Venue Description

Situated opposite the scenic Dubwath Silver Meadows nature reserve (a trail which is included in the Miles Without Stiles guide), Bassenthwaite Lake Station is a carefully restored historic train station with a full-size replica steam engine and carriages which serve as dining area for the popular café. 'A Warm Welcome for Everyone' ethos is evident in all areas of the business and site with detailed planning to ensure accessibility and a welcome that are second to none. Serving breakfast, brunch and lunch aboard the train or in the station buildings, booking is strongly advised if you wish to dine on the train. The venue is wheelchair and buggy accessible throughout, though some width restrictions may affect wider chairs. Please call ahead to discuss with our friendly staff. The train carriage is accessible via a ramp and there is a fully accessible toilet, wet room and changing facilities on site and warm underfloor heating in the toilets and Ticket Office. The small carpark has two Blue Badge spaces and a notice requesting visitors with no additional accessibility requirements to leave the carpark for those who need to be closer to the entrance. There is plenty of free parking along the quiet road. If carpark spaces are full, visitors are welcome to drop off members of their party at the door before finding parking on the road. The station has a strong wheelchair and a mobility scooter available for guests to use free of charge during their visit. They can also borrow Simon as a willing pusher if desired!! Families and four-legged friends are welcome in all areas, dogs to be kept on leads please. A doggie Etiquette Guide is availble on the website. Access onto the train is via a sturdy ramp accessed along the station platform. Five ambulant-standard steps with strong handrails and highlithed edges are also available in a covered route directly from the reception area. All areas outside are approached along the step-free stoned paths including the bird hide and wellbeing pod. There is a grassy meadow sloping down to a wildlife pond which may be inaccessible for less mobile guests or wheelchair users. The bird hide windows are positioned at low level and the feeders are visible from a seated position. A new Sensory garden and bench provide gentle chimes, rustling, aromatic and textured plants along the woodland path and is designed to enchant all the senses and enjoy the lovely peace and quiet that a woodland provides. The website format is fully adaptable to suit personal requirements at the click of a button on each page This includes menus and venue information. The venue has the ability to translate menus and informaiton on site into a variety of different languages (on request) The reception area is fitted with a Hearing Loop that can assist those with a T-setting on a hearing aid. Quiet areas are available on request at the time of booking and are subject to availability. There are three wheelchair-accessible tables in the Restaurant carriage (please request at the time of booking) Two wheelchair-accessible picnic benches are available on the main platform. These are available on a first come, first served basis.

Accessibility

Automatic double-door entrance to station building. Platform and station building floors level, slight incline on wildlife walkway. Outdoor surfaces are compact, levelled gravel. Ramp access to train carriage and space to accommodate wheelchairs in dining area, although some entrances and walkways may not be suitable for wider chairs. Please call ahead to discuss with our friendly team, booking is very strongly advised if you wish to dine on the train. Accessible toilet, wet room and changing facility in station building. Additional details in Bio.

Accessibility Guide

Accessibility Guide Link: https://www.basslakestation.co.uk

Access Statement

Access Statement Link: https://www.basslakestation.co.uk/policies

Awards List

Keswick Tourism Association - member Winners of Cumbria Tourism Accessibility and Inclusivity Award 2023

Toilets

Step-free accessible toilet and wet room facility with large changing table and heated underfloor for additional comfort. Shower has seat.

Staff

All staff area disability awareness trained as part of their basic training. A Warm Welcome for Everyone is a core value and staff selection considers their empathy for dirrecent accessibility needs to ensure that this welcome is genuine and consistenly delivered.

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

We have an enclosed wild flower meadow where assistance dogs can be exercised off the lead. It is a requirement that dogs are on the lead at all times except for assistance dogs when exercising as there is a resident labrador who is allowed to roam free. Visitors with dogs are kindly asked to respect the Doggie Etiquette guidance on the website.

Other assistance dog facilities

Dogs on leads welcome throughout the site, water bowls provided and doggy treats and ice cream available!