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Wensleydale Creamery Visitor Centre

Gayle Lane, Hawes, Wensleydale, DL8 3RN

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Access Guide

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Overview

  • About View
    • A working creamery with a visitor centre, cheese-making demonstrations and tastings.
    • Services and facilities available in the venue include: cheese experience exhibits, cheese shop, gift shop, restaurant, coffee shop, standard and accessible toilets.
    • View information on opening times.
  • Parking and Public Transport View
  • Getting In and Around View
    • There is step-free access via a slight ramp at the most accessible entrance.
    • There is no main entrance for the building.
    • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
    • The following areas have step-free access via ramps: the visitor centre and the viewing gallery part of the Cheese Experience.
    • Doors are held open along circulation routes.
    • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces.
  • Getting Help and Assistance View
    • Seating is available.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • All dogs are allowed in the coffee shop via the external entrance only.
    • Assistance dogs only are allowed in other areas.
    • There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
    • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
    • Staff receive the following training: Safeguarding, Unconscious Bias, First Aid and Fire Safety, and Disability and Inclusion.

Parking

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located to the side of the venue (Blue Badge parking) and through the site to the upper-level rear (stepped parking route).
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • There are 5 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 240cm (width) x 470cm (depth).
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
    • There is a marked zone to both sides but not at the rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 140cm.
    • The nearest designated bay is 20m from the visitor centre entrance or 40m from the Cheese Experience entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a slight ramp.
    • This route has uneven surfaces.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for visitors only.
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • The route from the main car park crosses roads and uses steps and slopes.
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
    • Electric Vehicle charging points are not available.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There is 1 toilet with adaptations.
    • The toilet with adaptations is located in the visitor centre, between the coffee shop and the gift shop.
    • The toilet with adaptations has a left hand transfer space.
    • Female and male step-free standard toilet facilities are located in the visitor centre, between the coffee shop and the gift shop.
  • Changing Facilities View
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the toilet with adaptations.

Toilet with Adaptations (Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location View
    • The toilet surveyed is located in the visitor centre, between the coffee shop and the gift shop.
    • The distance from the entrance is 22m.
  • Route View
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • Access View
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high colour contrast.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the opening is 87cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
    • There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 150cm (width) x 210cm (depth).
    • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 82cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a lever flush for the toilet.
    • The flush is on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a varying colour contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a varying colour contrast.
    • There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown grab rail has a varying colour contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a medium colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 80cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has lever taps.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 71cm from the floor.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the right side of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rail has a medium colour contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high colour contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 82cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a medium colour contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 92cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 83cm.
    • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Cheese Experience Entrance

  • This entrance is located to the side of the building.
  • The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There are double manual doors.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 178cm.
  • The doors have a low colour contrast.
  • Visitors are reminded to stick to the walkways moving between buildings.

Cheese Experience Tickets and Reception

  • Location View
    • The reception is located ahead after entering.
    • The distance from the entrance is 3m.
  • Route View
    • The most accessible route to the reception has step-free level access.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • Access View
    • There is step-free level access to the reception.
    • The height of the reception desk is 114cm.
    • There is a lowered section at the desk (a writing shelf).
    • The height of the lowered section is 96cm.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • There may be background noise in this area.
    • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
    • Self-guided tours start from this point.

Cheese Experience and Live Demonstration Area

  • The area is indoors.
  • This area is interactive.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps: the exit from the demonstration area.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
  • The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
  • The following may be experienced here: strong smells and lighting effects.
  • There may be background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels vary due to there being different types of lights in the space.
  • Display formats include: tactile, pictorial, audio guides, information boards, televisions/screens and interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Seating available in this area includes: benches and high stools.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: high tables and long tables.
  • There are talks with no designated seating for wheelchair users.
  • The tour is self-guided but volunteers/staff are available to provide additional information.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of the tour.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps: the exit from the demonstration area.
  • The tour also has uneven surfaces.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided throughout the tour.
  • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.

Cheese Experience and Live Demonstration Area Exit

  • The exit area is clearly signed.
  • There is step-free level access at the exit.
  • There is a single manual door.
  • The door is permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 108cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The door has a medium colour contrast.
  • There is step-free access via ramp as you exit.
  • The ramp has a slight gradient.
  • The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide.
  • There is a handrail on the right going down.
  • After exiting the ramp, visitors make their way to the Cheese Making, Exhibition and Viewing Area.
  • Visitors are reminded to stick to the walkways when moving between buildings.

Cheese Making, Exhibition and Viewing Area Entrance

  • This entrance is located to the side of the building.
  • 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 level access at the entrance.
  • There are double manual doors.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 175cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a low colour contrast.
  • Visitors are reminded to stick to the walkways when moving between buildings.

