Access statement for Mont Orgueil Castle

Introduction

Mont Orgueil Castle is built on a rocky promontory overlooking the harbour at Gorey, it has dominated the East coast of Jersey playing a key role in the islands history for over 600 years.

The Castle is essentially split into four main areas: the outer ward, the lower ward, the middle ward and sitting on the highest part of the promontory, the keep. The Castle is a network of staircases, towers and secret rooms and throughout you can discover hidden artwork commissioned to tell the story of the castle.

Pre-Arrival

• Liberty Bus operate the local bus service and the main bus station is at Liberation Station in St Helier, situated on the Esplanade, near Liberty Wharf. All the bus services in the island operate to and from Liberation Station. The number 1,1a, and 2 run to Gorey Pier from Liberty Station.
• For more information visit www.libertybus.je or Tel: 01534 828555 or visit the customer service desk at Liberation Station, St Helier, Jersey JE1 3AS
• A passenger and car ferry service operates to Jersey from the UK, Guernsey and France into the harbour in St Helier. To find out more contact Condor Ferries: 0845 6091027 or visit condor ferries.com
• Other passenger ferry services operate seasonally between France and the other Channel Islands to find out more about these services visit www.jersey.com
• The airport is located in the west of the Island, taxis and a regular bus services run from the airport to Liberation Station in St Helier.

Car Parking and Arrival

• There is no car parking at Mont Orgueil.
• There is limited on road parking on Route de la Cote and one designated Disabled space Land then there is a short walk along a track to the Castle.
• There are various car parks in Gorey village and a steep footpath leads from the village up to the Castle.
• It is possible to arrange a drop off for our disabled visitors if they contact us beforehand,

Main Entrance, Reception and Ticketing Area

• The ticket office is in a small building just before the 2nd gate. The ticket desk is situated on the ground floor with step free and level access.
• The floor surface in the ticket office is paved with tiles and is slightly uneven.
• There is a high level ticket desk, but staff can come round from behind the desk and are happy to assist visitors.
• The gift shop is also located in this small building.
• Backpacks to carry babies are available for loan as it is difficult to access large areas of the Castle with a buggy.

Public Toilets

• Public toilets are located in the lower ward.
• There is an accessible WC with rails and emergency pull cords.
• The flooring is tiled and slightly uneven.
• There is also a toilet near the top of the Castle off the grand battery near the mount gate.

Catering

• The small café, offering drinks and snacks such as soup and sandwiches and cakes is located in the lower ward, just inside the second gate.
• The cafe has two floors and an outside seating area.
• The cafe offers easy entry to the counter area and there is room inside for wheelchair and pushchair access.
• The floor is flat and even throughout the ground floor.
• The cafe is well lit with over-head lighting

Shop(s)

• The small ticket office/shop is located at the castle entrance inside the first gate in the lower ward. The glass entrance doors are automatic and the shop has a tiled but level floor. All shelving is easily visible and staff are happy to help if required.
• The shop sells a range of gifts, books and souvenirs.
• A guide book for Mont Orgueil is sold in the shop.

Grounds and Gardens

• Large areas around the Castle including the middle and upper ward are only accessible via steps up or down, the main pathway from the entrance to the lower ward is a gravel slope.
• There are several flat grassed areas, but surfaces throughout the Castle are uneven underfoot.
• There are wooden benches at intervals around the castle.

Additional Information

• All Front of House Staff undertake customer service training
• ‘Take a Break’ sensory bag available at this site
• Staff are happy to offer additional information on the surrounding area; restaurants / hotels / attractions / paces of interest

• Hearing Induction Loop

Contact Information