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Cressing Temple Barns

Witham Road, Braintree, Cressing, Essex, CM77 8PD

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Access Guide

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Overview

  • About View
    • Cressing Temple Barns is a unique piece of history dating back to the 13th century. Home to Knights Templar Barns, complete with restored Tudor walled garden and Tiptree tea rooms.
    • View information on opening times
  • Parking and Public Transport View
  • Getting In and Around View
    • There is step-free access via slope at the most accessible entrance.
    • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
    • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: The Barley Barn, Wheat Barn and Tudor Gardens.
    • The following areas have stepped access: The Granary.
    • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces and doors permanently held open.
  • Getting Help and Assistance View
    • There is seating available.
    • There is no hearing assistance system.
    • You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair.
    • Additional equipment which can be borrowed or hired includes: a tramper.
    • Documents are available in the following formats: Braille.
    • Braille menus are available in the Tiptree Tea Room.
    • There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
    • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There are 2 toilets with adaptations.
    • Toilets with adaptations are located in the visitor centre and in the granary building.
    • All toilets with adaptations have a left hand transfer space.
    • Ambulant toilet facilities are located in the male and female standard toilets in the granary building.
    • The male and female step-free toilet facilities are located in the visitor centre and in the granary building.
  • Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the toilet with adaptations in the visitor centre and in the standard male and female toilets in the granary building.
    • The height of the baby change facilities within the standard male and female toilets in the granary building is 89cm.

Parking

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located off Temple Lane.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of loose chippings.
    • There are 3 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are signposted but have no markings.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access.
    • There is no dropped kerb from the designated Blue Badge parking.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • Parking is free for all users.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Entrance (Visitor Centre)

  • This entrance is located to the left of the car park.
  • 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.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • There is a push pad at a height of 88cm.
  • The width of the opening is 186cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 102cm.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Reception (Visitor Centre)

  • The reception is located ahead and to the left after entering the visitor centre.
  • The distance from the entrance is 4m.
  • There is step-free level access to reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 73cm.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the time of day.
  • The flooring is patterned.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.

Getting Around

  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: access to The Barley Barn, Wheat Barn and Tudor Gardens.
  • The following areas have stepped access: the Granary.
  • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces and doors permanently held open.
  • There is background noise in some areas of the venue.
  • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
  • Seating available in the walkways includes: benches.

Eating and Drinking (Tiptree Tea Room - Visitor Centre)

  • Location and Access View
    • The tea room is on the right after entering the visitor centre.
    • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into this area.
    • There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
    • The door opens away from you.
    • The width of the opening is 76cm.
  • Service View
    • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered, staff who can provide assistance with ordering and designated seating.
    • Full table service is available on request only.
    • Menus are handheld, wall-mounted, available on a board and available in Braille.
    • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free, lactose free, nut allergy, vegetarian and vegan.
    • The following are available: drinking straws, takeaway cups and takeaway cutlery.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Order and Payment View
    • The service counter was surveyed.
    • The counter is located on the left as you enter the tea room.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 89cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
    • The counter has windows.
  • Seating Area View
    • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
    • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
    • The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • There is background noise in this area.
    • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
    • Lighting levels are adjustable.

Toilet with Adaptations (Visitor Centre - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the left after entering the visitor centre.
    • The distance from the entrance is 5m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
    • 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 84cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 142cm (width) x 196cm (depth) and there is not 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 84cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a lever flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 43cm 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 90cm 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 rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have 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 95cm 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 93cm 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 no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There is one coat hook.
    • The coat hook is 146cm from the floor.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 91cm.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Room (Granary)

  • The room is located to the rear of the visitor centre.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access and slight ramps or slopes.
  • There is written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is stepped access into the room.
  • There are 13 steps with handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are not easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The step markings are not clearly visible.
  • The height of the steps is not between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 20cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
  • The door is permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 95cm.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the whole of the room.
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this room.
  • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.

Toilet with Adaptations (Granary - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located to the left of the granary entrance.
    • The distance from the granary entrance is 5m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access, slight ramps or slopes and doors permanently held open.
    • 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 87cm.
    • The door has a locking handle.
    • 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 159cm (width) x 216cm (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, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 95cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a spatula flush on the non-transfer side.
    • 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 49cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high 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 114cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can 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 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 high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 104cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 100cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is no mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin, a sanitary bin and a pedal bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Room (Wheat Barn)

  • The room is located on the right of the site as you leave the visitor centre.
  • The most accessible route to the room has slight ramps or slopes and steep ramps or slopes.
  • There is written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free access via ramp into the room.
  • The ramp has a steep gradient.
  • The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide with no handrails.
  • There is also a slight slope immediately after entering.
  • There are double manual doors with a high visual contrast.
  • One of the doors was locked at the time of the survey.
  • The locked door can be opened on request.
  • The door is permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 189cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs without armrests.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this room.
  • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.

Room (Barley Barn)

  • The room is located at the top right of the site as you leave the visitor centre.
  • The most accessible route to the room has slight ramps or slopes and steep ramps or slopes.
  • There is written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free access via slope into the room.
  • The slope has a steep gradient.
  • There are double manual doors with a high visual contrast.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 340cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: tables.
  • The surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of the surfaces is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this room.
  • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.

Access Point (The Tudor Garden)

  • This access point is located to the right as you exit the visitor centre, on the east side of the Tudor Garden.
  • The access point is clearly signed.
  • There is step-free access via ramp.
  • The ramp has a steep gradient.
  • The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide with no handrails.
  • There is a single manual gate.
  • The gate is permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 96cm.
  • The gate has a low visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Outdoor Spaces (The Tudor Garden)

  • Outdoor areas consist of loose chippings, grass and block paving.
  • There are footpaths throughout.
  • The majority of the paths are not wide enough for wheelchair users.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: throughout the Tudor Garden.
  • There are seats situated along the paths for people to rest.