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Mobility / Wheelchair Support
The path from the carparks is tarmacked and well maintained, it's wide and has space for two people to pass or to walk side by side. There are stepped sections (with ramp options) which have handrails and points of interest on route to the main entrance.
There is a tarmac ramp from the car park to the entrance to Eastern House. This ramp becomes moderately steep just below the entrance.
There is level access from the main car park to the Wilshaw building.
There is level access to the reception area and shop.
The path from the main building to the bunkers is also tarmac and well maintained.
Lighting is mainly by spotlights. Lighting in some of the exhibition cases is slightly lower in order to protect artefacts.
Café:
The café is on the ground floor of Eastern House, adjacent to the reception area. The till and server area has a dropped counter providing low-level accessibility.
There is wooden flooring throughout the café and seating for up to 40 people. Food and drinks are brought to the tables by staff.
The approach to the tunnels is up a very gentle ramp and approximately 1.5 metres of metal grid flooring. Immediately on entering the tunnels there is a short gentle downwards ramp.
The exhibitions spaces in the tunnels are all on one level, with vinyl flooring throughout.
“Escape Stairs”
The Escape Stairs are a feature of the tunnels, built at the time of their construction to enable safe evacuation in the event of an attack. They now form a part of the visitor experience, leading to a viewing platform overlooking the site.
There are 120 steps up a steep tunnel cut through the bedrock. Headroom is slightly restricted in places. Hard hats are available in both adult and child sizes, and must be worn. There is a handrail for all but 3 meters of the climb.
At the top of the escape stairs there is a viewing platform constructed from metal grid flooring.
For visitors unable to climb the escape stairs there is a screen at the bottom showing a live feed from four camera – three on the stairs and one on the viewing platform.
The outside grounds:
The main, tarmac path between the buildings and the car park passes through the gardens and provides access to some of the sculptures. However, to fully explore the grounds it is necessary to cross lawned areas, and there are some narrow wooden steps that can become slippery when wet.
The cable trail can become muddy in wet weather.
Vision Impairment Support
There is a tarmac ramp from the main car park to the entrance to Eastern House. This ramp becomes moderately steep just below the entrance.
There is level access from the main car park to the Wilshaw building.
There is level access to the reception area and shop.
Lighting is mainly by spotlights. Lighting in some of the exhibition cases is slightly lower in order to protect artefacts.
Cafe:
The cafe is on the ground floor of Eastern House, adjacent to the reception area. The till and server area has a dropped counter providing low-level accessibility.
There is wooden flooring throughout the cafe and seating for up to 40 people. Food and drinks are brought to the tables by staff.
The approach to the tunnels is up a very gentle ramp and approximately 1.5 metres of metal grid flooring. Immediately on entering the tunnels there is a short gentle downwards ramp.
The exhibitions spaces in the tunnels are all on one level, with vinyl flooring throughout.
The outside grounds:
The main, tarmac path between the buildings and the car park passes through the gardens and provides access to some of the sculptures. However, to fully explore the grounds it is necessary to cross lawned areas, and there are some narrow wooden steps which can become slippery when wet.
The signage around the museum is clear, well designed and at a good height generally for those using wheelchairs and also shorter people and children. The signs have good contrast, use blends of symbols and images frequently and appropriately. The signage generally uses a sans font which is recommended by the British Dyslexia Association.
Cards showing text from displays make it easier for people to read exhibit descriptions if they have vision impairment or need longer to read the text.
Hearing Impairment Support
A hearing loop has been fitted at the admissions desk found in the entrance.
There is an induction loop in the demonstration area and talks are delivered via microphone linked to an amplification system.
In the tunnels exhibition area, there are 4 films showing continuously at points around the tunnels. One of these films has a soundtrack with subtitles, one has a soundtrack but no subtitles and the other two have no soundtrack.
Autism support
Ear defenders are available for people who would like to use them. There are warnings about unexpected noises in the tunnels and visitors can also download visual/social stories and a sensory map before they visit or ask for these at reception.
Staff are supportive of autistic individuals.
Many of the displays are sensory, including some scented displays and some which you can touch and engage with.
There is a quiet room in an additional area just off from the main room.
Learning Support
There are easy to read guides around the museum and helpful pictures and videos both online and around the museum. Some of the displays are interactive and can be played with which makes them engaging and interesting for some individuals with learning disabilities.
Ear defenders are available for people who would like to use them. There are warnings about unexpected noises in the tunnels and visitors can also download visual / social stories and a sensory map before they visit or ask for these at reception. . Staff are supportive of individuals with learning disabilities and differences.
Many of the displays are sensory, including some scented displays and some which you can touch and engage with.
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