Travelling with a Disability

The nature of the Royal Borough presents some inherent problems common to many historical towns and cities.  The Castle is on a steep hill and some of the shops, restaurants and hotels are less accessible to wheelchair users because of their historic nature.

A full Access Guide is available from the Information Centres on request, or by telephoning +44 (0)1753 743900 in advance for a copy.


Shopmobility

Both Windsor and Maidenhead town centres are proud to have Shopmobility schemes.  Anyone with mobility difficulties can hire a manual or powered wheelchair or scooter for the day to get around the shops and town centre attractions.  They can be booked in advance by calling Maidenhead +44 (0)1628 543038 or Windsor +44 (0)1753 622330 or email shopmobility@rbwm.gov.uk .

Showmobility is also available on site at many of the larger events in the Royal Borough during the year.


Transport

The Royal Borough provides a number of transport services and facilities to assist disabled visitors.

  • Trains For more infomation of the facilities available on train services into Windsor and Eton Central, Windsor and Eton Riverside and Maidenhead train stations please see the National Rail passenger services website.
  • Parking There are various schemes that are in force to help disabled visitors with car access such as the Blue Badge Scheme and Borough Free Parking.  For more information please telephone 01628 683708.
  • Buses For information on accesibillty on Bus Routes throughout the Royal Borough please call 01628 683880.


 Attractions

Not all of the Borough’s visitor attractions are fully accessible but all are working towards improving their facilities for those with disabilities.  Always telephone in advance to discuss your individual requirements. 

Windsor Castle 
The entire visitor route is accessible for wheelchair users.  Wheelchairs can be borrowed free of charge from the Castle's visitor centre.  Audio tours are available.  Telephone +44 (0)20 7766 7324 in advance to arrange assistance by a warden.

Legoland Windsor
Award-winning facilities allow guests with disabilities and special needs the best possible enjoyment and accessibility.  An advisory leaflet is available in advance or on arrival at Guest Services.

The Savill Garden, Windsor Great Park
Wheelchairs are available; all retail and restaurant areas are fully accessible; accessible toilets and parking and an arterial route around the garden are provided.

Eton College
Accessible toilet; chairlift to the Chapel; ramp to the Museum; induction loop and video subtitles in the Musuem.

French Brothers Boats
Some riverboat trips present problems to wheelchair users, so it is wise to telephone the sales office to discuss your requirements.  All staff have completed Tourist Board 'Welcome All' training courses and work hard to make your trip an enjoyable one.

City Sightseeing Open Top Bus Tour
Drivers will provide boarding assistance to help people with mobility impairment on to the lower deck.  One new bus is fully accessible for wheelchair users.

Theatre Royal
Wheelchair access to auditorium and ramp access to foyer from street.  Adapted toilet facilities.  Hearing system (£5 returnable deposit per headset – please notify the box office when booking).  Described performances for people with a visual impairment are available, usually on the final Saturday matinee of each production.

Windsor and Maidenhead Leisure Centres
Both have designated parking bays, accessible toilets, hoists into the pools and trained staff.

Ascot Racecourse
An accessible environment for all racegoers including older people, people with disabilities and those with young children.  An 'Access for All' policy includes provision of disabled parking spaces, designated viewing areas and wheelchair hire.  Special arrangements can be made and assistance is available both in advance and on the day of the race meeting.  For further information call the access officer on +44 (0)1344 878517.

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts
All performances are accessible thanks to lifts, ramped access and adapted toilets.  There is an infrared loop system and signed performances for those with hearing disabilities.  Please advise the box office of your requirements when booking. 

Stanley Spencer Gallery
Wheelchair access,  lift to the mezzanine floor, large-print guide and magnifyimg glass for the partially sighted.

Dorney Court
Visitors with mobility impairments can visit the ground floor rooms although a few stairs are involved.  An accessible toilet is available at the adjoining plant centre.

Royal Windsor Racecourse
Viewing area in Members Enclosure; adapted toilets and lifts to hospitality areas.  Wheelchair users have free entry and designated parking areas.

Odeon Cinema, Maidenhead
All screens have a loop system for the hard of hearing (please enquire at the box office), disabled seating and access to all screens.  Accessible toilets in each area.

Blue Badge Guided Walking Tours
Level ground walking tours and specialised walking tours for the visually impaired.  Tours can be tailored to suit most requirements.


Parking

The council-run car parks are free for the use of disabled people who hold valid Blue or Orange Badges.  At the barrier-controlled car parks the attendant on duty will ask to endorse the ticket with your badge number on exit, so check that the attendant will be present at the time you wish to leave.

A number of on-street parking bays are also available to Blue or Orange Badge holders.

Maidenhead Windsor
Park Street Thames Street
King Street Acre Passage
West Street Library
Market Street Datchet Road
High Street Farm Yard
St Ives Road Thameside
Park Street
Sheet Street
Victoria Street

For those with mobility difficulties arriving by coach at Alma Road Coach Park there is a lift enabling access up to Windsor town centre.


Accessible Toilets

Public toilets with facilities for disabled people are available, some need a RADAR Key.  Keys are available from the attendants.

  

Eton Maidenhead Windsor
Eton Court Shopmobility, Nicholsons Car Park Windsor Castle
Central Library, St Ives Road Bachelors Acre
Coach Park
River Street Car Park
Victoria Street Car Park


Accommodation

While many of the Borough’s hotels are historic buildings and are not suitable for wheelchair users they make every effort to take care of guests with disabilities.  The more modern hotels are better equipped.  Please inform the hotel of your requirements when you make your booking.  For more assistance in finding accommodation to suit your needs use the Accommodation Booking Service or contact the Royal Windsor Information Centre.


Assistance or Further Information

Should you need assistance or further information about facilities during your stay, please telephone the Shopmobility Information Line on +44 (0)1628 796056 (Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm) or email sue.gibson@rbwm.gov.uk


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