Overview

I stopped at Cairn Lodge Services on my way to Newcastle and found it far more pleasant than most people would expect from a service station. Operated by the Westmorland Family, who also run Tebay Services, which is one of my favourite service stations, this location features automatic doors at the entrance, level access throughout, a well-maintained Changing Places toilet, a family toilet for those travelling with children, a farm shop and a restaurant.

Transport & Parking

The only real way to get here is by car. There are plenty of standard parking spaces but only seven accessible parking spaces. You'll find four facing the main entrance, and three at the back of the building where there are five Type-2 EV chargers. Parking is free for three hours.

Access

There are no tactile markings at the zebra crossings in the car park. The front entrance features a large revolving door, with touchpad-activated automatic doors on either side for those who cannot use the revolving door. At the rear of the building, where there are plenty of benches, there is an automatic sliding door and a touchpad-activated door for access to the outside. The picnic area here is lovely and retains the old gatehouse, which resembles a small castle. There was no use of BSL or braille at the location, which I confirmed with the Cairn Lodge Services manager.

Toilets

The Changing Places toilet features a ceiling track hoist, a height-adjustable changing bed, and a height-adjustable sink. It includes contrasting grab rails on either side of the toilet pan and a contrasting toilet seat. The sink has a single grab rail on the right, where the control button is also located. There is space for a left-side transfer, although it is quite close to the changing bed and somewhat obstructed. There is also space for a right-side transfer, provided the grab rails are moved. The toilet is clean, spacious, and well-equipped, with nearly everything you might need. The red cord is positioned on the left of the toilet when seated and was not tied up. However, there isn't a second cord near the door. It appears there may have been a colostomy shelf on the left of the toilet, but it is no longer present. The toilet requires a RADAR key for access, and the door opens outwards.

Staff

The service station manager I spoke with was pleasant and eager to receive feedback on how they could improve.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

Dogs are welcome, but only in the main foyer area where there are plenty of seats and charging points. Assistance dogs are welcome in all areas, and water bowls are provided for all dogs.

Photos