Accessibility Information for Guests & Visitors
Hawkwood aims to be a place that everyone can enjoy. We know that accurate information is vital and we do our best to tell you everything that you may need to know in order to plan your visit. If you have a query which is not covered here, please contact our main office, info@hawkwoodcollege.co.uk or 01453 759034.
Services for disabled people are managed by the Accessibility Officer who can be contacted via the main office 01453 759034. Please do come and see us, even if you haven’t had any issues. The more that we know about services that you would like to see and any problems encountered around the site, the more we can help everyone to enjoy our place.
We will do our best to help when you arrive, but we have found that the biggest factor in having a good experience when you visit is the planning that you do yourself. Think through every aspect of what you will need when you’re here and plan ahead. If you are new to Hawkwood and have additional questions do contact us and we will do our best to support you.
In Spring 2022 we commissioned a full accessibility report and we are creating an action plan to implement our improvements.
Personal Assistant Places
We offer a reduced rate ‘PA place’ for a Personal Assistant if you receive or have any of the following:
- Middle or Higher Rate DLA
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Credibility Access Card
- Registered severely sight impaired
- A recognised Assistance Dog ID Card
This booking must be confirmed over the phone, 9.30 am – 6:00 pm. Please ask to speak with Cathy: 01453 759034.
Proof of DLA, PIP, credibility Access Card or Assistance Dog ID Card must be provided upon entry.
Parking
Accessible parking is available at the front of the Main House. Please follow the signs for accessible parking when you arrive on site.
Arrival and Check-In
As there are steps leading to our Reception, you may wish to call us from your car or taxi and we can meet you with your key and show you to your room. Please dial 01453 759034.
There are two main areas on site:
The House & Stables
Please be aware that our courses, events and venue hire take place in our Main House and the Studios located in the Stables.
The ground floor of the House where the majority of our courses take place is fully accessible and there is an accessible toilet near our Main Hall.
There is also one ground-floor accessible ensuite bedroom in the House. The rooms upstairs are not wheelchair accessible due to the nature of our listed building.
The group rooms in the Stables are accessible but there is currently no accessible accommodation in the Stables. We hope to build a second ensuite ground floor accessible studio in the near future, funds permitting.
The Wider Estate Including Woodland & Farm
Some of our courses or events may take place in the wider estate. If you have accessibility needs, please check before booking to find out where the course will be located. The woodland is difficult terrain, with narrow and uneven paths that go up and downhill. Here there are areas of rough ground amongst the trees, which may cause difficulties for those with mobility impairment. Due to a lack of vehicle access, the only toilet in this area is the compost loo with steep steps by the Outdoor Classroom. The nearest accessible toilet is in the main house.
Mobility Around Hawkwood
It is possible to move between the House and Stables for your courses via the main tarmac driveway and there is a ramp available to access both the House and the Stables.
Most of the grounds and gardens are on a slope and so are not easily accessible, even in good weather, by wheelchair or mobility scooter. In wet weather, some areas do get muddy. Wheelchair and mobility scooter access is difficult across the whole site, due to the grass and slope, and we do not have any vehicles that we can lend out. You can still enjoy the spectacular views from the front of the House as we have benches and outdoor seating nearby. If you wish to venture further into the grounds and you use sticks or crutches consider how they will work in mud or soft ground, some people use special attachments to help with this.
Attending Events
Wheelchair seating may be reserved for any of our events. Please let us know if you require accessible seating and we will ensure we reserve you a place.
Hearing Loop
We are currently seeking funds to install a hearing loop in our Main Hall but we’re sorry we do not have one available at the current time.
Toilets
We have an accessible toilet in the House. Unfortunately, we do not have an accessible toilet in the Stables at the present time.
Large Print Maps & Timetable
We are able to provide large print versions of Hawkwood course timetables or help the course leaders of venue hire with large print versions of their timetables if requested. If you’re interested in a map of the estate we can also print large-scale maps.
Accessibility Aid Recharging
If you need to recharge any wheelchairs or other accessibility and medical aids, please visit Reception and someone will help. We have a fridge if your medication needs to be kept chilled. If you need to confirm any details regarding this before arrival, please phone Reception and ask to speak to Cathy on 01453 759034.
If there is anything we may have missed, or you have other specific requirements, or you are unsure about anything please call us on 01453 759034. Thank you!