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Winterbourne House and Gardens

University of Birmingham, 58 Edgbaston Park Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include reception, shop, house museum, exhibition, gallery, book shop, Winterbourne Press, conference rooms and the café.
  • Services / facilities within the grounds include gardens and greenhouses.
  • Ground floor - reception, shop, house museum and the café.
    First floor - house museum.
    Second floor - conference rooms and facilities.
  • The house has a large garden as well as several services within its grounds.
    To reach these areas it is necessary to first travel through the house.

Opening Times

  • The venue has seasonal opening times and please contact the venue for details of opening times.

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • Approaching from the north west or south east along the M6:

      Leave at Junction 6 (signposted Birmingham Central) to join the A38(M)
      At the end of the motorway, keep to the right, go over a flyover, then through some underpasses to join the A38 Bristol Road.
      The University is on your right, two and a half miles from the city centre.

      Approaching from the M42 north:

      Leave at Junction 8 to join the M6 northbound and follow the instructions above.

      Approaching from the south west:

      Leave the M5 at Junction 4 signposted Birmingham SW) to join the A38.
      The University is approximately eight miles from the motorway.

      Approaching from the M40:

      It is easier to turn south on the M42 and leave at Junction 1, heading north on the A38 Bristol Road.
      The University is approximately eight miles from the motorway.
    • Free parking for visitors is located to the front of Winterbourne House.
  • By Bus View
    • Numbers X61 and 63 travel from the Bus Mall, Moor Street Queensway, and from New Street Station, St Martin’s Queensway, to the Bristol Road, at the corner of Edgbaston Park Road. The services all run frequently from the city centre.
  • By Train View
    • Most cross-country services to Birmingham arrive at New Street Station. Up to six trains an hour departs for the university on the cross-city line (ten minutes to University station, final destination Longbridge or Redditch). The centre of the main campus is a five-minute walk from University Station.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by visitors and Blue Badge holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • The car park is located in front of the building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • There is/are 2 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are signposted but have no markings.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 300cm x 450cm (9ft 10in x 14ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do need to be booked in advance.
    • The nearest designated bay is 6m (6yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the building is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is / are slopes/ramps.
    • The dropped kerb between the car park and the building does not have tactile paving.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • On Street Parking View
    • Clearly signed and/or standard marked parking bays are not available.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Outside Access (Ticket Office, Shop and Garden Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the front of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 94cm (3ft 1in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp.
  • Comments View
    • The entrance to the gardens is though the shop and ticket office.

Reception (Ticket Office, Shop and Garden)

  • The counter is located ahead upon entering via the ticket office, shop and garden entrance.
  • The desk is 7m (7yd 1ft) from the ticket office, shop and garden entrance.
  • The reception area is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to this reception area.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are good.
  • The reception desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • There is not a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested on 14/07/2023.
  • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.

Outside Access (House Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building, 8m from the ticket office, shop and garden entrance.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 103cm (3ft 5in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 82cm (2ft 8in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located between the first and second set of doors.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
    • The ramp is portable.
    • The ramp does not have handrails.
    • The width of the ramp is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located at the second entrance door.
    • There is / are 1 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are shallow (2cm - 10cm).
    • The steps do not have handrails.
  • Comments View
    • The portable ramp remains in-situ and bypasses the step at the second entrance.

Getting Around (House)

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
    • There are no doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is not clear signage for building facilities/areas in the foyer/reception area.
    • There is no directional signage at key points of circulation routes.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Comments View
    • The second floor of the house contains the conference facilities of the building. The second floor is shown in photographs 5 and 6.

Museum (House)

  • Exhibits cannot be audio described.
  • Tactile signage for exhibits is not available.
  • Braille signage for exhibits is not available.
  • Touch tours are not available.
  • Video tours are not available.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Concessions are available.
  • There is a wheelchair to borrow.
  • Comments View
    • Mobility scooters and a manual wheelchair are available to visitors on request.

Other Floors (House)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1.
    • The stairs are located along the ground floor hall.
    • The stairs are approximately 20m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on the left going up.
    • There is a landing.
    • There is a separate staircase located to the left of the building between the first and second floors shown in photograph 2. There is a separate staircase located to the right of the building between the first and second floors shown in photograph 3.

