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Overview

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• About View
  • This is a public park and botanic garden.
  • Facilities available in the venue include: a public park with formal and botanic gardens, a play area, tropical glasshouses (The Palm House and Tropical Ravine), a bowling green, standard toilets and toilets with adaptations.
  • View information on opening times
• Parking and Public Transport View
  • The venue does not have its own car park.
  • There is on-street standard parking.
  • The nearest train station is Botanic.
  • The nearest bus station is Europa Buscentre.
  • For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Translink (opens new tab).
  • View information on getting here (opens new tab) .
• Getting In and Around View
  • There is step-free access via a very easy slope at the most accessible entrance.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: all areas.
  • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces, manual doors, doors permanently held open, automatic doors and narrow walkways.
  • Floors 0 and -1 in The Tropical Ravine can be accessed via a standard lift and stairs.
  • There are steps along some pathways within the outdoor spaces; however all of these can be bypassed using alternative ramped/sloped routes (some of which are steep).
• Getting Help and Assistance View
  • There is seating available.
  • There is a portable hearing assistance system on request.
  • British Sign Language can be provided virtually.
  • Documents are available in the following formats: large print (on request) and different languages (on request).
  • The Tropical Ravine has a hearing loop system; however you must contact the venue in advance via tropicalravine@belfastcity.gov.uk in order to make use of it.
    Sign language videos are also available for the Tropical Ravine, in British Sign Language, Irish Sign Language and International Sign Language. Please note that these should be watched using your own mobile device - the venue does not have its own devices for public use.
    These services only cover the Tropical Ravine, and are not available for The Palm House or outdoor areas of the Botanic Gardens.
    Free public Wi-Fi is also only available in the Tropical Ravine.
  • There is not a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
  • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
  • Additional facilities/services include: Wi-Fi.
• Related Access Guides View
  • View information on Ulster Museum (opens new tab) .

You are on Toilet and Changing Facilities. Skip to the next section.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • There are 2 toilets with adaptations.
  • Toilets with adaptations are located in the public toilet block to the east of the Botanic Gardens, and on Floor -1 inside the Tropical Ravine.
  • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
  • The male and female toilet facilities are located in the public toilet block to the east of the Botanic Gardens.
• Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the Toilet with Adaptations on Floor -1 inside the Tropical Ravine.
• Washroom and Shower Facilities View
  • There is a slight ramp followed by a single 14cm-high step on the threshold of the door to access the standard male toilets.
    There is a slight ramp, followed by 2 14cm-high steps with handrails on both sides, followed by another slight ramp and a single 14cm-high step on the threshold of the door to access the standard female toilets.

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

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• Drop-off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop-off point available.
• On-street Parking View
  • On-street standard parking is available.
  • There is unrestricted standard on-street parking located on several roads around the Botanic Gardens, including Stranmillis Embankment, Colenso Parade, Stranmillis Gardens and Botanic Court.

You are on Access Point (Botanic Avenue). Skip to the next section.

Access Point (Botanic Avenue)

• This access point is located to the North-East of the Botanic Garden, at the end of Botanic Avenue, next to the Queen's University Belfast McClay Library.
• The access point is clearly signed.
• There is step-free access via a very easy slope.
• There are double manual gates.
• The gates are permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 343cm.
• The gates have a high visual contrast.
• There is step-free access via a very easy slope as you enter.
• Next to the double gates, there is also a single permanently-held-open gate, with an opening width of 165cm.

You are on Access Point (University Road/Malone Road/Stranmillis Road). Skip to the next section.

Access Point (University Road/Malone Road/Stranmillis Road)

• This access point is located to the west of the Botanic Gardens, at the junction of University Road, Malone Road and Stranmillis Road.
• The access point is clearly signed.
• There is step-free level access.
• There is a single manual gate.
• The gate is permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 139cm.
• The door has a medium visual contrast.
• There is step-free access via slope as you enter.
• The slope has a slight gradient.
• The ramp is over 150cm wide with no handrails.
• There are two identical sets of gates at this access point, either of which can be used to access the Botanic Gardens.

You are on Access Point (Colenso Parade). Skip to the next section.

Access Point (Colenso Parade)

• This access point is located to the west of the Botanic Garden, at the end of Colenso Parade.
• The access point is not clearly signed.
• There is step-free access via a very easy slope.
• There are double manual gates, however one gate is locked or bolted.
• The gates are permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 176cm.
• The gates have a medium visual contrast.
• There is step-free access via a very easy slope as you enter.

You are on Access Point (Stranmillis Gardens). Skip to the next section.

