This access statement does not contain personal opinions as to our suitability for those with access needs, but aims to accurately describe the facilities and services that we offer all our guests/visitors.

Access Statement for Winchester Tourist Information Centre

Introduction

If you're looking for ideas of what to see and do both in the city of Winchester and the surrounding area we can help you with reliable and inspirational ideas.
Winchester Tourist Information Centre (TIC) is located on the ground floor of Winchester Guildhall, a Grade II listed events venue which also houses a café and public toilets including an accessible toilet. The information centre provides a wide range of advice and help for residents and visitors.

We look forward to welcoming you. If you have any queries or require any assistance please phone 01962 840 500 or email .

Pre-Arrival

·  Winchester is situated on a hill that runs from west to east along a pedestrianised high street. Some of the routes within the city centre are therefore quite steep and they are cobbled in places. The Tourist Information Centre is located at the bottom of the High Street

·  The nearest railway station is Winchester, which is 0.65 miles away (10-15 minute walk) and located at the top end of the high street.

·  Winchester bus station is located opposite the TIC and is where most of the city's buses depart. A zebra crossing is available to help customers cross the main road safely to the TIC.

·  The coach stop is King Alfred Statue, approximately 100 meters from the tourist information centre

·  The main road outside the TIC has a wide paved path.

·  Local taxi companies do have accessible cars, see the contact details below. There is a taxi rank outside the TIC and outside the main entrance of the train station.

·  The nearest accessible toilet is inside Winchester Guildhall, along a gradual ramp from the main TIC reception

·  Assistance dogs welcome

Car Parking Facilities and Arrival

·  The centre does not have its own dedicated car park, the nearest short stay (maximum 4 hours) car park is to the rear of the information centre in Colebrook Street (SO23 9LH). This is free for blue badge holders but the maximum time limit applies of 4 hours.

·  There are a limited number of on road parking bays outside the tourist information centre which are free for blue badge holders to use (permits must be displayed), there is no time limit to these.

·  The main front entrance to the TIC is on ground level and there is one set of manual doors and one set of automatic doors to allow easy access

·  An alternative set of automatic doors can be found at the main entrance to the Guildhall, just the other side of the main steps.

·  The rear door to the TIC is a fire door and is therefore manual and can be heavy to open. TIC staff are more than happy to assist in opening the door which is visible from the TIC counter.

Inside the TIC

·  The main information centre is all on one level, there is a gradual ramp leading towards the toilets, cafe and rest of the building

·  The area is evenly and well lit with high level lighting provided by spotlights

·  There is ample room within the TIC for a large wheelchair/pushchair to manoeuvre and turn

·  There are some tall brochure/book/gift racks, some of which are accessible from seated position.

·  Staff are on hand for difficult to reach items on the shelves

·  There is a promotional video of the city and surrounding area usually playing without sound

·  All items are clearly priced

·  Payment is accepted by cash, cheque or credit/debit card, if paying by card the card terminal can be moved to allow customers to enter their pin easily

·  The main counter has a low level section and two chairs available for customers to sit down if required

·  A magnifying glass, pen and pad of paper are available at the counter

·  Internet access is available from two PC's, accessible from a seated position

·  Large print leaflets are available on request

·  RADAR keys are available to hire or purchase

Public Toilets

·  The nearest WC's are located within the Guildhall building on the same level as the TIC.

·  These toilets have a unisex accessible toilet and baby changing facilities

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Additional Information

·  The tourist information centre staff have participated in the Welcome All training course which aims to promote access for all

·  Winchester Shopmobility is located on the Upper Parking level of The Brooks Shopping Centre. This is approximately a 10 minute walk from the information centre

·  The information centre can provide visitors with information on accessible parking, attractions and accommodation either prior to their arrival by post or email or on arrival in the centre

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Future Plans

·  We welcome your feedback to help us continually improve, if you have any comments please telephone 01962 840 500 or email

Contact Information

Address (Inc postcode): / Winchester Tourist Information Centre, Guildhall, High Street, Winchester, SO23 9GH
Telephone: / 01962 840 500
Email: /
Website: / www.visitwinchester.co.uk
Hours Of Operation: / Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm
Local Equipment Hire: / Winchester Shopmobility, Upper Parking Level, The Brooks, Winchester, SO23 8QY Open: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4pm Amplifon, 58 St Georges Street, Winchester, SO23 8AH Open: Monday - Saturday 9am - 4pm
Local Accessible Taxi: / Wessex Cars: 01962 877 749 Wintax Taxis: 01962 878 727
Local Public Transport: / Stagecoach bus: 0345 121 0190 Bluestar bus: 01202 338 421