Emma Bridgewater Factory

lizm

18 Jan 2020

Great day out: Emma Bridgewater Factory

4.5

4.5

Date of visit: January 2020

I have experience of challenges around: moving around

Overall Rating

Excellent

I booked to go on the Emma Bridgewater Factory Tour as it was something I had wanted to do for a while, it's FREE, and it stated on the website that the tour is accessible, with some cobbled areas. Not only was the tour very interesting, well organised and thorough, it was, as described accessible for disabled people. All the areas of the factory were on one level and the tour guide was incredibly helpful, without making a big deal out of it, at ensuring that I could see and participate fully along with other visitors. She went above and beyond and it made the tour especially enjoyable. Additionally, the cafe and shop were accessible for disabled visitors, and there was a large sole-use disabled person's toilet. The shops (both firsts and seconds shops) were excellent to get around using a wheelchair, steepish slope up to firsts shop but staff on hand if needed. There was plenty space to get around. I noted there was also a (chargeable) pottery painting experience, which was equally spacious. There was ample car parking, though no dedicated disabled person's spaces, which would have been helpful though I found it easy enough to find a space that was fine for my needs.

Disabled Access In and Around

Excellent

The access for wheelchair users or using walking aids was good. Factory tour all on one level. A few slopes to go up/ down. Some cobbled areas outside leading to shops and factory tour. I was using a wheelchair and had someone with me who was pushing. The positive attitude of staff at the venue made it all seem easy, as they were willing and able to help with opening doors, etc.

Parking & Transport

Excellent

Went by car, which is probably the easiest way to get there; plenty of brown signage from the road running through Stoke. Parking on site though no dedicated disabled person's spaces as far as I could tell.

Accessible Toilets

Excellent

Large, dedicated disabled person's toilet. Plenty of space for carer if needed.The toilet is on the left as you face it, one fixed hand rail to the right and one pull down rail to the left. A Euan's Guide label was on the emergency cord and the cord was hanging to the floor, as it should be.

Staff

Excellent

All staff very helpful and considerate to my needs, willing to help with opening doors and ensuring that I was able to participate equally on the factory tour. Tour guide was excellent, made us feel very welcome.

Additional Information

This was honestly a great day out. If you're interested in Emma Bridgewater china, or in how china is made and decorated, it's a fascinating factory tour. It's also free, which is a bonus and mitigates against any spending in the shop!! From tour, to cafe, to shop it was thoroughly enjoyable and I'd definitely recommend it. You need to book and I booked online; there was space to say that I was a wheelchair user on the online booking.