Due to the natural layout and mountainous location of the complex, a number of very steep natural inclines and declines have to be negotiated when moving around the site (in addition there are over 120 steps in the first cave), this applies both above and below ground. With this in mind, access for wheelchair users has to be restricted for Health and Safety reasons in high-risk areas. Any visitor using a walking aid may find the terrain unsuitable. For this reason, a large number of areas are NOT accessible for wheelchair or mobility aid users.
Disabled parking is located at the top of the car park hill, on the right hand side. There is ramped access to our museum, gift shop, and coffee shop, and disabled toileting facilities are located next to the main entrance to the gift shop. A number of video screens are found on site, giving visitors extra information about our caves, other attractions, and the local area. A number of these screens are located in wheelchair/scooter-accessible areas.
Visually impaired visitors should note that lighting levels vary greatly within the showcaves, reflecting conservation issues regarding flora and fauna underground. Further to this strobe lighting is also used in some areas. As the underground environment is created by nature, it must be noted that the cave walls and floors are very irregular – it is not like walking in a shopping centre! Throughout their entire visit a fully-sighted adult must remain with any person with impaired vision, to ensure that person's safety.
People with hearing difficulties should note that all the interpretation underground (and the majority above ground) is undertaken via audio commentaries that play at various points throughout the site. As well as general information, warnings are also relayed by this audio system relating to forthcoming terrain. Any person who is hard of hearing must be accompanied by a person who is able to pass on this safety information, whilst visiting the complex.
For further information please telephone 01639 730 284, (7 days a week, April 1st (or Easter) – October 31st, from 9.00am – 5.00pm) to speak with either Carl or James.
Information for visitors with invisible disabilities.
Please remember we are a naturally formed site situated on the side of a mountain, consequently it should not be assumed that our pathways are as accessible as those in a shopping centre - pathways are not all flat, there will be uneven ground to walk over, and the width of the pathways will vary (especially underground).
Whilst we try to limit the queues for tickets, at peak times this is unavoidable. However, access can be gained though different gates if required whilst the tickets are being purchased – members of staff in this area will be able to help/advise when it is busy.
A visit here takes you into an underground environment - something you may not have experienced before. Visitors should be prepared for:
➢ Changing levels of light.
➢ Audio commentary noises, which echo through the cave.
➢ The additional noises of other visitors talking and walking through the caves.
➢ Flowing water can be heard at varying times on your walk through the passageways.
➢ Whilst the visit is all self guided, there are certain areas within the natural layout of the caves where (depending on visitor numbers for the day) you may have to wait a short period of time to continue with your visit.
➢ It must be noted that there are NO additional emergency exits from the caves – in Dan-yr-Ogof Cave especially when you have gone past a certain point (up the first flight of stairs) you must continue with your visit to exit the cave. From this point there is approximately 20-30 minutes of walking before you can exit the cave.
Our above ground attractions consist of a number of different types of experiences, when visiting these areas you should be aware of the following:
➢ We have a number of animated dinosaur models on site, these will move without warning throughout the day.
➢ Our dinosaur exhibits have sound effects which operate in a random manner.
➢ Within our Dinosaur Park we have a geyser, from which water ‘explodes’ into the air every 3-5 minutes.
➢ Audio commentaries accompany the majority of the outdoor displays, and these include sound effects.
➢ Our museum has varying lighting levels and is enclosed, which can become busy during peak hours (approx. midday – 3.00pm).
➢ There are a number of touchscreen televisions within the museum, depending on how they are used flashing lights, and sporadic sound effects will come from these.
➢ Our Farm and Shire Horse Centre has a number of animals which roam freely within the field you walk though. You will come across farm smells in this area.
➢ There are a number of play grounds in this area, excited and fast moving children may well be present!
➢ When our land train is running (peak holiday season) rides are available, visitors should be aware that safety messages are broadcast using audio speakers, and that sudden stops may be required depending on other traffic on the road.
It should be noted that we are busiest between the hours of 11.00am and 2.00pm, visiting outside of these hours may mitigate some of the above factors.
Outside of the main holiday season we can be busy with booked school groups, you are welcome to contact us, to clarify if we have any pre-booked groups during the period you may wish to visit us.
Various images can also be found on the individual sections of our website, which might help familiarise yourselves with the different sections of a visit here.
We would encourage you to read the entire Disability Access Statement, as you may find other sections which are pertinent to your visit.
Whilst we have tried to cover the many different experiences of a visit here, there may be areas where we have not fully considered certain needs, we would encourage you to contact us directly on Tel No. 01639 730 284, should you require any clarification or additional information. The office is open between the hours of 9.00am and 5.00pm.
Ten attractions all included in the one entry ticket - there is plenty to see and do for all ages (site hub).
