We’re committed to making the Convention safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone. Here, you’ll find all the information you need about wheelchair access, disabled parking, and other accessible facilities to help you make the most of your time with us.
Disabled parking will be available on the Rawnsley site, on a first-come, first-served basis for Blue Badge holders only. The queue for our accessible security entrance will usually be shorter than the general queue. If you or a family member is neurodivergent or has other hidden disabilities that mean you struggle with queuing, please ask the team guiding Conventioners through security to use the accessible security entrance.
The Convention site is accessed by paved footpaths. These are accessible for wheelchairs and other mobility devices. The Pencil Factory has two lifts. The larger lift will fit someone using a larger mobility scooter or give space for a standard power chair user to turn around. The smaller lift will fit a manual chair user or a small power chair user and one other person, but has no space to turn around.
The Morning Bible Reading and Evening Celebrations will be signed by a BSL Interpreter during each week of the Convention. Where we have a BSL interpreter, they will be on the relay screens too.
At the main venue, those wishing to benefit from the BSL Interpreter can sit in the designated area in front of the platform.
A loop system operates in the three main venues and at most seminar venues.
Please ask a steward on arrival if you require guidance towards this seating area.
Large Print and Braille versions of the Convention programme and Main Tent session content are available from a member of the Welcome Team or Convention Reception staff.
We do not allow animals on to the Keswick Convention site except for registered guide, hearing, or assistance dogs, including those in training. Our security team has a responsibility to check this on entry. Please bring the dog’s ‘Assistance Dog’s (UK)’ identification book (or the appropriate international equivalent) with you.
We do not allow emotional support animals on the Convention site. For dog owners wishing to watch a relay of the Main Tent sessions, Keswick Methodist Church will be live-streaming Bible Readings and Evening Celebrations throughout the Convention weeks. This venue is dog-friendly for all sessions except for Sunday morning church services.
Accessible seating has been allocated inside the Main Tent, towards the stage, where the BSL Interpreter is based. There is also allocated seating at the back of the Main Tent. Stewards will be able to help you locate these areas on arrival. We sometimes can remove a chair from the end of a row for those who would rather sit in the congregation, so do ask if this is possible.
The relay venue at Keswick Methodist Church is wheelchair accessible.
You can find out more about wheelchair and scooter hire in the Lake District here.
Accessible toilets are located through The Pencil Factory reception.
There are also two wheelchair- and low-mobility-accessible toilets within the Packing Hall, available outside Youth programme running hours. Several basic stoma-friendly toilets are located in both The Pencil Factory and the Packing Hall. If you anticipate needing to be able to access a toilet quickly due to hidden needs such as Crohn’s Disease, please contact our disability adviser in advance on access@keswickministries.org
During main meetings, the relay venues at Base Camp and The Mixing shed (in The Pencil Factory) offer a quieter space for those seeking a less crowded venue.
Keswick Methodist Church is a quieter relay venue for all Bible Readings and Evening Celebrations throughout the week. The church is a 15-minute walk from the Convention site, is wheelchair accessible, and serves light refreshments.
The outdoor space in the centre of the Convention site offers green space, benches, and children’s games.
We want you to make the most of your time in Keswick town. Go to the Visit Keswick website to explore their guide to local attractions and venues that are accessible to all.
Find out more about accessibility around Keswick on the Keswick Tourism Association website.
Find out more about travel to Keswick, exploring Keswick, and what to expect at the Convention.
