Beautiful building access was very disappointing
3.5
3.5
Date of visit: September 2018
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Good
Law courts in an ornate gothic style building. I visited as part of Open House weekend.
Disabled Access In and Around
Average
I visited as part of Open House weekend, when buildings not normally open to the public are open. When we arrived there was a short queue and this moved quite quickly. However by the time we left the queue was much larger. There were a few steps without hand rail to the entrance. I didn't notice any ramps. There was airport security. There was information saying which parts of the building were open to the public. There were staircases or a couple of steps, both with and without proper handrails. The court rooms were small and I felt awkward with my crutch. The building itself was fascinating and very beautiful, just disappointing access.
Parking & Transport
Excellent
The nearest step free tube would be King's Cross or Green Park, or some of the tube lines from Waterloo. There are many buses that stop very close by.
Accessible Toilets
Excellent
I found the accessible toilets on the first floor. They were entered via a communal door which was wooden and quite heavy and difficult to open. The accessible toilet cubicle had grab rails and an emergency alarm. It was clean and spacious.
Staff
Poor
Staff attitude was mixed. When we arrived the security man just let me through even though I was holding my crutch and the bleeper went off. I know he was being nice but I feel concerned when security staff do this as I feel we should all undergo the same level of checks to maintain security. We then went to the information desk. We got a map and when I accessed about accessibility and I made a point of raising my crutch so she could see it, and she just pointed to her right hand side. I went over there to find there was a couple of steps leading to the ladies toilets. I felt she didn't understand what I was asking so I didn't bother to go back. We then saw another member of staff and she asked if she could assist. I asked about accessibility and what had happened at the information desk. She said she would go and ask. She came back with another member of staff. The new lady said that there was step free access but it was in another part of the building and it was a long way off. She didn't offer to take me there. So I was unsure if I was allowed so I asked if all the stairs have handrails she said yes and so I left. However there were places were there no handrails.
Additional Information
All the stairs were hard work to navigate an it brought in my back pain and fatigue. It really spoilt the enjoyment of the visit for me and I am still in pain the next day. The Open House website described the building as partially accessible. I think the access and staff awareness of disability was very poor. If you have access needs and want to visit I would suggest contacting them first.
