At East Quay, we are committed to creating a space that is welcoming and accessible to all.
If you require any assistance with your visit or have any questions, please get in touch via telephone on 01984 263 103 (10:00 - 17:00, Monday - Sunday) or via email to hello@eastquaywatchet.co.uk.
Our friendly team are always happy to help.
> Arriving at East Quay
There are two accessible street parking spaces available for Blue Badge holders on Harbour Road, outside the East Quay building and by the Marina.
Alternatively, you can locate parking in Harbour Road and Swain Street long stay pay and display car parks, which are around a 2-minute distance away from East Quay. Parking in both car parks is free after 18:00* and there are 4 disabled parking bays in each.
There is more parking located in Market Street and West Pier long stay pay and display car parks.
You can find out more about parking in Watchet and making payment on the Somerset Council website.
*Please check pay and display boards before parking.
> Getting Here & Around Watchet
Watchet is a reasonably level town with few hills and there are lots of accessible attractions and different modes of transport in the area. Check out LoveWatchet to find out more about the local accessible attractions in the area.
> By Public Transport
The nearest mainline railway station is Taunton, which is approximately a 17-mile distance away from East Quay.
Taunton train station is connected to Watchet via the Buses of Somerset route 28, with services running between Taunton and Minehead, and passing surrounding areas. The bus stop in Watchet is the Watchet Railway Station stop, located on Harbour Road opposite Watchet Methodist Church, and is around a 2-minute distance away from East Quay. Check out the route 28 bus timetable here. Alternatively, for bus services between Bridgwater and Porlock, check out the Community Bus Service provided by EDF at Hinkley Point. Check out the bus timetable here.
The West Somerset Railway line provides a local steam and diesel train service to Watchet from Bishops Lydeard and Minehead. You can find out more information here.
> Drop-Off / Pick-Up Point
There is a designated drop-off / pick up point on Harbour Road, next to Container Studios 1 and 2, which provides access to East Quay’s main and Kitchen entrances. If you are making use of this facility, please leave plenty of time for your arrival, as this area can get quite busy.
> Entrances
There are three entrances to the East Quay building, including the East Quay Kitchen entrance.
East Quay’s main entrance is located in the inner corner of the building, with automatic sliding doors and step free access leading to the East Quay Shop. From the main entrance, there is step free access to the East Quay Kitchen, Gallery 1, the Courtyard, Two Rivers Paper, Albatross Print Studio, and Geckoella. The central staircase and lift, located in the Foyer next to the Shop, takes you from the Ground Floor to the First Floor, where you have access to Gallery 2, the Creator Space, Pod 2 First Floor, and Studios 5-10.
The second entrance leads to the East Quay Kitchen via a manual door and is located on the Ground Floor, next to the Shop entrance.
The third entrance is located at the back of the East Quay building and can be accessed via a footbridge leading off the King Charles III England Coast Path. From this entrance, you can access Gallery 2, the Creator Space, the ground floors of Pod 1 and 2, and Studios 5-10. There are also two external staircases leading up to the first floor.
Please note: Access is only via steps or stairs to Pod 3, Pod 4, Pod 5, and Studio 11, and the upper part of Pod 1.
Please have a look at our East Quay site plan (insert link to Owen’s site plan) to get familiar with the layout before your visit.
ACCESS FACILITIES
> Toilets
At East Quay, all our toilets are gender inclusive. On the ground floor, you will locate:
An accessible bathroom fitted with a red emergency pull chord, vertical and horizontal grab and pull rails, and baby changing facilities, with signage displaying the ‘Disabled’ and ‘Baby Changing’ symbols.
6 standard bathrooms, with signage showing a ‘Toilet’ symbol.
An ambulant accessible bathroom, fitted with vertical and horizontal grab and pull rails, with signage showing an ‘Ambulant Toilet’ symbol.
On Level 1, you will locate another accessible bathroom fitted with a red emergency pull chord, vertical and horizontal grab and pull rails, and baby changing facilities, with signage displaying ‘Disabled’ and ‘Baby Changing’ symbols.
> Lift
There is a lift at East Quay, located in the Foyer area, accessed via our Shop or Kitchen entrances.
The lift gives two-way access to the First floor, including Gallery 2, Studios 5-10, the Creator Space, Pod 1 and 2.
> Seating
There are seats and benches located around the building, in the Foyer on the Ground Floor and Level 1, outside Two Rivers Paper, in Gallery 1 and 2, and in the East Quay Kitchen.
Folding seats are available - please ask a member of staff if you require a folding seat for your visit.
> Assistance Dogs
We welcome all guide dogs, hearing dogs and assistance dogs in all our spaces. Drinking bowls are available in the outdoor area of the East Quay Kitchen.
Dogs are welcome to explore our shop, circulation spaces, and Studios.
> Large Print
Large print East Quay Kitchen menus are available on request.
We can also provide large print visitor information on request.
> Complimentary Essential Companion / Carer
At East Quay, any disabled visitor can bring an essential companion / carer with them for free. If you will be bringing an essential companion or carer with you to a bookable event, please notify our team by contacting hello@eastquaywatchet.co.uk.
> Hearing Loops
We have a hearing loop installed in the East Quay Shop and Kitchen.
To access the Hearing Loop system, please switch your hearing aid to the ‘T’ position to pick up the loop.
> Ear Defenders
We have a limited number of child and adult-sized ear defenders available on a first come first served basis. Please ask a member of staff in the Shop, Kitchen, or Creator Space if you require a set.
East Quay can sometimes be quite loud and busy. Please bring any items with you that help you cope with this type of environment.
> East Quay Tour
If familiarising yourself with the space at East Quay before it opens to the general public would help you feel more at ease, please contact us via telephone on 01984 263 103 or email to hello@eastquaywatchet.co.uk.
Our friendly team are more than happy to give you a tour and talk you through the sights and sounds that you might experience during your visit to help you prepare.
> GENERAL
Glass doors and full-height windows have contrast markings.
Some parts of the Gallery will have low lighting. Furthermore, sometimes our exhibitions feature flashing lights, smoke, or deal with topics which you may find triggering. We use trigger and content warnings around the building when this is the case.
We have emergency evacuation procedures for disabled visitors.
> FEEDBACK
> FEEDBACK
Access at East Quay is always evolving and developing, so if you have any feedback about our facilities or website, we would love to hear from you. Please get in touch via telephone to 01984 263 103 or via email to feedback@eastquaywatchet.co.uk.
