The purpose of this statement is to describe the standards of access at Newlands and in the local area.
Newlands is in the ‘Heritage Coast’ village of Charmouth. The area is one of outstanding natural beauty with historic towns, beaches, a unique coastline and many places of interest.
The Park is set on a substantial hillside. It provides level pitches (mostly terraced) for tents and touring vans, some with hard standing, electric hook-ups, plenty of water points, sinks for washing up and food preparation, excellent showers, toilet facilities and laundry with washing machine and tumble dryer. All pitches have adjacent parking space.
There is a wide choice of modern caravans for hire. They are comfortable, well equipped and heated. They are all placed in an attractive setting. En suite motel rooms, apartments and lodges complete the range of accommodation. Only the apartments A14 and A22 are accessible without steps. Please note some of our caravans are pet friendly therefore if you have any specific allergies or special requirements please call us.
Facilities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, bar, club and lounge, Restaurant, Spar Mini Market, Soft Play, Children’s Playground, Entertainment and Kid’s Club - all on ground level. Access to the swimming pool changing rooms have a step and door threshold, access to the pool has two narrow steps. There are no grab rails. The complex and Restaurant are accessed by one step and door threshold.
The Park entrance is very well signposted with a wide entrance and large drop off and parking area near reception though this area is on a slope. There are two parking bays allocated specifically for disabled people close to reception in the main car park.
Reception is on ground level with double doors a ramp for wheelchairs. The bar, lounge and indoor swimming pool are entered via more double doors and are on the same level. There are no automatic doors on site.
The toilets in the main complex are accessed via stairs. There is a separate disabled toilet downstairs accessed by a radar key or a member of bar or reception team can open & close this for you. There is a separate toilet block at ground level about 50 yards away, outside and across the road from the main building.
All roads within the park have quite substantial speed bumps, which are a safety feature for this Family Park. Advice and directions for tourers will be provided at Reception and Park Wardens are available to give further advice and assistance if requested.
Although pitches are level, the site itself is on a slope and is difficult for people with mobility impairment to negotiate on foot.
Tourers: The site is on a substantial slope but pitches are level and mostly with electric and some with water hook ups. The same applies to tents. Not suitable for people with mobility impairment.
Caravans: Caravans are accessed via steps. None of them are equipped specifically for people with disabilities. There is not not enough space to allow wheelchairs to manoeuvre. Not suitable for people with mobility impairment.
Lodges: The lodges are accessed via 3 steps. They are then on a single level with normal sized doors and ordinary toilets and showers. There is not not enough space to allow wheelchairs to manoeuvre. Not suitable for people with mobility impairment.
Apartments: The apartments are situated in two places; some are poolside and accessed by one step, others are in a separate apartment block some way from the main building. Two of these (A14 and A22) are accessed at ground level without steps but with a ramp. All but A14 have ordinary doors, toilets and showers. A14 has a wider front door and wider bathroom door. There is a 1 inch lip leading to the shower, which has grab rails and a seat. There is a raised toilet seat kept in this apartment. The toilet also has grab rails. The double bed is in the main room and is 24” high, 54” wide and 76” long with 8 castors on the bottom. There is a 24" gab either side of the double bed. There is a separate bedroom which is 105" long by 75 wide with a single bed which is 21” high, 31” wide and 75” long. Not suitable for people with mobility impairment.
At each annual review we will consider what further improvements can be made for mobility impaired customers.
Assistance dogs are welcome in specially allocated units
Customers with Learning Disabilities: Customers with learning disabilities are welcome. If the disabilities are severe, someone who can provide an appropriate level of assistance must accompany the customer.
We will not make generalisations or assumptions about what people with learning difficulties can do or understand.
We will use straightforward language, allow time for a response and be understanding and positive.
At each annual review we will consider what more can be done for customers with learning difficulties.
A hearing loop is located in reception which can be moved to the bar upon request.
Park Design: We will take account of: The Building Regulations Approved Document 1984, Disability Discrimination Act - Codes of Practice, British Standard BS 8300, The National Accessibility Scheme and advice from RNIB.
Public transport: Buses run from the park entrance to and from Dorchester/Axminster X51/X53.
Delivery of provisions: There is a small mini market on site.
Toilets: Both toilet blocks have disabled toilets and shower.
Assistance dogs: Assistance dogs are welcome in specially allocated units.
Mobile Phone network: Most networks provide good reception in the area.
Wheelchair hire: Wheelchair hire is available from Bridport Mobility, 55 East Street, Bridport, Dorset DT63JX. Call 01308 424266 for prices and further details.
Staff training: While staff are not specifically trained to deal with people with disabilities they will be as courteous and helpful as possible - as they would be with any other customer.
Rex Ireland. Revised November 2018. Reviewed Nov 2019 & 2020