Surprise stairs throughout
1
1
Date of visit: September 2022
I have experience of challenges around: moving around and understanding.
Overall Rating
Bad
I'm a wheelchair user who can walk a little and had been working on stairs in physio for months so I could come here. There are several small staircases which are unavoidable throughout the venue, with lack of clear markings and handrails on some. The uneven floor and stairs made it very difficult and tiring to navigate, even with the help of 5 of my friends. I enjoyed my visit but it's clear access is not a priority here. They claim they can't improve access as it's an old building, but clearly they don't realise handrails, good lighting, smooth flooring, clear marking of level changes and seating count as access requirements.
Disabled Access In and Around
Bad
There are a significant number of steps located all across the site, many of which do not have hand rails. There is no lift. There is a big step when leaving the doors to see the seals and penguins, this step is not clearly marked. There is no seating available inside the venue. The floor is mainly cobbled and uneven. There is poor lighting in much of the venue as well, which doesn't help with the stairs and uneven flooring.
Parking & Transport
Bad
There is no way to access the enterance that's safe for wheelchair users, or those with mobility problems and/or visual impairments. One path is a steep downhill slope, unsuitable for both wheelchair and crutch users. The other path is a road with several massive potholes which are unavoidable.
Accessible Toilets
Bad
Staff
Good
In my email correspondence with staff they were very helpful in giving me more information on accessibility, but I wish this was available on their website. There was very little the staff could do for me once I arrived.
Additional Information
None of the staff wear masks, the areas inside are poorly ventilated.
