No lift, poor layout, frustrating shop
2
2
Date of visit: October 2026
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, dexterity or coordination, hearing and moving around.
I use or have experience of: assistance dog, hearing aid or cochlear implant, wheelchair
Overall Rating
Poor
this shop is over two levels, and I wanted to browse the books upstairs but unfortunately there is no lift. The downstairs is children's books, gifts and fictions however upstairs is travel and cook books - which, obviously, Waterstones believe you need to be able to climb the stairs to enjoy!
Disabled Access In and Around
Poor
while there is level access into the building, there is no lift to the upper level, which is where the section I wanted was located.
Accessible facilities: Step-free entrance
Parking & Transport
Average
I travelled to this place by walk or wheel
this area is pedestrianised, and parking in the centre of town is very limited. I had to park some distance away and wheel to the high street.
Accessible facilities: Public or on street parking
Accessible Toilets
Bad
there is no toilet at this venue
Staff
Poor
The staff were dismissive when I asked about access, citing the age of the building as a reason for the lack of a lift. A sign by the door professed the shop to have "transaction aids available", but when I enquired, the staff didn't know what these were nor did they know if the shop had a hearing loop.
