Museums For All

Information for visitors with a disability
There is so much to discover at Nottingham Museums and Galleries that we believe we can offer something for everyone.  All our staff are happy to help and we look forward to seeing you. We also welcome your comments and suggestions as to how we can improve and widen our access and facilities to all people

Museum of Nottingham Life  Angel Row Gallery  Greens Windmill  Nottingham Castle  Newstead Abbey  Wollaton Hall and Park

Contact
Museums Service Manager
Nottingham City Council
Leisure and Community Services
Isabella Street
Nottingham
NG1 6AT
Tel:0115 9158710

Access Programmes

Access Programmes aim to encourage groups to use the museum as creatively as possible.  Sessions may include:-

• An introduction to Brewhouse Yard Museum and disability access.
• A range of one off “sessions” which provide an opportunity to work creatively with objects from the museum collections.  For details and information please contact Ann Coyne, Museum's Access Officer on (0115) 915 3692
• The formal education programme is well established, offering sessions from early years to further education.  Sessions can be adapted to meet the needs of users.

Prior booking is essential.  Please do provide information about individual and group needs in order to ensure all students can access sessions fully.  Details of programmes are available in the termly Education Newsletter, for copies and booking please call the AccessTeam on 0115 9153692.

Information for Visitors who are Visually Impaired

Guide dogs are welcome, and a waterbowl is available on request.  The displays are a mixture of items under glass, some items behind barriers and items to be handled.  If something can easily be touched – it is meant to be!

Study Collections

The stores are currently inaccessible to wheelchair users but a study point for individual scholars can be set up.  Please inform us in advance of your visit.

This information has been produced in conjunction with The Drawbridge Group.

The Museum of Nottingham Life

General Site Information

Brewhouse Yard Museum is situated on a fairly level site 50 metres from the main entrance on Castle Boulevard and 25 metres from the gate by the Trip to Jerusalem pub on Castle Road.  A mobility car, sited at the Castle Gatehouse (approximately 200 yards away up a steep hill) is available for use from the Castle and to Museum of Nottingham Life – Please book, if possible, on (0115) 9153600.

Car and minibus parking can be arranged by prior appointment.  Please telephone the General Office on (0115) 9153600.

Information for Visitors with Limited Mobility and Wheelchair Users

The main entrance to the museum is through the museum shop which is accessible to wheelchair users.  Five ground floor rooms and the caves at the back of the building are accessible to wheelchair users.

The displays are on three floor levels.  The first and second floors are regrettably not accessible for wheelchair users. However, the 'In search of Brewhouse Yard' Gallery on the ground floor includes a video of the gallery and room spaces on the upper floors, to enhance the enjoyment of the building and its collections for those who are less mobile.

There is a toilet accessible to wheelchair users in Brewhouse Yard grounds – the toilet is on the national Radar scheme, so visitors who already have a key can gain access directly, otherwise a key is available from the attendants.

There are seats throughout the building and all stairs have handrails.

Information for Visitors who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

The nature of the displays is such that they are ideal for visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing to enjoy.

Angel Row Gallery

General Site Information

The gallery is situated in Nottingham City Centre on the first floor of the Central Library Building, on Angel Row.  It can be reached through the gallery’s own entrance or through the main library entrance (except from 1.00pm on Saturdays when the library is closed), both of which are on Angel Row.

The building is situated close to a number of orange badge car parking spaces.  Eight spaces are located across the road and just above the gallery, at Chapel Bar.  Parking is allowed here at any time.  A further eight spaces are located on Angel Row just below the gallery, outside the cinema and Mac Donalds. This is exclusively orange badge parking from Monday – Saturday from 8am – 6pm.  The nearest car parks are situated on Upper Parliament Street and Mount Street.

Angel Row Gallery has four connecting gallery spaces.  Gallery 1 has a carpet surface and is lit by natural light and spotlights.  As you move from Gallery 1 to Gallery 2 there is a slight change in level.  Galleries 2, 3 and 4 have wooden floors and are lit by spotlights.  Gallery 4, also known as the “Education Space”, also has natural light for most exhibitions.

The gallery is a temporary exhibition space and as such the lighting and the layout of exhibits, plinths and the galleries will alter to reflect the nature of each exhibition.  For some exhibitions, a partition wall is built to divide galleries 2 and 3.  A layout for each exhibition can be obtained by telephoning the Gallery Office on 0115 9152869.

