Popular Concert Venue for Whitby Folk Week and other events
4
4
Date of visit: August 2024
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Good
My score reflects the accessibility, not the quality of the actual venue. The Rifle Club has done its best to make this venue accessible but is constrained by the nature of the building. There are sandwiches and cakes available in the bar and there is the same bar in the function room so drinks can be ordered in there. I find the blue folding chairs very uncomfortable but the upholstered chairs are fine. I led workshops in the office space, which has been recently redecorated. The tables in there were ideal for my writing workshops. The Rifle Club is non-profit and there are a lot of community events in there. It's also one of our favourite venues so I am very pleased I can still access it despite my accident and life-changing injury.
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
There is one kerb to mount and one step into the building. I believe there is a ramp available but wasn't sure who to ask. The office downstairs, used for small events, is accessible. The function room and the bar are upstairs. However, the venue has two sets of staircases. One has a stair lift and the other has handrails on each side. I used the double handrail stairs but needed my walker waiting for me at the top. A grab bar at the top of these stairs would have been a big help. Once up, the floors are level and the bar has built in bench seating.
Parking & Transport
Excellent
There is a large car park outside (pay and display, no reductions for disabled but free at night), with spaces close to the Rifle Club. Very few are disabled spaces. It is possible to walk there if staying nearby as the surfaces of the car park are tarmac.
Accessible Toilets
Average
There are no accessible toilets, however there are a ladies and gents toilets on the ground floor, which are fine for people who can manage on a stick. There is an accessible toilet in the dry change room at the nearby leisure centre, however, but not a changing places toilet that I know of in the environs.
Staff
Excellent
The staff are very welcoming and helpful. This is a dog-friendly venue.
