Accessible Colchester
The VisitColchester Information Centre in Queen Street provides as much assistance as possible for visitors with disabilities. The centre is fully accessible.
Colchester: Environment & Geography
For people who have not visited Colchester before, it may be helpful to know that Colchester is situated on a hill that runs from north to south, and from west to east across the town centre. This means that some of the routes within the centre are quite steep, including North Hill which runs south from Colchester’s main train station, which is a mile from the town centre. Wheelchair users arriving by train are therefore advised to call a taxi to get to the town centre.
Some of the streets in the historic parts of the town can be rather narrow, which means that they can become quite congested. Please contact the VisitColchester Information Centre for information on forthcoming major events which might help you to plan your trip: vic@colchester.gov.uk - tel: 01206 282920.
Getting around Colchester
Wheelchair & Scooter Hire
Wheelchairs & scooters can be hired from the following organisations. Please contact them direct for more information.
Colchester Shopmobility is a scheme that, for a small charge, provides manual and powered wheelchairs and scooters to members of the public with limited mobility, so they can shop in town and enjoy other facilities. It is a popular scheme, so pre-book early, or call into the Shopmobility office at St Mary's Car park next to Manor Road. The office is open Monday to Thursday from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Tell 01206 570643. Email: shopmobility@ccvs.org. For more information click on www.ccvs.org.
The Wheelchair Loan Charity provides short-term loans of wheelchairs to adults and children living in the Colchester postcode area. All of their wheelchairs are manual (no electric chairs available). The service is free. However, anyone borrowing a wheelchair has to pay a deposit of £40. This will be refunded in full on condition that equipment is returned in excellent working order. Pre-booking essential. Please contact the organisation directly for more information on 01206 518524, Monday-Friday, 10am-12pm. The Wheelchair Loan Charity, Catalyst House, Newcomen Way, Colchester, Essex. Tel: 01206 518524
By Car – Blue Badge holders can park free for up to three hours in all Colchester Borough Council car parks except for the Bus Station. Additionally Blue Badge holders can park free for up to three hours in Blue Badge parking bays in the centre of the town (High Street, North Hill & Castle Street). In both cases the Blue Badge must be displayed with the special parking disc showing the time of arrival. Click here http://www.colchester.gov.uk/car_parking_map.asp?sec_id=137 to find out where there are Blue Badge parking bays in Colchester. For more details please call 01206 282316.
By Bus - There are several low-floor, easy access buses in service some with space for a wheelchair. All main bus stops have "real time" information screens for passengers and the bus timetable is available on-line. For details contact First Eastern National on 01206 366911 and Network Colchester on 01206 764029. For on-line bus timetables in the Colchester area please click on www.firstgroup.co.uk or www.essexcc.gov.uk.
By Train - One Railway's new trains have ramps for wheelchair access, designated accessible spaces in some cars, and an accessible WC, as well as visual & audible announcements that are helpful to people with a sensory disability. One Railway also offers advice on the accessibility of stations and help on and off trains - people who require assistance need to book this at least 24 hours in advance. Please book your assistance by calling 0800 028 28 78 or by emailing assisted.bookings@onerailway.com. Customers with hearing difficulties can textphone 0845 606 7245.
For information regarding accessibility to Colchester’s railway stations please call 0845 600 7245.
By Taxi - A number of Colchester taxis are wheelchair accessible and can be booked through local taxi companies. All or some of the vehicles used by the operators below are understood to be wheelchair accessible. We recommend that you call to check availability and suitability before travelling.
• Town Cars Ltd: 01206 515 515
• S.A.S. Wheelchair Taxis: 01206 570 055 – Mobile: 07860 379440
• Five-4-one Cars: 01206 541 541
Public Toilets
Some of Colchester’s public toilets for disabled people are locked and can only be opened with a RADAR key, part of a nationwide scheme. Visitors can obtain a key for £3 from the VisitColchester Information Centre. Please contact us on 01206 282920 for more information.
Accessible Accommodation
Each provider record on this site gives details of disabled access. If you are looking for somewhere to stay, click through to Where to Stay to search for the type of accommodation you require. It is advisable to contact the provider for specific information before visiting the town.
General Access Information
For information on the promotion of independence for people with disabilities who are living in or visiting Colchester, please visit the council’s access pages on its website http://www.colchester.gov.uk/Info_page_two_pic_2_det.asp?id=2026&sec_id=632 or visit the Colchester Access Group website at http://www.colchesteraccess.ik.com/ This group works with the Council when services are being planned and developed, making recommendations to ensure that the views of people with disabilities are heard.
From the 1st October 2004, under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), tourism businesses will be aware of the 'reasonable' measures they must take to anticipate the needs of disabled visitors. Please click on the following link for guidelines within The Disability Discrimination Act.
Useful Links
The following organisations may be able to provide you with useful information in planning your trip:
www.disabledgo.info - Access information guide for people with disabilities
www.dptac.gov.uk - A travel guide for people with disabilities
www.radar.org.uk - National UK organisation
www.tourismforall.org.uk - Umbrella organisation supporting accessibility