Access statement


The purpose of this statement is to provide the ways in which we aim to make Kirkstall Art Trail accessible.

Online design

Website design

Kirkstall Art Trail aims to provide a fully accessible website.

We do this by making sure that we are compliant with the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative. In brief, this means ensuring that written web content and visual design is accessible for people with disabilities.
We do this by:

Use the ‘how to’ guides on AbilityNet’s My Computer, My Way to make your device easier to use.

Newsletter design

We use Mailchimp to create our email Newsletters.  We ensure that we:

Communication

Individual access guides on venue pages

In 2024, we created access guides for venues for the first time. You can find these on individual venue pages. They were incomplete, and we aim to improve on what we started. We will continue to work with venues and will review them each year.

Kirkstall Abbey

Heritage – twelfth century Abbey ruins.

● There are footpaths around the whole of the park that are wide enough for wheelchairs.

● These footpaths are tarmacked and have even surfaces.

● There is step-free level access throughout the majority of Kirkstall Abbey.

● Entry into the Abbey grounds is via the visitor centre.

● The visitor centre and café are step free.

● The entrance is automatic, opening outwards with a clear opening space. The doorways are 157 cm wide.

● The visitor centre and café have wooden floors.

● There are two doors that exit into the Abbey grounds. When both are opened the width is 157 cm.

● The outdoor areas consist of tarmac, stone paving, cobbles, grass, and gravel.

● Please note that as Kirkstall Abbey is a heritage site. Some areas of the grounds are uneven in places and there are some open drains.

● Please take care and keep children under close supervision.

●  A wheelchair is available from the visitor centre to borrow on your visit. You must contact them in advance of your visit to ensure the chair is available by calling 0113 378 4079 or emailing kirkstall.abbey@leeds.gov.uk.

●  Seating is available in the visitor centre and around the grounds.

● Both assistance dogs and pet dogs are allowed. Please keep on a lead.

● Dog bowls are available at the front entrance of the visitor centre.

● Dogs are allowed in the café. Pet dogs are not allowed in the Rose Room.

● There are bins available for disposing of poo bags.

● Toilets are located in the visitor centre.

● Separate male and female toilets.

● Gender inclusive accessible toilet.

● Facilities in the accessible toilets include handrails on both sides of the toilet, an emergency alarm, and a fire alarm with a flashing light. There is room for a wheelchair to manoeuvre and assistance. This toilet is not RADAR key operated.

● Baby changing facilities are available in the accessible toilet in the visitor centre. Kirkstall Abbey is a breastfeeding friendly space.

● There is a café in the visitor centre.

● Sandwiches, cakes and bakes, hot food, and ice cream.

● Vegan and gluten free options are available.

● Hot and cold drinks, milk alternatives available.

● High chairs are available.

● Counter service – but table service can be requested.

Norman View

Private residence – back-to-back terraced house.

● There are some uneven pavement slabs on the approach to the house. It is on a steep hill.

● There is a metal gate into the garden. The height and width of the gate are 115 cm. The latch is on the left-hand side.

● There is one step up into the garden. The height of the step is 7 cm.

● There is a concrete path towards the house.

● The front door will be unlocked. The handle is on the right-hand side. It opens inwards.

● There is a step up into a small porch. The height of the step is 20 cm.

● There is a door sill that extends out by 7 cm.

● The height and width of the door threshold are 7 cm.

● There is a grab rail on the left-hand side of the exterior wall. There is a metal gate on the right-hand side.

● There is an interior door that opens inwards.

● There is a step up into the room. The height of the step is 20 cm.

● There is a grab rail on the right-hand side.

● There is carpet on the floor, with a rug that has been secured to avoid trip hazards.

● Seating is available.

● Both assistance dogs and pet dogs. Please keep on a lead.

● Please check with the venue owner before entering. A small friendly dog lives here.

● Only one dog is allowed at a time.

● A water bowl is available at the front door.

● There is a clearly labelled bin available for disposing of poo bags in the garden.

● Not available at this venue.

● Not available at this venue.

Interactive map

We launched an interactive map in 2024. This included extra information that we would not be able to put on a paper one. We will review the map markers each year to keep the information up to date.

We also use interactive maps for the Advent Trail and Poetry Trail.

Visit the 2025 Art Trail Map to see how it works.

Visitor Information

The ‘Plan Your Visit‘ page gives a breakdown of both detailed and summary information. This can help visitors to the trail plan their trip. Users can jump to sections using the menu at the top. We will review and update the page before the 2025 Art Trail.

Alternative application forms and reasonable adjustments

We can provide and accept alternative methods to apply to all roles with Kirkstall Art Trail. Where practicable we can also make reasonable adjustments. You can read more details about what this entails in our article, Making Kirkstall Art Trail Accessible.

Frequently asked questions

The frequently asked questions are detailed questions about the Art Trail, collated into topics for ease of use. Topics include making an application, how to prepare, what to expect, and information for the hosts. We have also condensed both our Environment and Access statements into FAQs for visitors.

Representation

Arts Together Leeds

We are members of Arts Together, a growing network of arts and community partners. Working to ensure that the arts in Leeds are as welcoming and accessible as possible for everyone. By attending regular meetings and events, it helps us to share and learn about best practices.

Disabled representation at Kirkstall Art Trail

Review

The policy was last reviewed on 25 July 2025.

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