Access Point (Stranmillis Gardens)

• This access point is located to the west of the Botanic Gardens, at the end of Stranmillis Gardens.
• The approach to the access point has uneven surfaces.
• The access point is clearly signed.
• There is step-free level access.
• There is a single manual gate.
• The gate is permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 144cm.
• The gate has a low visual contrast.
• There is step-free access via slope as you enter.
• The slope has a slight gradient.
• The ramp is over 150cm wide with no handrails.

You are on Access Point (Stranmillis Embankment South). Skip to the next section.

Access Point (Stranmillis Embankment South)

• This access point is located at the far southern end of the Botanic Gardens, off Stranmillis Embankment, opposite Kings Bridge.
• The access point is not clearly signed.
• There is step-free access via a very easy slope.
• There are double manual gates.
• The gates are permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 251cm.
• The gates have a low visual contrast.
• There is step-free level access as you enter.

You are on Access Point (Stranmillis Embankment North - By Play Area). Skip to the next section.

Access Point (Stranmillis Embankment North - By Play Area)

• This access point is located to the South-East of the Botanic Gardens, off Stranmillis Embankment, next to the children's play area.
• The approach to the access point has bollards.
• The access point is not clearly signed.
• There is step-free access via slope.
• The slope has a slight gradient.
• The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide with no handrails.
• There is an open gap.
• The width of the opening is 140cm.
• There is step-free access via a very easy slope as you enter.

You are on Access Point (Botanic Court). Skip to the next section.

Access Point (Botanic Court)

• This access point is located at the end of Botanic Court, next to Botanic Primary School.
• The approach to the access point has uneven surfaces.
• The access point is not clearly signed.
• There is step-free level access.
• There is a single manual gate.
• The gate is permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 136cm.
• The gate has a high visual contrast.
• There is step-free access via a very easy slope as you enter.

You are on Outdoor Spaces. Skip to the next section.

Outdoor Spaces

• The following is available in this area: a playground with play equipment, a grassed play area, parkland, formal gardens, gardens and a toilet block.
• Additional facilities in this area include: a bowling green .
• Outdoor areas consist of concrete or tarmac, loose chippings, wood bark, gravel and paving slabs.
• There are footpaths throughout.
• The majority of the paths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
• The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: all areas.
• There are seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
• The paths have uneven surfaces.
• All main areas can be accessed via routes which have even surfaces.

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• Playground View
  • There is a fenced play area with an access point over 100cm wide.
  • There is a route around the play equipment which is firm and even, and is at least 150cm wide.
  • The play equipment is within easy reach for seated and standing users and users of different heights.
  • The following play experiences are available: swinging, sliding, rocking, rotating, climbing, balancing, crawling, viewing, sensory (visual, audible, or tactile) and social play.

You are on Entrance (The Palm House - Centre). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (The Palm House - Centre)

• This entrance is located at the front of The Palm House.
• The entrance area is clearly signed.
• There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
• There is stepped access at the entrance.
• There are 2 steps with no handrails.
• The steps are clearly marked.
• The height of the steps is not between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 10cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
• There are double manual doors at this entrance.
• The doors open away from you.
• The width of the opening is 108cm.
• The doors have a medium visual contrast.
• There is step-free level access as you enter.

You are on Entrance (The Palm House - West Wing). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (The Palm House - West Wing)

• This entrance is located at the end of the West Wing of The Palm House.
• The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces.
• The entrance area is clearly signed.
• There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
• There is step-free access via slope at the entrance.
• The slope has a slight gradient.
• The ramp is over 150cm wide with no handrails.
• There is a single manual door at this entrance.
• The door is permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 93cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The door has a medium visual contrast.
• This door may not be permanently held open during cooler weather. In this case, it opens away from you (push).
• There is step-free level access as you enter.

You are on Getting Around (The Palm House). Skip to the next section.

Getting Around (The Palm House)

• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• Access throughout may include narrow walkways, doors permanently held open and manual doors.
• The flooring is shiny.
• The visual contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high.
• Some of the walls have a reflective finish.
• There is no (or very little) background noise.
• Wayfinding signage is not provided.
• Seating available in the walkways includes: chairs with armrests and benches.
• Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
• This is a glasshouse. Due to an abundance of natural light, lighting levels may vary depending on the time of day and weather conditions.

You are on Entrance (Tropical Ravine - Floor 0). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Tropical Ravine - Floor 0)

• This entrance is located to the west of the Tropical Ravine, opposite the rear of the Ulster Museum.
• The entrance area is clearly signed.
• There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
• There is step-free access via ramp at the entrance.
• The ramp has a slight gradient.
• The ramp is over 150cm wide with no handrails.
• There is an intercom at a height of 89cm.
• There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
• The doors open towards you.
• The width of the opening is 150cm.
• The doors have a low visual contrast.
• There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 119cm.
• The intercom and push button are only for staff to use outside of normal public opening hours.
• There is a second set of double automatic doors.
• The second set of doors open away from you.
• The width of the opening is 153cm.
• The second set of doors have a low visual contrast.
• There are two identical second sets of doors here - one to the left and one to the right as you pass through the first set of doors.
• There is step-free level access as you enter.

