We believe that by creating an environment free from barriers and obstacles, we can ensure our facilities, services and the environment are fully accessible to all. We want everyone to enjoy Living coasts and endeavour to make everything accessible, visible and easy for you.

Mobility access

Living Coasts is a 1 acre site located on Torquay’s harbour. It opened in July 2003 and was built to comply with all relevant DDA regulations. Wheelchair access is available throughout the site with a lift linking the café and shop. Gradients are less than 1:12 and paths are timber board walks or concrete. Seats are available around the site.

Parking

We do not have our own car park, although the Beacon Quay council car park is adjacent to Living Coasts. There are three disabled spaces in the top deck car park and there is direct access from this level to our café. A lift is available to take visitors down to the shop or exhibit entrance. Minibuses and coaches can reserve spaces in our coach park on the top deck.

Wheelchairs and scooters

We are pleased to be able to offer our visitors the use of manual wheelchairs. These can be loaned free of charge for use during your visit. To ensure availability and reserve a wheelchair please telephone us on 01803 202470.

Assistance Dogs

Registered Disability Support Dogs, Registered Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, Registered Guide Dogs for the Blind. Registered Disability Assistance Dogs, Registered Medical Assistance Dogs and Registered Seizure Alert Dogs are welcome when accompanied by and under the control of their owners.

To ensure the safety and welfare of the public, staff and animals on the premises the Support Dogs must wear their respective identifying jackets and their Environmental Health and Identification cards must be carried and shown if required.

The wearing of identifying jackets and the carrying of Environmental Health and Identification cards form part of the regulations for all registered and trained support dogs in the United Kingdom. If you have any queries regarding this policy pleasse contact “Assistance Dogs (UK)”.

Front of House Staff

Our reception staff will be very happy to help you in anyway that they can, so please ask them on arrival for any required assistance.

Literature

At present the literature is only available as standard printed leaflets. If you would like an A3 photocopied version please call or ask staff in the main office on 01803 202470.

Toilet Facilities

Visitor toilet facilities are provided on the ground floor adjacent to the shop and entrance hall and in the café on the first floor. Both toilets have independent disabled facilities.

The Café

The Café offers an extensive and varied choice of food. However, if you have specific special dietary needs we would be delighted to try and meet them. Please telephone the café on 01803 202499 prior to your visit to discuss your requirements.

Blind and Visually Impaired Visitors

Special tours by prior arrangement are available for blind and visually impaired visitors. Please pre-book on 01803 202470.

Special Needs Education

We can provide an unforgettable experience for special needs groups.

Our education team have a range of resources and activities that can be offered. Experienced teaching staff can liaise with group leaders to arrange suitable input for your visit. We also offer outreach visits where puppet shows and other resources are taken out into the community. Please telephone 01803 202475 for further details.

Reduced Admission Price

We offer reduced prices for visitors who are disabled as defined by The Disability Discrimination Act. Proof may be asked for.

The prices are as follows and are valid until March 2009.

Accompanying attendant, carer or nurse is admitted free.

Adults: £7.25

Children (3 – 15 years): £5.20

Senior Citizens: £5.65