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.
Introduction
”An Art Gallery with a Difference”
SandWorld in Weymouth, Dorset, is the UK’s only all-weather Sand Sculpture Festival, established in April 2011, it is a hidden treasure set within the grounds of Lodmoor Country Park. It is home to awe inspiring sculptures made entirely from Weymouth sand and water, some the size of a double decker bus. Our creations are a treat to see and showcase a rarely seen medium of art. A different theme each year and ongoing projects throughout the season ensure that each trip to our attraction is a unique one.
WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY - SandWorld is built on the flat so there are no slopes or steps to contend with. The entrance is flagstone, which leads to wooden floorboards and finally a hard wearing plastic gridded walkway. The plastic walkway is none slip and suitable for wheelchairs, push chairs etc A slight metal ramp eases wheelchairs over a slight step and into our main marquee which houses our amazing sand sculptures and our Cafe.
We look forward to welcoming you. If you have any queries or require any assistance please phone 07411387529 or email hello@sandworld.co.uk.
Pre-Arrival
For full details and maps of how to reach us please see the ‘find us’ section under our ‘visit us’ drop down menu on our website. Alternatively, you van plan your journey by car or public transport using www.transportdirect.info; simply enter your postcode and ours, which is DT4 7SX to get directions.
The nearest train station is in Weymouth, which is a 20 minute (1 mile) walk from SandWorld. There is a taxi rank next to the train station, if you require an accessible taxi we would advise in booking it in advance Weyline: 01305 777777 The nearest bus stop to is a 4 minute walk away. Go up King Steet to the Jubilee Clock, turn right and walk along the esplanade (hotel side) The bus number is 4/4a and is every 20 minutes; ask the Driver for the stop near the Sealife Centre. The bus stop is sheltered and features ‘lean-to’ seating. Most buses can accommodate one wheel chair and one push chair.
The nearest bus stop is on the Preston Beach Road, a 2 minute walk from SandWorld.
Car Parking and Arrival
There is a pay and display car park that caters for Lodmoor Country Park and surrounding attractions. There are 560 standard parking places, some of which are for the use of Blue Badge holders, motor cycles and coaches. The Blue Badge spaces are the ones closest to the Country Park, 70m/76yds from our main entrance.
The car parking prices range from 50p for an hour up to £15 for all day. Coaches are charged £3 for two hours and £6 for 24 hours.
Charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
The car park is tarmaced as is the path that leads to our entrance, the tarmac becomes paved slabs upon reaching our site.
Our main entrance measures 1800mm/60ins wide and is easily accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Main Entrance, Reception and Ticketing Area
SandWorld is built on the flat, the paving slab entrance ends and in its place is wooden flooring.
The lighting is natural with overhead spot lights.
The front desk/admissions desk measures 990mm/39ins with a lower desk of 863mm/34ins
Attraction (displays, exhibits, rides etc.)
Upon request/booking a guided tour is available.
Interpretation boards are in large text and have photographic representations where applicable.
Public Toilets
SandWorld does not have drainage or plumbing onsite so we don’t have toilets. There is a wash basin available in the main sandpit.
Public toilets, disabled toilets and baby changing facilities are available in the car park.
Catering
The Cafe, offers light bites and snacks and is accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Food is locally sourced and reasonably priced and a lot of care has gone into making it a pleasant place to sit down with a cup of tea and a cake.
The doors leading into the marquee and cafe area are always open and measure 1288mm/51ins wide.
The chairs in the cafe have backs but are without arms.
Tables in the cafe are well spaced apart. The flooring in the cafe is flat.
The lighting in the cafe is natural with a walled window running alongside the seated area.
Crockery is wooden and colour contrasted with the table where possible.
The nearest public toilet are available in the car park approximately 90 meters away, here you will also find baby changing facilities and a disabled toilet.
Menus are viewable on blackboards in larger print on the wall on the side of the cafe.
Staff are readily available to offer assistance upon request.
Ambiance music plays softly in the background.
A high chair is available.
Shop(s)
SandWorld has a gift shop with a range of souvenirs and local crafts. It can be accessed upon leaving the exhibition, the door way is constantly open and measures 60ins/1800mm wide.
The floor is wood and is level throughout.
There is ample room in the shop for wheelchair and pushchair access.
The till point measures 990mm/39ins in height.
The local radio plays quietly in the background.
Additional Information
SandWorld offers a seated outside area that is covered, here we have sand sculpting tables which we have built at two heights to encourage wheelchair users to become involved. The seated area also gives those who don’t want to get overly sandy in our sandpits the opportunity to be creative.
We have a slightly slopped plastic ramp leading up into out giant, fully equipped sand pit.
We have an under 5’s area which is bursting with things to do.
Future Plans
SandWorld is planning on installing a hearing loop system on the admissions desk/shop and in the cafe.
Contact Information
Telephone: 07411387529
Email: hello@sandworld.co.uk
Website: www.sandworld.co.uk
Hours Of Operation: open from 10:30 daily, Last gate entry times vary from 3.30 to 4.30, please ring to check if arriving late.
Local Carers: Registered carers gain free admission (1 carer per service user)
Local Equipment Hire: Shopmobility – Weymouth 42, St Marys Street Weymouth Dorset 01305 760575
Local Accessible Taxi: Weyline Taxis: 01305 777777 Bee Cars: 01305 775151 Advanced booking advisable
Local Public Transport: First Buses: Wessex, Dorset and South Somerset: 01305 783645 Weymouth Railway Station: King Street, Weymouth 0845 600 0650