Disabled Access Advice
The site of Rhondda Heritage Park is level on the Valley floor, there are no steep inclines of any length to negotiate but there are some slight inclines, including the approach to the Visitor Centre. Some areas of the Park are uneven consisting of cobbled or gravel surface. On tour the visitor will experience some areas of uneven ground, particularly underground. A route on tour can be taken which is relatively smooth on the surface and ramp access is available to the audio visual shows. Improvements to access are planned in the near future. During the tour visitors will also experience loud bangs and flashing strobe lights.
Visitor Centre – There is an incline to the entrance to the Visitor centre and assistance may be required for wheelchair bound visitors. The ground floor is largely accessible and there is a disabled toilet facility located here.
A lift is available for public use to the upstairs Art gallery, Restaurant and Conference Room.
Black Gold Tour – The surface tour is accessible with care although there are some areas of uneven ground. The audio visual tours have Hearing Aid Loops which assist the hearing impaired. Wheelchair access is possible to all surface areas of the tour although we recommend that an able-bodied helper accompany each wheelchair user. If groups wish to have a surface tour only then this can be arranged, please enquire for details.
Access underground is possible although we restrict each tour to a limit of 4 wheelchairs per tour guide and each wheelchair user must be accompanied by an able bodied helper.
If the group has more than 4 wheelchairs then it will be necessary to split the group into smaller groups.
Because of the nature of the underground experience, the route is uneven, on a slight incline and slippery in places. Having said that, many people with disabilities over the years have had a successful and enjoyable experience on the Black Gold Tour.
It is not possible for wheelchair bound visitors to use the simulated ride at the end of the tour and is not advised for people with heart problems, back complaints or those who are pregnant.
Emergency egress for wheelchair users is restricted currently and in a dire emergency it may be necessary to carry a wheelchair bound person a short distance (10 metres) to effect a successful emergency exit. It is highly unlikely that this eventuality will occur but visitors should be aware of this risk.
If you have any questions with regard to disabled access then please call for further information. With notice we can arrange a visit to accommodate most requirements and have welcomed many visitors of all abilities over the years. If a group leader requires a familiarisation visit then this can be arranged free of charge by prior arrangement.