Accessibility at the NLR

The NLR welcomes everybody to our heritage experience, and we are striving to make your visit as pleasant and memorable as possible, especially for our disabled and additional needs visitors, who deserve equal access.

Accessibility compartment

Our BR Mk 2 Brake Micro-Buffet Trolley (BSOT) coach (No.9102) has had part of its interior specially converted to create a purposefully-designed compartment for wheelchair users. This is also a quiet, discrete space, suitable for those who may prefer to be seated away from other passengers (for example, those with special educational needs).

The compartment features a hinged table to allow space for ease of manoeuvring. There is comfortable space for either:

• 1 wheelchair user and 2 companions/carers, or
• 4 persons (seated – no wheelchair)

PLEASE NOTE: Those wishing to use the accessibility compartment should please follow the booking links for the compartment itself (see options on ticketing pages). Please DO NOT book standard passenger tickets, as this does not reserve the compartment  for you.

The accessibility compartment has been designed to accommodate a ‘reference wheelchair’, as shown in the diagram below. The reference wheelchair is bigger than most wheelchairs, to ensure that enough room is provided for most wheelchair users.

Portable access ramp

At Pitsford and Brampton Station we have a specially designed access ramp. The ramp not only gives safe and easy access to the accessibility compartment but can also assist anyone with reduced mobility or a sensory impairment to access the rest of the train.

We also have a folding ramp on the train (the same style national rail companies use), which enables simple boarding/disembarking at Boughton.

Our staff will always be on hand to assist when boarding or disembarking the train.

Parking

There is a dedicated disabled parking at Pitsford and Brampton Station. You do not need a blue badge to use our disabled parking space.

Toilets

There is a dedicated accessible toilet at Pitsford and Brampton Station. Unfortunately, however, there are no toilet facilities on the train. A typical train journey lasts approximately 45 mins.

Shop

At Pitsford and Brampton Station here is access to the souvenir shop via a ramp and door on the rear of the building.

Carers

1 Carer can accompany a wheelchair user in the accessibility compartment for no additional fee (except during certain special events, when they are charged at a discounted rate). Additional carers/companions would need to purchase a full fare ticket for the same train, but can ride inside the compartment (subject to capacity).

Carers should be able to present proof of their Carer status, such as a Northamptonshire Carers Card (or equivalent), or the Cared For’s Award Notice from the DWP, or Attendance Allowance.

Please get in touch

If you have any questions about booking the wheelchair user’s compartment, or about your specific access needs, please either email us at enquiries@nlr.org.uk or call the Booking Office on (01604) 820 327 (lines are only manned on operating days between 10am and 4pm).