A Warm Welcome for Everyone

 

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From its conception back in 2018, Simon and Di have brought to life their ideas and dreams about having a fully accessible and welcoming venue for everyone. Their commitment to this ethos is genuine and evident in all areas of the station and business.

 

From the physical design and layout of the station and train carriages to the facilities and warmth of the welcome, nothing has been overlooked and this ensures a memorable and enjoyable welcome for everyone.

 

This ethos extends to members of the Bassenthwaite Lake Station team who are encouraged to form positive relationships with their colleagues and customers, ensure that their work-life balance remains healthy and that their job contributes to their personal wellbeing.

 

Facilities and features on site include:

 

• A covered wildlife hide for the peaceful enjoyment of watching the multitude of birds that visit the feeders.

• A Wellbeing Pod where visitors and staff can sit quietly.

• A Happy Bench to help combat loneliness and foster new friendships.

• A Sensory Garden planted with heavily scented, rustling and textured plants, and wind-chime ornaments.

• A warm, spacious disabled toilet facility with shower, ample space for a wheelchair and helper and a large sturdy changing bench.

• Level floors throughout the old station building with underfloor heating in most guest areas.

• Wide doorways, automatic doors, highlighted ambulant steps, a sturdy ramp onto the train and a sheltered porch area.

• A hearing loop fitted to the Reception desk area.

• A wheelchair and mobility scooter which guests are welcome to borrow whilst on site, free of charge.

• Carpark with two Blue Badge spaces and the remainder reserved for anyone who needs to be nearer the entrance door.

• A short walk along the station platform and through the woodland, all step-free including the route to the bird hide.

• Menus available in various formats including large type, a translation facility for overseas non-English speaking visitors and an audio facility for guests with impaired sight.

• Two wheelchair-adapted outdoor picnic benches and three suitable tables in the restaurant carriage.

• Availability of quiet seating areas (on request and subject to availability)

• Staff who are trained to deliver the highest standards of respect, courtesy and assistance for all visitors to the station and our colleagues.

• Hosting of special needs and school visits including autism groups, Calvert Trust outings and families who have specialist needs in order to enjoy a day out.

• A charity book case with a nominated local charity being the recipient of all the proceeds each month.

• Hosting of various charity events such as the Cockermouth Ukulele band and Cockermouth Brass Band who play for the enjoyment of customers in exchange for a donation to their nominated charity.

Future plans include:

1. Secure funding and construct a Changing Places accessible toilet and changing facility;

2. Following a successful visit from a contingency of Japanese tour guides in 2023, further enhance links with them and those from other nations to foster international tourism links and in the name of friendship and mutual benefit.

3. Further collaboration with stakeholders to deliver inclusivity projects in order to contribute to the Visitor and Local economy, e.g. Cumbria Tourism, Embleton Parish Council, Stagecoach Buses, Dubwath Silver Meadows Nature Reserve, Lake District National Park, Calvert Trust, Cockermouth School.

4. Produce a series of local walks including accessibility information.

 

Visitors are encouraged to contribute to this ethos and dream. Please let us know if you have any ideas we could consider to further enhance Everyone’s visit to Bassenthwaite Lake Station.