Accessing The Building

At The Courtyard, we want to ensure that accessing the building is a simple, stress-free experience for all our customers. Explore this page to find out about everything we’ve put in place to make your visit great.

There is step free access to all public areas of the building however, there is a downward slope from Penhaligon Way towards the Main Entrance and care should be taken when approaching the building.

Assistance Dogs

Assistance Dogs are welcome throughout the venue. If you need us to look after an assistance dog during a performance, please let us know in advance so we can arrange this. If you would like your assistance dog to stay with you in the auditorium, please let us know at the time of booking so that we can ensure there is sufficient space for you and your dog in the auditorium.

Carers Complimentary Tickets

Carers or Personal Assistants who accompany a Disabled visitor because they require specific support to be able to access a performance can apply for a complimentary ticket. Please contact the Box Office by phone or in person to arrange your booking.

Find out more about The Courtyard’s Carer Complimentary Ticket Policy.

Dementia

The Courtyard is partnered with the Dementia Action Alliance. Our staff are trained to work with carers and those with dementia to ensure a positive experience.

Find out more about how The Courtyard is Dementia Friendly.

Opening & Arrival Times

The Courtyard is open from 10am, Monday – Saturday.

Box Office & The Courtyard Shop are open 10am – 8pm, Monday – Saturday.

In the case of performances that occur on Sundays the venue will be open from 1 hour prior to the start of the first performance of the day.

Auditoria doors open 20-30 minutes prior to the start time of an event. If you need early access to the auditorium please make yourself known to a member of staff or a steward upon your arrival and they will be happy to assist you.

Medical Requirements & Emergencies

We welcome attendees who need to bring medicines, food or drink to manage a medical condition, or medical equipment. If you have any questions or concerns that you would like to discuss prior to your visit please don’t hesitate to get in touch via access@courtyard.org.uk or by calling Box Office on 01432 340555.

In the case of an emergency medical situation please alert the nearest member of staff or Steward.

Prayer Space

Customers who require space to pray throughout the day can speak to Box Office and a Duty Manager will find you a quiet, private space.

Seat Widths

Seats in our Main House and Studio Theatre are approximately 450mm wide. Arm rests are not removable from these seats.

If you would like to be seated in armless seats this is possible in our Main House boxes or front row Studio on request. Please call Box Office to book or get in touch via access@courtyard.org.uk

Strobe Lighting

In the instance that an event or show has strobe lighting effects there will be a warning on the doors as you enter the auditoria.

Please make Box Office aware at the point of booking and on arrival to the building if you are affected by strobe lighting. We aim to alert customers to this at the earliest possible time.

Ticket Collection

Box Office and Courtyard Shop are directly to the right of the main building entrance (opposite Penhaligon Way). There is a glass wall with a wide doorway which you will need to pass through to reach the desk. You can collect tickets from Box Office or arrange to have e-tickets or postal tickets sent to you ahead of time.

On entrance to the auditoria for a performance you will be required to present your ticket to a Steward at the door. They will be happy to show you to your seat and assist with any additional needs to may have.

The Courtyard staff and Stewards are more than happy to help with your access needs. Staff can be identified by badges worn on their lapel and Stewards by blue uniforms and badges on their lapel.

Toilet Facilities

WC – Accessible toilets are available on all floors. The facilities available in these spaces include:

lowered hand washing and drying facilities
adapted toilets with cushioning and rails
wall rails for balance and stability
red emergency cord

Baby changing facilities are available on the Ground and Top Floors. Changing supplies and wipeable mats that can be laid on the floor for older children can be found in the toilets on the Top Floor.

There is a Changing Places Toilet located in The Courtyard Car Park.

The Changing Places Toilet Social Story can be viewed or downloaded on our Social Stories Page.

Travel and Parking

Designated car parking spaces are located in The Courtyard car park close to the building. Parking is free for all blue badge holders in any space if attending Courtyard events. Patrons and Blue Badge Holders are politely asked to log registration details at Box Office – you will not need to return to your vehicle until the end of your stay.

Our car park is operated by ANPR (Automated Number Plate Recognition). The camera records images of vehicles entering and leaving the car park using monitoring technology. All users of the car park can get 20 minutes free access for collections, pickup and drop off without logging registration details. All vehicles staying longer than 20 minutes will need to log registration details to validate parking or risk receiving a Parking Charge Notice. All other vehicles will need to log registration details using the new machines provided.

Visual maps are available to download which show how to get to the venue from Hereford Train Station and from Hereford Bus Station.

Taxi drop off is possible in The Courtyard car park and adjacent to the main entrance of the building on Penhaligon Way.

Blind & Visual Impairment Access

Tactile Floor Plans are available from the Box Office. Tactile signage is used throughout public areas.

Find out more about visiting The Courtyard as a blind or visually impaired customer.

Wheelchair Access

Wheelchair spaces are available in the Main House stalls and the Studio Theatre. Those who require space for a wheelchair and would like to book online should select “Wheelchair User” when creating their online account or call our Box Office once to ensure this is set up appropriately.

A speaking lift is available to all floors

There is level access to all public areas of the building.

WC – Accessible toilets are available on all floors.

If you have any questions about accessing the building please don’t hesitate to contact us at access@courtyard.org.uk