Overview

Lift undergoing maintenance. We were directed to cafe outside in plants area. This was closed. Not surprised as it was extremely cold. When we complained check out girl said we could sit outside and they would bring our order. Myself in wheelchair and my parents 75+'didn't want to sit outside. Excuse me, I don't think this would have been acceptable to anyone in January.

Transport & Parking

Large car park with just 2 disabled spaces at south entrance . A few more at the other entrance. It's a walk from Ambleside centre and it's uphill from Ambleside pier.

Access

Automatic doors both entrances. Access around store is good with ramps. Occasional chair if you want to sit down. Lift down to Cotswold clothing. Lift up to cafe is very small and breaks down frequently according to staff. Very tight for a big wheelchair plus carer. Upstairs is straight into children's play space. Narrow aisles. You feel like it causes a cafuffle people moving chairs and children to let you past. I don't want to make a "grand entrance " !

Toilets

Good clean loo but it's a long way from the cafe. It's the other end of the building downstairs. Slope down to toilets means a slope back up. You need to be confident if propelling yourself .

Staff

No understanding of how it feels to be disabled, ....why should we not be happy sitting outside?! I go here often , I live locally so this isn't just a one off. I've been there before when the lift has been out of action. A young man kindly offered to " bump me down the stairs " . I waited until it was fixed! I felt extremely vulnerable.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

I will visit again, it sells just about everything from coats to alarm clocks and more Christmas stuff from end Sept to January than you could ever imagine.. it's great for a browse but be warned on wet days in the school holidays it's packed. Garden furniture/Christmas displays depending on time of year are up on little plinths. I wasn't able to get up the step but when I asked the girl produced a wooden offcut that served as a ramp. But it makes you feel different. And why have a small step up that the able bodied probably wouldn't notice. . . ?