Lift (House)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to your right upon entering the house.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 400 kg.
  • The lift is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the house entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 88cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 135cm x 102cm (4ft 5in x 3ft 4in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The lift does not have a hearing enhancement system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Eating and Drinking (House - Café)

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the café.
    • The café is located towards the left of the main house on the ground floor.
    • There is step-free access to the café.
    • The door to access the café is single, heavy and opens away from you with a width of 76cm.
  • Service and Menus View
    • Tables can be booked in advance.
    • There is a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
    • Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
    • Menu types include; written wall menus.
    • Menus are clearly written.
    • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
    • Staff can read menus to customers if requested.
    • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks, served between 12:00 and 15:00.
    • Plastic/takeaway cups are available.
    • Adapted cups are not available.
    • Adapted cutlery is not available.
    • Drinking straws are available.
    • This area does not play background music.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system .
  • Service Counter(s) View
    • The height of the counter is 94cm.
    • There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
    • The type of flooring in this area is wood.
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 74cm.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • The type of flooring in this area is wood.
    • There is flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities (Winterbourne House and Gardens)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located just inside the main entrance of Winterbourne House on the ground floor.
  • Female standard toilet facilities are located within Winterbourne House towards the right of the house on the ground and second floors..
  • Male standard toilet facilities are located within Winterbourne House towards the right of the building on the first floor and towards the left of the building on the second floor..
  • Shared standard toilet facilities are located in the Winterbourne House grounds within in the Old Kitchen area and off the Courtyard near the gallery. .
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet on the ground floor of Winterbourne House.

Accessible Toilet(s) (House - Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to your left upon entering the house.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the house entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 147cm x 254cm (4ft 10in x 8ft 4in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 64cm (2ft 1in).
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary and general waste (with lid) disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 124cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 93cm (3ft 1in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 73cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 100cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 80cm.
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is poor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.

Baby Change and Feeding Room

  • The Baby Change and Feeding Room is located next to the accessible toilet, to your left from the entrance on the ground floor.
  • The door width is 86cm.
  • The baby change stand is 92cm high.
  • The sink is 88cm high, with lever taps.
  • There is an armchair available within the room.

Standard Toilet(s) (House)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The male toilet is located in front of you on exiting the lift on the first floor.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 4m from the lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is poor.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 86cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
    • These toilet facilities can be seen in photographs 1 and 2.
      There are similar female toilet in the same location on the ground floor.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The male toilet is located towards the left of the house on the second floor.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 18m from the lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is poor.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 86cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • These toilet facilities can be seen in photographs 3 and 4.
  • Comments View
    • Additional male and female standard toilets are located within the courtyard.
    • The access to the courtyard toilets is by a deep step.

Gardens

  • There are slight slopes leading into the gardens.
  • The garden can be accessed via slight slopes leading from the ticket office and shop (shown in photograph 1) and the café (shown in photograph 2).
  • There are some uneven paths around the gardens and the surfaces of the paths around the gardens vary - some are gravel.
  • The gardens have a mixture of slight and steep slopes.
  • There are also steps necessary to access many areas of the gardens.
  • There are benches around the gardens.
  • There are motorised scooters to borrow.

Greenhouses

  • The Carnivorous Plants greenhouse entrance has a width of 70cm and can be seen in photograph 1.
  • The Arid House greenhouse can be seen in photographs 2 and 3. The entrance to the Arid house has a width of 104cm.
  • The Alpine House has is accessed by a door with a width of 70cm and is shown in photograph 4.
  • The Gilbert Orchid House is accessed by a door with a width of 87cm and is shown in photographs 5 and 6.

Outside Access (Gallery)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off the courtyard.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • Comments View
    • The Gallery is located off a small courtyard.
    • In order to reach the courtyard it is necessary to go through the Exhibition Space or the Book Shop.

Outside Access (Winterbourne Press)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the left of the main house.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are single (with a locked extension leaf).
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 70cm (2ft 4in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope does not bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • Comments View
    • There is a counter in the Winterbourne Press at a medium height.
    • The gap in the counter to access the main area of the press has a width of 75cm.
    • There are three medium steps with handrails on either side to access the rear of the building.
    • The steps are shown in the photographs.

Outside Access (Exhibition Space)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the left of the main house.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The door(s) is / are permanently held open (at the time of the survey).
    • The width of the door opening is 78cm (2ft 7in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left as you face the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • The ramp does not have handrails.
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is / are 1 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
    • The step(s) is / are not clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do not have handrails.
  • Comments View
    • There is a rear entrance that leads into a courtyard off which is the entrance to Gallery. The door has a width of 75cm. Which can be seen in photograph 6.

Outside Access (Book Shop)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the left of the house.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left as you face the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is / are 1 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
    • The step(s) is / are not clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do not have handrails.
  • Comments View
    • To the rear of the main book shop area is a small courtyard off which there is a smaller section of the bookshop.
    • This is accessed a single 75cm wide door with a medium step.
    • This part of the book shop can be seen in photograph 6 and 7.

Outside Access (Old Kitchen and Shared Toilets)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the left of the main house.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The door(s) is / are permanently held open (at the time of the survey).
    • The width of the door opening is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.