Introduction
St Albans cathedral is situated on the edge of the town centre. The high street is within 200 meters. The Cathedral is at the top of a steep hill but is downhill from the town centre.
The Cathedral is based on one level although in some areas wheelchair access require the use of lifts or ramps. Access from the Cathedral to the Restaurant is by stairs or using a short external pathway.
Welcomers or information staff are on hand to advise on access and can summon help from virgers to provide access ramps.
Pre-Arrival
- There are two railway stations in St Albans - St Albans City, Station Way, AL1 5HE is 1 mile away and is a 16 minute walk or a short bus journey to the city centre and a 6 minute walk. - St Albans Abbey, Holywell Hill, AL1 2DN is 300metres away and is a 7 minute walk up a steep hill. Seating and covered waiting areas provided. For full travel information visit www.stalbans.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/public-transport/ www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/saa/details. Taxis are also available from both stations.
- Shopmobility - see www.stalbans.gov.uk/advice-and-benefits/disability/shopmobility/ for full information.
- Disabled public conveniences in Cathedral area are in - the City Centre adjacent to the Alban Arena car park, Civic Close RADAR keypad - Verulamium Park Causeway adjacent to the Fighting Cocks Public House RADAR keyed - Verulamium Park Changing Rooms, St Michael's car park RADAR Keyed - Verulamium Park, Westminster Lodge running track, end of running track building RADAR Keyed. Other facilities can be found at www.stalbans.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/road-and-pathway-maintenance/Public-conviniences
Car Parking and Arrival
- The plan of the Cathedral at the bottom of this section can be downloaded.
- Entering via the Cedar Door visitor entrance provides access with no steps to reach the main Cathedral areas. Disabled parking and drop off entrance see parking below.
- Entering via the West End entrance is by foot path only. The paths inside the Cathedral grounds are level and an even surface but some of the paved areas in the park surrounding the Cathedral can be uneven. No drop off points for cars within the grounds but from the road it is a very short walk. The lighting along the paths is limited, but the entrance lighting is good. Individuals in wheelchairs or who have difficulty going up steps can use the lift to the main Cathedral floor level.
- The Cathedral has one disabled car parking space for visitors to the Cathedral, entry to this space is via Sumpter Yard. This is not Blue Badge space and are only for visitors to the Cathedral. There is no charge for disabled parking. Paths from the disabled space to the Cedar Door visitor entrance are level but the surface is not even in places; due to cobbles and irregular York stone. Sumpter Yard also provides a drop off point if the spaces are already taken. The lighting in this area is sufficient.
Main Entrance, Reception and Ticketing Area
- There are several visitor entrances as described in the arrival section. All can accommodate wheelchair users.
- The interior floor surfaces in the Cathedral are either flag stones, grave stones or various types of tiles. Most surfaces are fairly even but the age of the building means that the Cathedral is on different levels but access to the whole Cathedral can be achieved by using lifts or ramps; some ramps are only temporary but assistance from a virger is available.
- The West End entrance has wooden exterior doors and an interior glass porch so some additional assistance might be required by those in a wheelchair.
- The Cedar door entrance has a heavy wooden door; some additional assistance might be required by wheelchair users.
- There is no charge on entry but visitors can make a donation to low level donation boxes.
- Seating is available throughout the Cathedral.
- There is a hearing loop system for Services and concerts.
- None of our external doors open automatically.
Attraction (displays, exhibits, etc.)
- The means of interpretation is by guided tours available free of charge.
- Signage of main spaces or important artefacts uses large black text on a white background.
- The interior floor surfaces in the Cathedral are either flag stones, grave stones or various types of tiles. Most surfaces are fairly even but the age of the building means that the Cathedral is on different levels and access to the whole Cathedral can only be achieved by using lifts or ramps; some ramps are only temporary but assistance from a virger is available.
- There are no doors to be negotiated once inside the Cathedral.
- The Library and restaurant is open to the public. The restaurant can be accessed by wheelchair via the West End entrance and following the path outside. The Library is accessible via the Deanery Offices via a steep driveway, which will require assistance.
- The lighting varies according to the size of the space (LED or fluorescent / economy bulbs used) some dark corners.
- The cathedral guides offer touch tours by prior arrangement.
Public Toilets
- The main toilets (portable) during the build work are accessible by via fours steps from the Abbots Door exit or through the West End entrance and following the path around the Cathedral through the Abbey Orchard.
- The male/female disabled toilet in the Abbey Orchard grounds via the West End exit. Entry is by ramp through a door 90cm wide, wash basin, soap dispenser and sensor hand dryer at low level. The light switch is low level; good fluorescent light provided. Horizontal and vertical grab-rails are provided at the rear and to the right (facing the toilet). The toilet has no alarm to call for assistance. If concerned inform a virger to check after a period of time.
- In an emergency an alarm horn is sounded around the Cathedral and public buildings. No specific alarms or warning lights in the toilet.
Catering
- Access to the Restaurant is from the Abbots Door or wheelchair access from the West End Door.
- Easy access from outside and through the double door into marquee. Spaces for wheelchair access and pushchairs; staff will arrange spaces to accommodate large groups of wheelchairs.
- Tables accommodate most wheelchairs; 62cm clear height underneath table.
- Good lighting provided throughout with carpeted flooring
- Self service style but staff are always available to assist in ordering and serving. Staff will read out menu for those with sight problems.
- Some dietary requirements catered for; allergen report for meals on sale. Some special dietary requirements require a period of notice to accommodate; it is advisable to check in advance.
- Table contrasts with crockery.
- Nearest disabled toilet requires going to the outside portable facilities next to the Abbots Kitchen.
Grounds and Gardens
- Access to the Abbey Orchard (Cathedral Grounds) and Verulamium Park (Public area) via tarmac paths.
- Lighting along pathways (including Cathedral ground) reasonable (provided by local council)
- Park benches available.
Additional Information
- Evacuation plan is in place (this includes during daytime or special events and concerts in the evening).
- All dogs welcome- no drinking water or other facilities provided but staff would provide water for assistance dogs on request.
- Space for parking mobility scooters, these can enter the Cathedral provided that the speed is that of a slow walk. No charging facilities
- Signage is either black text on white background or white text on dark grey background.
- Cathedral box office provides telephone service for booking concerts if online booking or attendance is difficult.
