General (Visiting Us)

We are committed to removing barriers for all, regardless of your disability. If you need any additional help which is not listed below, please contact thecastle@bude-stratton.gov.uk Β and we will do everything we can to make your visit as easy and stress free as possible.Β 

Mobility Aids Access

The Castle has ample access for those with additional mobility aids (wheelchairs, mobility scooters and push chairs). There is a lift to the first floor where needed.Β  Should the lift be out of service for any reason, please ask a member of staff who will show you an alternative route into the building.

Entry to the building is on the ground floor, with sloped pavements. The Heritage Centre exhibitions and displays are over both floors. Entry to the art galleries and Cafe Limelight are on the first floor. There is a lift on the ground floor to get to the first floor.

The disabled toilet is located on the ground floor, which also serves as a baby-changing facility.

The lift has a limited capacity of two persons (or one wheelchair or mobility vehicle) and there is limited space if reversing out on the first floor.

During outdoor events, we put additional ramps out to help you access the Castle lawn. At other times, there is a sloped lawn entry at the Library, which can be located at the bottom of the Castle Lawn, should you wish to enjoy the lawn at any other time.

Parking

We have two disabled parking spaces next to the main building which must be displayed with a blue badge holder pass. To find out where other suitable parking spaces are around the town, pleaseΒ visit Bude Tourist Information Centre.

Dogs at The Castle

We now accept dogs into the building every day, except on Mondays.Β Β In general, dogs are allowed in all the rooms at The Castle, except The Willoughby Gallery.Β Exceptions are made for coated assistance dogs at all times.

We do ask that they are:

  • Calm, quiet, well-behaved and on a short lead at all times.
  • Dogs should be dry to protect exhibits and others from water spray.
  • If an accident happens, please report it to a member of staff as soon as possible. The Cafe have extra doggy bags if needed.

Accessibility Statement (Website)

How accessible is this website?

This website has been developed to be as accessible as possible. We are confident that this website is accessible.

What to do if you can’t access parts of this website

If you need information on this website in a different format like accessible PDF, large print, easy read, audio recording or braille, please contact us using the contact details at the end of this statement.

We’ll consider your request and get back to you as soon as possible.

Reporting accessibility problems with this website

We’re always looking to improve the accessibility of this website. If you find any problems that aren’t listed on this page or think we’re not meeting the requirements of the accessibility regulations, contact us using the contact details at the end of this statement.

Compliance

This website is compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 AA standard, due to the non-compliances and exemptions listed below.

Non-accessible content

The content listed below is non-accessible for the following reasons.

1. Images on some pages do not always have suitable image descriptions. Users of assistive technologies may not have access to information conveyed in images. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.1.1 (Non-text Content).

2. Many documents are in less accessible formats, for example PDF.

PDFs and non-HTML documents

Many documents are not accessible in a number of ways including missing text alternatives and missing document structure.

Our aim is to make all documents hosted on the Castle website accessible. If you require a document in an alternative format please contact us via the details below.

External links

This website links to third-party, external websites or services that may not be fully accessible.

How we tested this website

We tested this website in the following ways:

1. WCAG 2.1 compliance using a third-party automated service (reviewed regularly)

2. Regular testing using a suite of browser-based accessibility reporting tools

3. Colour contrast checkers were used during the design phase and re-tested once launched

Contact us

For any enquiries about the accessibility of this website, you can contact us by:

01288 357300
thecastle@bude-stratton.gov.uk

The Castle, The Wharf, Bude, EX23 8LG

This statement was prepared on 10 November 2020.Β