CLOSED until Thursday 2nd Jan 2025
Accessibility Guide
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We believe that everybody should have the opportunity to discover more about the natural world - nether age nor ability should become a barrier to the learning experience, which is why we strive to ensure that our centre can be readily accessed by all. Below, you'll find useful information to help you prepare for your visit.
Providing up to date accessibility guidance is part of our commitment to the VisitEngland quality assurance scheme.
Getting here
Bus: The StageCoach InterConnect 505 bus service between Spalding and King’s Lynn makes a stop immediately outside Baytree Garden Centre, on High Road.
Train: You can connect to the above bus service after departing from Spalding Train Station. The bus station is a short distance away.
Taxi: Local taxi companies can provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles. You can contact Smart Cabs by calling 01775767676, or Spalding Taxis by calling 01775722115.
Car: You can find directions on the Find Us page.
Parking
Free parking facilities are provided by Baytree Garden Centre.
There are accessible parking spaces situated close to the main entrance.
A pick-up and drop-off point is located outside the main entrance.
Getting Around
The attraction is of a level surface throughout. It is fully accessible for those with wheelchairs, scooters, walking apparatus and buggies. There is a permanent ramp at the entrance.
Most access routes are at least 840-1000mm wide, meaning they can easily accommodate mobility equipment up to the width of a double-buggy.
Both flying arenas have areas allocated for wheelchair users as well as a “parking bay” for buggies.
There are benches positioned around the centre should visitors wish to take a rest.
For those who require the assistance of a support worker, carers will be admitted at the concession rate (when showing a valid form of ID, e.g. NHS ID or Access Card.)
Wheelchairs are available to hire free of charge from Baytree Garden Centre. You can collect one from the main reception. There may be limited availability at times of high demand. To make an enquiry, you can ask a member of staff at the Baytree Garden Centre customer service desk, or call 01406370242.
Unfortunately, we are not able to admit assistance dogs, including guide dogs.
Although we appreciate the vital service they afford and the rights of those who depend on them, we also have an obligation to protect the welfare of our animals. As such, restricting access to all dogs in this situation is in keeping with the Equality Act’s stipulation of “reasonable adjustments”. We understand this is a delicate situation and apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Toilets and Changing Facilities
Toilet facilities are provided by Baytree Garden Centre. There are two disabled toilets. One is located inside the Baytree Restaurant. Another is located by the Baytree Garden Centre customer service desk.
Both toilets have access to changing facilities. Both toilets are located close to the attraction.
As toilet facilities aren’t directly within the attraction, visitors are free to leave and return as desired with their day’s admission.
Enquiries regarding the availability of facilities should be directed to Baytree Garden Centre. You can contact their customer service desk by calling 01406370242.
Experience Sessions
Our flying team are happy to fly to seated participants, such as wheelchair users or those with difficulty standing for extended periods.
The only requirement for experience sessions is that participants are able to support a moderate weight with their left arm, meaning most sessions can be adapted to the requirements of the participant. We welcome discussions as to how we can make the most of their experience.
We have arranged shorter sessions for the very elderly, and for children or adults with additional needs we can help find a more relaxed or quieter time.
Note that flexibility may be reduced in busier periods, so please allow plenty of notice ahead of your desired date so that we can best advise regarding the most suitable option.
Private Demonstrations & Educational Visits
We can make bespoke adjustments to both private demonstrations and educational visits so that all attendees are able to enjoy the full experience.
This is particularly relevant to those who may struggle to access our public flying demonstration, or who wish to make an educational trip for those in alternative schooling.
As an example of the type of adjustments we are able to make, we once adapted a demonstration to focus on non-visual senses – such as the feeling of our birds’ wingbeats - for the blind and partially-sighted.
Have an accessibility question that wasn't answered here?
We are constantly reviewing our guide to help ensure everyone has the information they need to get the most from their visit. If you would like to ask us a question, please get in touch using one of the methods below.
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