Cheese Making, Exhibition and Viewing Area

  • The area is indoors.
  • This area is interactive.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
  • The following areas have step-free access via slopes: the raised areas of the exhibition space and the viewing gallery.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
  • The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
  • The following may be experienced here: sudden loud noises and lighting effects.
  • There is background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • Display formats include: tactile, pictorial, audio guides, information boards, televisions/screens and interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and benches.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
  • There are talks with no designated seating for wheelchair users.
  • The tour is self-guided but volunteers/staff are available to provide additional information.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of the tour.
  • The following areas have step-free access via slopes: the raised areas of the exhibition space and the viewing gallery.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided throughout the tour.
  • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
  • There is a tasting counter in this area.
  • The height of the counter is 91cm.

Visitor Centre and Gift Shop

  • Access to the Shop View
    • The visitor centre and other facilities are across the access road, accessible via the designated pathway.
    • The most accessible route has a very easy ramp.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
    • This route has uneven surfaces and narrow walkways.
    • Visitors are reminded to stick to the walkways when moving between buildings.
    • There is step-free access via ramp into the shop.
    • The ramp has a slight gradient.
    • The ramp is over 150cm wide.
    • There are no handrails for the ramp .
    • There are double manual doors.
    • The doors are permanently held open.
    • The width of the opening is 175cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
    • The doors have a low colour contrast.
  • Shop View
    • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
    • The majority of main aisle widths are between 120cm - 150cm.
    • Product displays/containers that may be more difficult for some to reach or open include: low shelving and high shelving.
    • The flooring is shiny.
    • There may be background noise.
    • There is wayfinding and product signage.
    • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • Payment Counters and Checkouts View
    • The payment counter is located to the left side after entering.
    • Signage is provided for the counter.
    • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
    • The height of the counter is 92cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
    • The card payment machine is at a height of 92cm.
    • The payment machine is portable.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
    • There is also an ice cream service payment counter which was surveyed.
    • The payment counter is located to the right of the main payment counter.
    • Signage is provided for the counter.
    • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
    • The height of the counter is 130cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
    • The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Cheese Shop

  • Access to the Shop View
    • The cheese shop is located inside the visitor centre.
    • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
    • There is step-free level access into the shop.
    • There is a single manual door.
    • The door opens towards you.
    • The door requires effort to open.
    • The width of the opening is 87cm.
    • The door has a medium colour contrast.
  • Shop View
    • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
    • The majority of product aisle widths are between 120cm - 150cm.
    • Product displays/containers that may be more difficult for some to reach or open include: low shelving.
    • The flooring is shiny.
    • There may be background noise.
    • There is wayfinding signage.
    • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
    • Payment for products is made in the main visitor centre and gift shop.
    • There is a hygiene station to the right hand side after entering.
    • The height of the hygiene station is 80cm.
    • The sample and service counter has a height of 93cm.
    • There is an exit door from the cheese shop.
    • It is a single manual door which opens away from you.
    • The door has an opening width of 91cm.

Food and Drink

  • Restaurant Bar Café 1 View
    • Calvert's Restaurant is located ahead and to the left after entering the visitor centre.
    • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
    • Doors are held open along the most accessible route.
    • There is step-free level access into this area.
    • There are double manual doors.
    • The doors are permanently held open.
    • The doors have a low colour contrast.
    • The width of the opening is 150cm.
    • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
    • Counters include: a service counter and a bar.
    • Some of the counters are at a suitable height for standing users.
    • Some of the counters are at a suitable height for seated users.
    • Menu types include: menu boards and handheld.
    • The following are available: drinking straws, takeaway cups, gluten free food, lactose free food and dairy free food.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
    • The flooring is patterned.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
    • The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • The clear height under 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.
    • Visitors will be greeted at the welcome desk by a team member.
    • The welcome desk has a height of 78cm.
  • Restaurant Bar Café 2 View
    • 1897 Coffee Shop is located to the right of Calvert's Restaurant and the cheese shop.
    • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
    • There is step-free level access into this area.
    • There is open plan access.
    • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
    • Counters include: a service counter and a payment counter.
    • All counters are at a suitable height for standing users.
    • Some of the counters are at a suitable height for seated users.
    • Menu types include: menu boards and handheld.
    • The following are available: drinking straws, gluten free food, lactose free food and dairy free food.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
    • The flooring is patterned.
    • 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 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 outside seating and a terrace garden for the coffee shop.

1897 Coffee Shop Garden

  • Location and Access View
    • The 1897 Coffee Shop garden is located outside, to the rear of the venue.
    • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
    • Doors are held open along the most accessible route.
    • There is step-free level access to this area.
    • There are double manual doors.
    • The doors are permanently held open.
    • The width of the opening is 167cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
    • The doors have a low colour contrast.
  • Seating Area View
    • The seating area is uncovered.
    • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of the seating area.
    • There is stepped access to the main street from this area.
    • There is step-free access by slope to the raised seating areas.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
    • Seating available in this area includes: benches.
    • Some seating is fixed.
    • There may be background noise in this area.
    • All dogs are allowed in the coffee shop, but via the external entrance only.
    • Only assistance dogs are allowed in certain areas.