is not smooth or even, this is due to carpet.
  • Some of the flooring includes large repeating patterns in bold colours, which may look like steps or holes to some people.
  • Some of the flooring has a very shiny finish, which could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • There is step-free level access around the area.
  • The tables outside measure 68cm high to the underside.

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