Pre-Arrival
For full details and maps of how to reach us please see the ‘Getting here’ section of our website. Alternatively, you can plan your journey by car or public transport, our postcode is LA23 3BX and the nearest Car Park is LA23 3BZ. The nearest railway station is Windermere, which is 1.5 miles away (a 30 minute walk). Taxis and buses to Bowness are available at the train station.
Car Parking and Arrival via Rayrigg Road
We advise our disabled visitors to use the council run car park on Rayrigg Rd, which is 50m from the main entrance as it has a number of blue badge spaces. Entrance to the Attraction from this car park is via a steep ramp up the side of the building from Rayrigg Road (pictured) to the main courtyard.
Access to the Attraction via Crag Brow
The Attraction is situated on a moderate hill with a steep approach from both sides. You may arrive either via a steep ramp up from Rayrigg Road (see above) OR a steeply sloping ramp down approx. 1:6 from Crag Brow with a handrail provided half way down (pictured).
Main Entrance
The main entrance automatic doors are accessed via a ramp from our courtyard. The automatic entrance doors are 1200mm wide. The Attraction is based on two floors with lift access to the toilets on the lower floor. You should allow at least 1 hour to go around the Attraction which exits to the gift shop on the same level.
Reception and Ticketing Area
The Box Office and ticket area is situated on the upper floor with step free, level access, throughout and the floor surface is carpet tiled. We have a complimentary ticket policy for carers of disabled adults on production of appropriate documentation at the Box Office. Please book your disabled visitor ticket online and show your documentation on arrival for your free carer ticket.
Wheelchair loan is available, free of charge, on request. Centre Assistants are on hand throughout the Attraction should you require any assistance.
Attraction
There are 23 interactive touchpads that refer to each one of Beatrix’s tales, these are published in 6 languages:- English, French, Chinese, Japanese, Dutch and German. There are other interactive touch screen activities throughout the Attraction; all can be accessed from a sitting or standing position. Interpretation boards are all in large text and have pictorial representation where applicable. The films in the attraction all have subtitles, and are available to watch in a selection of languages. There is space to the immediate right when entering the first film for pushchairs/wheelchairs. There is a bench in the garden. Lighting in the attraction is varied to created different moods for each story. There is enough light to see your way around without danger.
Toilets
Toilets are located on the lower floor. There is lift access to these from the main entrance. These toilets have a unisex accessible toilet, with a light, easy open door 900mm wide. There is 980mm transfer space to the left and front of the lower floor toilet, when facing the toilet. The toilet height is 400mm. There is a vertical rail and drop down horizontal rail to the left of the toilet and a horizontal rail to the right. The disabled toilet has an emergency pull cord. The toilets are well lit with fluorescent tube overhead lighting, these switch on automatically when entering the toilets. The flooring is non-slip laminate.
Catering
The Peter Rabbit Café is situated on Rayrigg Road with ramp access from the pavement. Tables in the café are well spaced apart, with a clear height from the floor of 740mm with upright chairs without arms. Where possible all our food produce is locally sourced. We also produce our vegetables and salads in our kitchen garden. You order at the counter in the cafe and your meal will be brought to you however, staff can assist on request. High chairs are available when entering the cafe.
Shopping
The Attraction Shop can be accessed directly from the main entrance/Box Office area and when exiting the attraction area. The door exiting the attraction into the shop is 900mm and the shop is level throughout. Wheelchairs can park at the side of the tills and our staff will help you with your shopping. There is ample room within the shop for a large wheelchair to manoeuvre and turn. There are tall display racks and low tables accessible from a seated position. Staff can offer assistance if required.
Garden
There is a terraced garden with a long walkway at the top which is level with the exhibition floor. This area is undercover and remains dry. A circular paved path runs off this with stairs running to the lower level. Main pathways are at least 900mm wide. There is a wooden bench at the end of the level walkway.
Additional Information
All of our staff receive regular training that includes disability awareness training. We have a set of evacuation procedures – should you require it someone will assist you with evacuation either out of the building or to a refuge.
Assistance Dogs
Service dogs are very welcome and a water bowl is available at the exit for assistance dogs. Please ask a member of staff for fresh water.
