Access Statement for Cocoadance
 ‘Chocolate Experience’

Introduction

Cocoadance’s workshop is a converted cattle barn which is part of a rented farmhouse and buildings which belongs to The National Trust. The owners of Cocoadance also live on the site.
Cocoadance is a fully working workshop which throughout the week produces high quality handmade chocolates for retail establishments throughout the country.
The ‘Chocolate Experience’ provides a unique opportunity for a group of 8 people to visit us, look around the workshop, learn about the history of chocolate, taste various samples and finally produce their own box of chocolates to take home.
Drinks and refreshments are supplied with the price.
There is a minimum age limit of 11 years.
The ‘Experience’ is not suitable for wheelchair uses.

Pre-Arrival

• A basic website with information about the ‘Chocolate Experience’ and Access Statement are available.
• A clearly worded leaflet is available describing the directions. The leaflet includes our contact telephone number, fax, email and web address.  The leaflet is sent to the recipient along with a ‘Golden Ticket’, a leaflet about Cocoadance and a leaflet about ‘Things to do in Castleton.
• Information can be provided in large print
• We have a fax and email available
• Cocoadance is accessible by car. We are situated approximately 16 miles from Sheffield and 25 miles from Manchester.

 

 

We are at the end of the A625 from Castleton between Treak Cliff Cavern and The Blue John Cavern.
For the final 100 meters, we are situated at the bottom of a dirt track road. Low laying cars are advised to leave them at the top of the road.
• By bus: Route 272 and 51a Sheffield to Castleton. Ring Traveline on 08706082608 or www.traveline.org.uk for details
• By foot: Either via Buxton Road (A625) with a steep incline or via the Blue John Cavern car park where one can a take a leisurely walk down the broken road.
• By bicycle: access via Buxton Road. The nearest
• By train: Sheffield – Manchester Piccadilly and visa versa.  The nearest Railway stop is Hope approximately 3 miles away. National Rail Enquiries 08457 484950 or www.nationalrail.co.uk
• By taxi: Brian Jackson (Hope) 01433 620525 or Mick Rowland (Castleton) 01433 621924 (Mob. 07771762068)
Because of the rural and hilly nature of our environment wheelchair access is not available.

Arrival & Car Parking Facilities

•Cocoadance have a court yard which can take up to 4 cars
•The council pay and display car park is 1.5 miles from our entrance in Castleton town centre though cars can also be left near Odin Mine or Blue John Cavern car park.
•The route to our property runs through a open gate signposted ‘Access Only’ along a bumpy road heading towards Mam Tor. Please take care of pedestrians. A 10mph speed limit should be followed.

 

•There is a National Trust sign marking Mam Farm with a steep dirt track leading to our property.
•There is always someone there to greet you on arrival.
•The court yard is part flag stone and part gravel and is enclosed by the farmhouse and three outer buildings.

 

Public Areas – General (Internal)

•Flooring throughout is the court yard is old flag stones (some uneven) and gravel.
•There is a raised flag stone path in front of the workshop
•The entrance door is 90 cm wide.
•There is a short flight of steps up to the workshop.
•Lighting is mixed natural and halogen (Compact).

Public Areas – WC

•There is one unisex WC available to all – level entry.
•There is no handrail
•The height of the toilet (floor to seat) is 46.5cm
•There is no alarm call system

Restaurant / Dining Room Bar & Lounges, Take Away & Café
•Not Available

Shop
 
• There are chocolates available for purchase at special rates
•We take payment in front of the table
•Cocoadance products can be bought online (www.localfoodshop.co.uk), at farmers’ markets and various retail establishments.

 

 

Leisure Facilities
•Not Available
Outdoor facilities
•Not Available

 

Conference & Meeting Rooms, Banqueting, Clubs, Entertainment
•Not Available
Bedrooms
•Not Available
Bathroom, Showeroom & WC [Ensuite or Shared]
•Not Available

Attractions (Displays, exhibits, rides etc.)

• Not applicable

Additional Information

•Service dogs are welcome.  We provide a water bowl at the front entrance.
•We operate a no smoking policy.

 

 

•There is background music during the production of the chocolates which can be switched off if requested.
There is no heavy machinery, therefore no sound.

 

 

 

Contact Information

•Telephone :     01433 621334
•Fax:                01433 621334
•Email:             info@cocoadance.com
•Website:         www.cocoadance.com
•Address:         Cocoadance, Castleton, Hope Valley, Derbyshire. S338WA
Hours of operation:          Please check dates on website (closed October, November and December)
Local Public Transport:   

 

Future Plans

• Web site access is under review.
• More children events.

 

 

We welcome your feedback to help us continuously improve if you have any comments please phone 01433 621334 or email   info@cocoadance.com