Access Statement
ACCESS STATEMENT

INTRODUCTION

Blackthorn Gate comprises four luxury self catering wooden Lodges set in open farmland on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors. Guests can fish on our private ponds, walk on public and private paths and enjoy watching the birds and other wildlife around the farm.

PRE ARRIVAL INFORMATION

Potential guest contact us by phone, email or post. In each case we can discuss what they need. We give information about the Lodges, rates for the dates requested and what is included in the price. We have a lot of information on our web site www.blackthorngate.co.uk which is available at all times. If people need directions we can help them. We can send out a brochure and any additional information requested e.g. fishing rules. The brochure is also available to download from the web site. If we cannot answer a question at the time we offer to make some enquiries and contact again at a later date. Bookings and payment can be made via our web site or over the phone. If we are contacted by post we would answer any queries by return. Payment by cheque is accepted. We send out a confirmation as soon as payment is received which includes details of dates booked, when balance is due and what is included in the price, e.g. bedding and towels. We also give a mobile phone number to ring if information is needed en route and ask that guests stop at the house on arrival. Reminders about balance payments are sent out if not received by due date.

ARRIVAL AND CAR PARKING

We do not have a reception area so guests are greeted at our home and we show them to their accommodation. We look out for guests so that they do not have to get out of their cars. However, this is a working farm and if we are not in the house when guests arrive they can ring the mobile number and we will come straight round to meet them. If guests plan to arrive late at night we will inform them where they can find a key and leave lights on inside and outside their Lodge. We then introduce ourselves the next day. There are parking facilities next to each Lodge. Extra parking areas are available for parties with more than one car. The road surface is rolled road planings.

ON SITE

There are steps with a handrail and a ramp to the front door of each Lodge. There is a paved area around the ramp and steps. All doorways are at least regulation width to accommodate wheelchairs except the doors to the sauna which are narrower. If guests have mobility or visual problems we will offer assistance with bags etc. Some items of furniture can be moved to aid access. Guests are taken into their Lodge and shown where to find things and how to use the sauna. The keys are then handed over. We take a little time to talk about the guests and their interests and if there is any extra information they need. We tell them about the farm and the animals they are likely to see. There is a map of the farm in each Lodge. The Lodges are part of a working farm so although guests are encouraged to explore the farmland, there are areas which are not accessible to wheelchair users. We can help to identify those areas which are accessible. There are also areas where, because of planting schemes, they are not allowed to roam.

We explain to guests where they can find the laundry, the games room and, if they require access to locked areas e.g. fishing and bike stores, we give them the relevant key.

We have produced a file which has a lot of information which guests may find useful including detailed directions to the nearest shops, restaurants, leisure centres etc. There is a copy of this file in each Lodge and it is updated as and when required.

EXTRA ITEMS

We have some extra items which guests may use including

Toilet frame / Shower seat / cot / high chair / hearing loop box / comfortable chair with higher seat and back support

Guests can reserve them at the time of booking. We are happy to give any further information regarding any of these items.

FUTURE PLANS

We are working on the landscaping around the Lodges. We intend fencing off a private area around each Lodge so that young children can play safely.

We are looking at ways to provide potential guests with information in different formats.

We have some Tourist Information brochures but we will be contacting venues direct for other leaflets etc and contacting Theatres/Leisure Centres for details of their future programmes.

We are exploring ways to enhance a stay with us eg speaking to local providers to see what they can offer our guests.

We are asking guests for feedback and if there is anything which would have improved their stay.

Our aim is to provide quality, pleasant and comfortable accommodation. We endeavor to ensure that our guests enjoy the whole experience of a stay at Blackthorn Gate.
 

 

20/09/2011
Bloomin' Marvellous ...

10/09/2011
Summer ...

14/07/2011
Wedding Day ...

13/07/2011
Video Tour ...

18/06/2011
N.E. England Sustainable Tourism Award ...

07/06/2011
Birds Nesting ...

01/06/2011
Games Room on the move ...

07/05/2011
Last of the lambs at last!! ...

16/04/2011
Everything has slowed down ...

05/04/2011
Lamb and (Willow) Chips ...

27/03/2011
Daffodils in Farndale ...

13/10/2010
North East of England Tourism Awards ...

29/09/2010
Rainbows ...

15/09/2010
Hens Galore ...

10/09/2010
North East England Tourism Awards ...

02/07/2010
Stockton International Riverside Festival ...

20/06/2010
4 stars and more ...

01/05/2010
THE TALL SHIPS RACE 2010 ...

01/03/2010
Where does the time go!!! ...

22/09/2009
Odin's Glow ...

29/04/2009
Aprils been and gone ...

31/03/2009
Conservation award nomination ...

05/03/2009
Links Page ...

04/03/2009
LAST MINUTE BREAK BARGAINS ...

03/03/2009
First Lamb ...

19/02/2009
Time Flies ...

19/11/2008
What more lambs? ...

19/10/2008
Tractor in hospital ! ...

05/10/2008
First guests ...

08/08/2008
Dark brown sheep of the family ...

23/07/2008
Almost watertight! Lots of small fry! ...

 
 

 

Mike and Rita Corrigan, Blackthorn Gate, Eastfields Farm, Nunthorpe, Nr Stokesley, North Yorkshire TS7 0PB
Tel: 01642 324496
Fax: 01642 713389