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Sea Life Blackpool

Promenade, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 5AA

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include an aquarium, gift shop and picnic area.
  • Comments View
    • The venue has quiet hours throughout the year for autistic children and adults. Please ontact the venue for details.

Location

  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Blackpool North.
  • There is not a tram stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The name of the nearest tram stop is Central Pier.

Opening Times & Admission Prices

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own car park.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the venue.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • The width of the door opening is 160cm.

Reception

  • The desk/counter is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are medium.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Other Floors (Ground Floor to First Floor)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are low.

Other Floors (First Floor to Second Floor)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 1, 2.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Other View
    • The area(s)/service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are shark snorkelling.
  • Comments View
    • Part of the staircase does not have handrails.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located ahead and to the left as you enter.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 9m (9yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 130cm x 110cm (4ft 3in x 3ft 7in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.

Inside Access

  • There is not level access to the service(s).
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does play background music.
  • Music is played throughout the venue.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Comments View
    • Some of the floors in the venue are uneven.
    • There are slight and steep slopes without handrails throughout the venue.

The Aquarium

  • The aquarium is located on the first floor.
  • There are various tanks with a variety of sea life.
  • There are 8 unmarked steps to access the small shark viewing area.
  • These steps have a handrail on the left going up.
  • They are the only means of viewing this tank.
  • There is an option to snorkel with sharks in the second floor tank (photograph 7).
  • The second floor can only be accessed by guests taking part in the snorkelling and when accompanied by a member of staff.
  • Participants must be able to use a ladder without assistance to enter the tank.
  • This ladder has 6 deep rungs (photograph 8).

Level Change (The Aquarium)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located leading to various displays.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located leading to various displays.
  • There is/are 9 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are medium.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • The ramp/slope does not bypass the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • Photograph 5 shows a second set of clearly marked medium steps without handrails.
    • Both sets of steps can be avoided by taking a different route in the aquarium.

Picnic Area

  • This area is located on the first floor at the rear of the aquarium.
  • The tables are 68cm high and there are chairs without armrests available.
  • There is a self-serve hot drinks machine (photograph 4).
  • The highest function on this machine is 156cm.
  • Cold drinks and snacks (crisps and sweets) can be purchased from the adjacent gift shop.
  • There is a children's soft play zone in this area (photograph 5).

Gift Shop & Photograph Collection

  • The gift shop is located on the first floor at the rear of the aquarium.
  • The height of the gift counter is 97cm (photograph 1).
  • The photograph counter is located to the left of the gift shop (photographs 4 and 5).
  • The height of this counter is 102cm.

Hygiene Room

  • The facility is located on the first floor, ahead and to the right as you exit the lift.
  • The facility is approximately 50m (54yd 2ft) from the lift.
  • There is level access to the facility.
  • You do not need a key for the facility.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The width of the door is 84cm.
  • The dimensions of the facility are 290cm x 280cm (9ft 6in x 9ft 2in).
  • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
  • The facility changing bench is free standing.
  • The length of the facility changing bench is 190cm (6ft 3in).
  • The type of wash basin is fixed.
  • Wall mounted grab rails are not available at the wash basin.
  • Disposal facilities are available.
  • The facility has a non-slip floor.
  • A functioning emergency alarm is not available.
  • There is a wall mounted baby change unit within the room which is 90cm high.

Accessible Toilet (First Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 50m (54yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the first floor, ahead and to the right as you exit the lift.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 168cm x 182cm (5ft 6in x 5ft 12in).
    • There is not sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is not a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are non-infectious waste and sanitary disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
    • There is a fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Standard Toilet(s) (First Floor)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
    • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the first floor, ahead and to the right as you exit the lift.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 50m (54yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the female and male standard toilets.
  • Comments View
    • The baby change is 77cm high in the female toilet and 89cm high in the male toilet.
    • The baby change tables are on wheels.

Accessible Toilet (First Floor Within Shared Standard Toilets)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is no signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the first floor, ahead as you exit the lift within the shared standard toilets.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a sliding bolt.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 140cm x 226cm (4ft 7in x 7ft 5in).
    • There is not sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Standard Toilet(s) (First Floor Shared Standard Toilets)

Standard Changing Room (First Floor)

  • There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the lift.
  • The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located on the first floor, in the aquarium.
  • There is level access to the standard changing room(s).
  • Shower facilities are available within the changing room(s).
  • There is not level access to the shower facilities.
  • The shower cubicle(s) / area is / are accessed via 2 deep steps.
  • Comments View
    • There are 2 standard changing rooms for participants of the shark snorkelling.

Additional Info

  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.