Accessibility Guide for The Canterbury Tales Visitor Attraction

Travel by public transport

You can get to The Canterbury Tales Visitor Attraction by bus and train.

The nearest bus stop is Canterbury Bus Garage approximately 5 minutes’ walk (0.2 Miles) away. There is shelter and seating. Most Stagecoach buses are accessible and can accommodate one wheelchair. For further information refer to Stagecoach Buses The bus stop is 0.2 miles / 0.3 km from The Canterbury Tales Visitor Attraction.

The nearest train station is Canterbury East. The train station is 0.4 miles / 0.6 km from The Canterbury Tales Visitor Attraction.

The nearest train station is Canterbury East which is approximately 8 minutes’ (0.4 Miles) walk away. The station has a lift. 

Canterbury West station is where you will arrive if taking the high speed rail link from London.  This station has a passenger lift but is greater distance from the attraction (1.14miles). There are taxis available outside of both stations.  

Travel by taxi

You can get a taxi with Canterbury Taxis Limited by calling 01227 444 444. The taxi company has a wheelchair accessible vehicle.

You can get a taxi with Longleys Private Hire by calling 01227 710 777.

Canterbury Taxis offers wheelchair accessible vehicles however they reccommend booking 48hrs in advance due to high demand.

Parking

The nearest drop off point is a Council Operated car park on Watling Street (0.2 Miles) CT1 2UD.

Canterbury city Council also has a search page for blue badge spaces on its website.  Please visit https://www.canterbury.gov.uk/directory/20/blue_badge_parking_spaces

Path to main entrance

From the street to the main entrance, there is level access.

Main entrance

The main entrance has level access.

Visual Impairment - General Information

Some parts of the venue have low lighting.

Lift

We have 1 lift.

You can get a lift to all floors.

Lift to all floors

The lift door is 760mm wide.

The lift is 850mm wide. The lift is 860mm deep.

We provide assistance for disabled guests during the tour. A member of staff will lay ramps before your tour begins, accompany you on the route and operate the lift if it is required.

Ticket/ information desk

Admissions Point

From the main entrance to the desk, there is level access. There is a portable ramp. The door is 754mm wide, or more.

The door width measurement has been made according to the width of the portable ramp.  The actual doorway is much wider.

Things to See and Do

We have a concessionary rate for disabled visitors.

We have a complimentary ticket policy for personal assistants.

We have performances with: touch tour.

Main tour route

Some display information is low, for wheelchair users. There are seats.

There is a hearing loop.

Some displays have flashing lights.

The main exhibition has low lighting which changes as guests progress through the tour route.  The interpretation uses a mix of audio guide, moving objects and video.  

Public toilet

Disabled access toilet and baby change

There is a public toilet for disabled visitors.

From the main entrance to the public toilet, there is level access. The direction of transfer onto the toilet is to the left.

There is 620mm at the side of the toilet. There is 1040mm in front of the toilet. The toilet seat is 410mm high. The toilets have handrails.

Please note that there is a left turn into the toilet.  Wheelchair users may find they need to reverse into the toilet.  A member of staff will assist by holding the door open.  Unfortuantely our door is not automatic at this time.

Shop

Gift Shop

From the main entrance to the shop, there is level access. The route is 840mm wide, or more. The door is 840mm wide.

The route through the shop is 800mm wide, or more.

Whilst the shop is not a large space, every effort has been made to keep the through routes clear of merchandise. 

Accessibility equipment

We provide wheelchairs. Wheelchairs are free.

We have a hearing loop in Throughout the attraction.

We have one wheelchair and this is available for guests to use, free of charge.  Please ensure you have pre-booked your tour where possible.  We can only accomodate one wheelchair user in the building at any one time.

There is no toilet available for assistance dogs

Although we cant offer a charging service, Canterbury Shop Mobility will kindly charge your mobility scooter or battery powered wheelchair and offer you hire of one of their chairs to help you enjoy the rest fo your day.  Please visit their website for details on rates and opening times. http://www.cshopmobility.org.uk/

You can hire mobility equipment from Canterbury Shop Mobility by calling 01227 459889.

Emergency evacuation procedures

We have emergency evacuation procedures for disabled visitors.

Although part of the tour is self guided, you are never far from a member of staff.  In the event of a fire alarm, two staff will sweep the tour route within 3 minutes and ensure your safe evacuation.  Please do not attempt to hide, it is important you remain on the main route.

Customer care support

All staff have disability awareness training.

We have information in large print.