Lovely sung eucharist in a beautiful building but rather chilly
4
4
Date of visit: February 2023
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: dexterity or coordination and moving around.
Overall Rating
Good
We visited the cathedral for sung eucharist and really enjoyed it. We emailed in advance and were advised to sit in the north transept, which is close to the accessible toilets. You can't see everything from there but there is a large screen, which is helpful when the main activity is out of sight.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
I managed to get around the main part of the cathedral without difficulty. There is a ramp up to the toilet area, which is fine but the floor at the bottom of the ramp is uneven as it is the original floor. During the service, I used a different route to the toilets but the ramp at the back of the north transept was really too steep. I went up backwards.
Parking & Transport
Excellent
There are disabled bays on several of the streets around the cathedral. We arrived and found a parking space straight away, but it may get busy in summer.
Accessible Toilets
Excellent
The toilet was not huge but plenty big enough for a wheelchair and it was clean. There was a hand dryer and towels. Everything worked as expected.
Staff
Good
Most of the staff were great - all friendly and happy to chat and give advice. There was just one older chap who took us to the wrong place because he assumed that "being handicapped, I'd need a hearing loop." I don't think he meant to sound offensive but probably could do with some training.
Additional Information
Not unusually for a cathedral in the middle of winter, it was quite cold inside. I wished I'd worn a coat!
