Oakwell Hall exterior

Access statement

Located just off the M62 motorway, Oakwell Hall is furnished as a family home in the 1690s and offers visitors a real insight into a post-English Civil War household. The site also includes over 100 acres of Green Flag Award winning country park, a Visitor Centre, gift shop, nature trail, picnic sites, playground and Countryside Centre.

The Hall is based on 2 levels. We are unable to provide access to the first floor for wheelchair users due to its grade 1 listing.

We are members of the VAQAS scheme and staff receive disability/equality training.

The Visitor Centre complex, including the shop and toilets, were refurbished in 2015 and meet the current specifications for disability access.

We look forward to welcoming you. If you have any queries or require any assistance please phone 01924 324761 or email oakwell.hall@kirklees.gov.uk.

Pre-arrival
  • The nearest rail station is Batley, approximately 3 miles away. It takes around 13 minutes by car. Taxis are available from the station.
  • There are no bus stops near Oakwell Hall, but they are available from Birstall market place and the Bradford Road entrance to the site.
  • For more information on buses please call Metro on 0113 245 7676.
Car parking and arrival
  • Free car parking available in 2 car parks on site. Spaces allocated in both for blue badge holders.
  • The car park off the Bradford Road entrance to site has a surfaced step free path which takes you through the park and up to the Hall and Visitor Centre.
  • The Visitor Centre car park is 10 metres from the shop and toilets and 50 metres from the Hall.
  • The toilets and shop are accessible and there is level access to the Hall and garden.
  • There are no designated drop off points.
Main entrance, reception and ticketing area
  • Surfaced paths to both the Hall and Visitor Centre from both car parks.
Attraction (displays, exhibits etc.)
  • The front door is normally closed and would need assistance to open.
  • Interpretation is via a number of media: exhibition panels, lit by spotlight and backlights, touch screens and films with subtitles.
  • There are some narrow doorways into the Hall which may limit larger wheelchairs.
  • No access to the first floor for wheel chair users as the building is grade I listed.
  • Seats are located around the Hall at regular intervals.
  • The floor surface in the hall is a mixture of stone flagging, floor boards and matting, all suitable for wheelchairs.
Public toilets
  • Accessible toilets are available in the Visitor Centre from 9am-5pm in summer and 9am-4pm in winter.
  • 75cm door width space.
  • The toilet is 49cm from the floor, non-slip laminate style.
  • Horizontal and vertical grab rails, emergency pull cord available.
  • Lighting via bright stop lights, lever taps to sink.
Catering
  • Cafe on site with shallow door threshold. Door width 80cm.
  • Level inside with laminate flooring.
  • Chairs with arms.
  • Tables 75cm but no space under for wheelchairs.
  • Nearest toilet from cafe is in the Visitor Centre, 100 metres away.
  • Lighting levels low.
  • Menu can be read out by the catering staff.
  • Counter service, 90 cm high from ground.
  • Information about allergies and gluten free are available in cafe area. Ask member of staff.
  • Cafe garden is wheelchair accessible and wheelchair accessible tables are available.
Shop
  • The shop is located in the courtyard with level access from the car park which is located next to the Visitor Centre.
  • The shop has been designed with wheel chair users in mind with a clear wide entrance, space between fixtures and accessible counter.
  • Good lighting with plenty of natural day light from glass windows to the shop.
  • Laminate flooring in the shop is non-slip.
  • Cold drinks, ice-creams and sweets are available.
  • Staff can assist if required.
  • Clear signage around the shop area.
  • Interactive, accessible information desk is also located in the shop area.
Grounds and gardens
  • Most of the paths around the Hall, gardens and Visitor Centre are wheelchair accessible.
  • There is a wheelchair accessible path that provides access through the park from the Visitor Centre/Hall area to the Bradford Road car park, Countryside Centre and play areas.
  • The Countryside Centre is wheelchair accessible and the adjacent play area is designed to accommodate children with mobility issues.
  • The paths around the formal gardens to the rear of the Hall have been dressed in gravel.
Additional information
  • Assistance dogs are welcome, even in the cafe.
  • Staffs receive disability/equality training.
  • Motorised scooters are not allowed inside the Hall.
  • We do not have wheelchairs to loan.
  • Water bowls are provided around the site for dogs.
  • Staff will assist when required.

Opening times

  • Monday-Friday - Closed
  • Saturday and Sunday - 12:00-16:00

Half-term holidays

  • Monday 25 October - Closed
  • Tuesday 26 - Thursday 28 October - 12:00-16:00
  • Friday 29 October - Closed
  • Saturday and Sunday - 12:00-16:00

Opening times: facilities

  • Visitor Centre Shop - 10:00-17:00 daily
  • Visitor Centre Car Park - 9:00-17:00 daily.
  • Visitor Centre Toilets - 10:00-16:00 daily.
  • The Oaktree Cafe - 10:00-16:30 daily.
  • Bradford Road Car Park - open 24 hours daily

Address

Nutter Lane, Birstall, West Yorkshire, WF17 9LG

Contact

01924 324761

oakwell.hall@kirklees.gov.uk






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