You are on Entrance (Tropical Ravine - Floor -1). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Tropical Ravine - Floor -1)

• This entrance is located at the lower end of the Tropical Ravine, opposite the Main Lawn in the centre of the Botanic Gardens.
• The entrance area is clearly signed.
• There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
• There is step-free level access at the entrance.
• There is an intercom at a height of 90cm.
• The intercom and push button (on the second set of doors) are only for staff to use outside of normal public opening hours.
• There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
• The doors are permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 162cm.
• The doors have a low visual contrast.
• There is a second set of double automatic doors, however one door is locked or bolted.
• The locked door can be opened on request.
• The second set of doors open away from you.
• The width of the opening is 98cm.
• The second set of doors have a low visual contrast.
• There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 120cm.
• The automatic function on the second set of doors was not working when surveyed (September 2024), with the doors being temporarily manual.
• There is step-free level access as you enter.

You are on Getting Around (Tropical Ravine). Skip to the next section.

Getting Around (Tropical Ravine)

• There is step-free level access throughout all areas, this may include the use of a lift.
• Access throughout may include automatic doors, doors permanently held open, narrow walkways and manual doors.
• Some flooring is shiny.
• The visual contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high.
• Some of the walls have a reflective finish.
• There is no (or very little) background noise.
• Wayfinding signage is provided.
• The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
• Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
• This is a glasshouse. Due to an abundance of natural light, lighting levels may vary depending on the time of day and weather conditions.

You are on Lift (Tropical Ravine). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Tropical Ravine)

• The lift surveyed is located diagonally to the left as you enter through the Tropical Ravine Floor -1 Entrance.
• The distance from the Tropical Ravine Floor -1 Entrance (second set of doors) is 8m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
• Floors -1 and 0 are accessed by this lift.
• The lift door has a medium visual contrast.
• The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
• The external lift control buttons have a high visual contrast.
• All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The lift door opening width is 90cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 157cm (width) x 156cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
• All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• Internally the lift has: an audible announcer, a mirror to aid reversing and a visual floor indicator.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Stairs (Tropical Ravine). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (Tropical Ravine)

• The stairs surveyed are located to the left as you enter the Tropical Ravine through the Floor -1 Entrance.
• Floors -1 and 0 can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 20+ steps between floors.
• The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 17cm.
• The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
• Due to the large amount of natural light in this area, lighting levels may vary depending on the time of day and weather conditions.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Tropical Ravine - Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Tropical Ravine - Left Hand Transfer)

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located straight ahead as you enter the Tropical Ravine through the Floor -1 Entrance.
  • The distance from the Tropical Ravine Floor -1 Entrance (second set of doors) is 8m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
  • The door has a lever twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 210cm (width) x 220cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet.
  • The lateral transfer space is 140cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a push button flush on the wall above the cistern.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 47cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
  • The toilet has a padded backrest.
  • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a low visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 77cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 72cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 99cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a low visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 101cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a full length mirror.
  • There is a shelf, however there is an obstruction in front of it.
  • The shelf does not meet the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
  • The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There is one coat hook.
  • The coat hook is 159cm from the floor.
  • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 80cm.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • There is an additional wash basin and soap dispenser, at heights of 74cm and 113cm respectively. This wash basin also has a lever mixer tap, but does not have any vertical grab rails.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Public Toilet Block - Transfer Both Sides). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Public Toilet Block - Transfer Both Sides)

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located to the right of the public toilet block.
  • The distance from the Botanic Avenue access point is 185m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has slight ramps or slopes.
  • There is step-free access via ramp into the facility.
  • The ramp has a slight gradient.
  • The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide with no handrails.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening is 87cm.
  • The door has a locking handle (with a RADAR key to access).
  • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 223cm (width) x 224cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is lateral transfer space on both sides of the toilet .
  • The lateral transfer space on the left is 106cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • The lateral transfer space on the right is 79cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a lever flush on the right transfer side.
  • There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the right as you face the toilet.
  • The vertical grab rail has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the right as you face the toilet.
  • The dropdown rail has a low visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 47cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a medium visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 66cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 73cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • The vertical grab rail is on the right as you face the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rail has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 121cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a medium visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 118cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a mirror.
  • There is an unobstructed shelf.
  • The shelf does not meet the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
  • The cubicle has a sanitary bin.
  • There is one coat hook.
  • The coat hook is 173cm from the floor.
  • The walls and floor have a low visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • The toilet seat has a horizontal rail to the rear, with no padded backrest.