Accessibility:-

Ripley Castle Functions and Conferences -

An Access Consultants Viewpoint.

The East Wing of the Castle has been extensively rebuilt and remodelled, and now contains two self-contained suites for weddings, dinners and conferences. A level passageway links it to the main part of the Castle at ground floor level.

There are two separate entrances to the East Wing. The Main Hall and Long Gallery are accessed from the castle's main courtyard, while the Amcotts suite is approached from the visitor car park in the yard adjacent to the Castle Tearoom and Hopkins Porter Delicatessen. There are three disabled car parking spaces, on a level access route, directly opposite the entrance to the Amcotts Suite, but let the Estate Office know if you are attending a weekend event at the weekend as these spaces are also used by the general public visitors, and we can reserve a disabled parking space for you in advance if we receive advance warning. There are a few standard parking spaces in the same area, and on the cobbled market square directly outside the yard entrance, about 200metres away, on reasonably level route.

For large events, there are always stewards at the entrance, who are able to offer assistance, and passengers can be dropped off at the appropriate entrance before the car is parked elsewhere.

The approach to the Amcotts Suite is via an easy gradient, ramped footpath, as an alternative to a short flight of stone steps with handrails. The level entrance, via double glazed doors, is clearly identifiable, and is suitable for wheelchairs.

From the spacious entrance foyer, there are stairs, that have clearly identified step nosings, and easily gripped handrails each side; or alternatively, the passenger lift, which will accommodate a wheelchair and two other standing passengers comfortably, and has clearly identified and easily reachable control panels. These give access to the first floor function rooms.

The entrance to the Main Hall and Long Gallery, located in the main castle courtyard, is via double width glass doors. The approach to the doors is across the courtyard, which is surfaced with a thin layer of fine grade gravel and easy to negotiate. The doorway is level and wheelchair accessible and a passenger lift located just beyond the WC's gives access to the first floor: it will comfortably accommodate a wheelchair and two other passengers standing and has clearly identified and easily reachable control panels. The stairway up to the Long Gallery is wide, with easily gripped wooden handrails on both sides.

Bars on the ground floor are easily accessible from both entrance halls.

The respective toilets for the Amcotts Suite and Long Gallery are both on the ground floor, near the lift: both sets include a well designed disabled access toilet.

The Amcotts Suite and Main Hall on the ground floor are linked by a short level stone flagged corridor with wide doorways. At ground floor the Amcotts Suite and Long Gallery are also linked, but you rise up two steps to get from the Long Gallery to the Amcotts Suite.

In the function rooms themselves, the circulation space available depends upon the required room layout, but the need to provide access and table space for a wheelchair user, or ambulant disabled person can be discussed in advance, and the room layout arranged accordingly.

For overnight accommodation, this is arranged at the nearby Boars Head Hotel, approx 200m level route from the Castle. Details of accessible facilities in the hotel can be obtained on the disabled facilitities link on the left hand side or following link - Disabled Facilities