Our Visitor Sites
Staunton Harold Water Sensory Guide
A guide for visitors with cognitive disabilities including autism spectrum disorder.
About Staunton Harold Water
Staunton Harold Water is a working reservoir surrounded by several miles of track through woodlands and farmlands. There are toilets, a café, and more I can use.
This means that I can enjoy a walk or bike ride through nature or relax with food and drinks from the café at the picnic benches. There are many different activities that I can choose to do.
Facilities at Staunton Harold Water
Staunton Harold Water has one main car park that I may arrive at. At the main car park, I can find an old windmill, a small woodland, picnic benches, toilets, a playground, a café, the Rangers Office and the start of a track which goes around part of the reservoir.
At the Ranger’s Office I can find helpful staff and at the café I can buy something to drink or eat.
Arriving at Staunton Harold Water
When I arrive at Staunton Harold Water I can decide to relax, enjoy the playground or explore the path.
See
In the car park, I might see;
- Cars, vans and other vehicles
- The old windmill
- People walking with their families
- People walking with their dogs
- Trees waving their leaves
- Birds flying
Hear
In the car park, I might hear:
- People talking
- Dogs barking
- Birds singing
- Wind rustling the leaves
- Children playing
- Vehicles driving around
Touch
In the car park I might touch;
- The leaves of plants
- Stone walls
- The wind or rain on my skin
- Signs
- Fencing
- The soil at my feet
Smell
In the car park I might smell;
- Food and drinks being served in the cafe
- Other peoples picnics
- Flowers and other plants
- The water from the reservoir
On the path
If I choose to walk along the path, I can find, fields, woodlands, a wildflower meadow, and a bird hide.
See
On the path, I might see
- Dogs with their owners
- Wildlife
- The countryside
- Other people walking
Hear
On the path, I might hear
- Animals from farms
- Wildlife
- Dogs barking
- People talking
Touch
On the path, I might touch
- The sand from the beaches
- The wooden bird hide
- Grass on the floor
- Wooden rail bridge railings
Smell
On the path, I might smell
- Animal waste from farmers fields
- Damp and rotting wood
- Flowers from the wildflower meadow
Tips for a great day out at Staunton Harold Water
- Before I come to Staunton Harold Water, it is a good idea to think about the time I’m going to visit. If I come during school holidays or especially over the summer, it is more likely to be very busy.
- I should keep to the rules and read the signs around the reservoir, which are there to keep everyone safe. For example, I should not swim or paddle in the reservoir.
- I should remember the ranger team are there to help if I need them and I can contact them by calling 01332865081.
- I can find more information on accessibility at Staunton Harold Water on the website
