Disabled Access Day 2025

a smiling wheelchair user approaches an open door. Everything is blue, but the open door emits a welcome yellow light.

Disabled Access Day falls on 16 March. The award-winning disabled access charity, Euan’s Guide, created the day in 2015. The aim of Euan’s Guide is to empower disabled people. Providing information that gives them confidence and choices for going out and about. Their website shares thousands of experiences and venue reviews by disabled people. Thousands of people also use Euan’s Guide every month to find disabled access information.

Kirkstall Art Trail’s commitment

Whilst 16 March is an awareness day, it is important that access remains a focus during the rest of the year too. With that in mind, we took from existing knowledge, as well as using websites such as Euan’s Guide to inform us. This helped us create a template for our own access guides. We are hoping to improve upon what we started in 2024, and each year it will be reviewed.

These are the ways in which we give the visitor accessibility information to help them make their own choices.

  • Planning Your Visit page. This page gives a breakdown of how to get to Kirkstall and what to expect on the Art Trail. You can also find helpful information about different sections on the website. We will review and update the page before the 2025 Art Trail.
  • Interactive map. The map not only shows where points of interest are, but it also provides much more detail than the paper map. Each map marker, when clicked upon, will reveal more information and any helpful links. For example, the toilet markers have extra details about what facilities you will find there. We will review the markers for the 2025 map. This includes updating the marker categories on the map so they are easily distinguishable from each other.
  • Venue pages. Each venue has its own page listing the artists they are showing as their main focus. There will also be a photo of the venue, showing the entrance, at the top of the page. Next to this is a menu with five categories. This is where you will find much more in-depth detail about the accessibility of each venue. Below are examples of how these menus look.

Example for a private house

Private residence – terraced house.

●  The pavement to the house are concrete slabs, there are some uneven slabs. It is located on a steep hill.

●  There is a gate into the garden. It is metal and XX cm high. The latch is on the left hand side.

●  There is a  XX cm step up into the garden.

●  The path leading up to the house is concrete.

●  The front door will be unlocked. It opens inwards. It is too narrow for wheelchair access.

●  There is a XX cm step up into a small porch, with a grab rail on the left hand side exterior wall.

●  There is an interior door that opens inwards.

●  There is a XX cm step up into the house, with a grab rail on the right hand side.

●  The floor is carpeted, with a rug that has been secured avoiding trip hazards.

●  The room is small, it can comfortably fit 5 adults.

●  Seating is available.

●  Yes, 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.

●  No, not available at this venue.

●  No, not available at this venue.

Example for a public venue

Heritage –  twelfth century Abbey ruins

●  The path into the park is tarmac and level.

●  Kirkstall Abbey, including the visitor centre and café, is all located at ground level.

●  The doorways are wide enough for wheelchair access. The entrance is automatic, opening outwards with a clear opening space.

●  The visitor centre and café have wooden floors.

●  The large metal gates next to the café will be unlocked and open for Kirkstall Art Trail. This entrance is level and is direct access into the Abbey.

●  The grounds are a mix of surfaces. These include tarmac, cobbles, grass, and gravel.

●  Please note that as Kirkstall Abbey is a heritage site some areas of the grounds are uneven.

●  A wheelchair is available from the visitor centre to borrow on your visit. You must contant 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.

●  Yes, both assistance dogs and pet dogs. 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.

●  Yes, separate gender toilets and a gender neutral accessible toilet, all located in the visitor centre.

●  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.

●  Yes, 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.

We are also 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. 

Get in touch with us

As ever, we are always happy to hear your feedback, suggestions, or any questions you may have. You can do this by using the contact form or by email at info@kirkstallarttrail.co.uk.

Coming up this year

On Thursday, 15 May, 2025, it is Global Accessibility Awareness Day. This will focus on digital access and inclusion. If you have any questions about this website or any other forms of digital communication we use, please get in touch with us.

Read more articles about accessibility.