Information for Visitors with Limited Mobility and Wheelchair Users

Angel Row Gallery is on the first floor of the Central Library Building.  It has its own entrance but can also be reached through the library.  There is a ramp giving access to both the gallery and library entrances.

Inside the entrance foyer to the gallery there is a spiral wooden staircase leading up to the first floor.  For visitors unable to use the stairs there is a lift which, for library security reasons, is locked when not in use.  To use the lift please ring the bell and a member of staff will come to your assistance.

Between 1pm and 6pm on Saturday afternoons when the library is closed this is the only lift access to the gallery.

At all other times the gallery can also be reached via a lift located towards the rear of the library building.  Enter the library through the main entrance and continue straight ahead towards the central stairs.  The lift is located to the right just beyond the staircase.

Visitors in large motorised wheelchairs may find their vehicles are too large for this lift and will need to use another lift not available to the general public.  Please contact a member of the library staff who will arrange for someone to accompany you.

A low level bench with no back support is situated within the gallery.  A chair with a back is available on request.

Toilets accessible to wheelchair users are available on the second floor of the library in the café.

Information for Visitors who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Approximately 90% of exhibitions are purely visual in content.  However, there are occasionally pieces of work, or whole exhibitions, which include sound (video pieces for example).

Access Programmes

Access Programmes aim to encourage groups to use the gallery as creatively as possible.  Sessions may include:-

• An introduction to Angel Row Gallery  and disability access.
• A range of one off “sessions” which provide an opportunity to work creatively with the gallery’s exhibitions.  For details and information please contact the Education Officers on (0115) 9152867.
• The formal education programme is well established, offering sessions from nursery to higher education.  Sessions can be adapted to meet the needs of users.

Prior booking is essential.  Please do provide information about individual and group needs in order to ensure all students can access sessions fully.  Details of programmes are available in the gallery leaflet and in the Access Newsletter.  For copies and bookings please contact the Education Officers on (0115) 9152867.

Information for Visitors who are Visually Impaired

Guide dogs are welcome and a water bowl is available on request.

All exhibition labels are available in large print and occasionally, handling material accompanies the exhibition.  Because of the fragile nature of the artwork, it is not possible to touch most objects in the exhibitions.  When it is possible, objects are clearly labelled.  Gallery staff are happy to advise visitors on this.

Copies of gallery handouts, with information about the current exhibition are available in large print, free of charge.
The Angel Row Gallery leaflet is also available in large print upon request, free of charge.

Lighting levels are sometimes low because of the sensitive nature of exhibits.  However, lighting levels can be enhanced for short periods of time for visually impaired visitors.  Please telephone to arrange this on 0115 9152869.

Special Events and Activities

Activities and events are programmed alongside each exhibition.   Long term projects and courses which aim to introduce people to ways of looking at contemporary art are also organised.   Lunchtime talks, often by the exhibiting artists, are free and everyone is welcome.  However, if you wish to bring a group we would find it useful to be informed in advance.  

Please telephone Angel Row Gallery on 0115 9152869 to enquire about opening hours at Christmas and New Year.

Greens Mill

General Site Information

Green’s Mill is situated on a hilltop 30 metres from the main car park off Windmill Lane.  There are several steps between the car park and windmill.

However, car and minibus parking is available for wheelchair users and visitors with mobility difficulties within the millyard.  Vehicle access is via Belvoir Hill, off Sneinton Road.  Since places are limited, please telephone, is possible, on (0115) 9156878.  There is an electronic gate on Belvoir Hill which has an intercom connected to Green’s Mill.  To gain access through the gate please speak into the intercom.

Information for Visitors with Limited Mobility and Wheelchair Users

Wheelchair users can gain access to all the exhibits and displays in the museum, which are on a single floor.  Lectures and special events are held in the lower gallery which is accessible to wheelchair users by an entrance from the millyard.  The sloping cobbled millyard may cause difficulties for some unaccompanied visitors but museum staff are always on hand to help.

The inside of the windmill can be visited but there are steep steps to each of the upper floors.  We regret that the windmill is not accessible to wheelchair users.

Toilets accessible to wheelchair users are situated within the millyard.
There are seats throughout the museum and gardens.

Information for Visitors who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

The nature of the exhibits is such that they are ideal for visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing to enjoy

Access Programmes

Access Programmes aim to encourage groups to use the museum as creatively as possible.  Sessions may include:-

• An introduction to Green’s Mill and disability access.
• A range one off “sessions” which provide an opportunity to work creatively with objects from the museums collections.  For details and information please contact Ann Coyne, Museums Access Administrator on (0115) 915 3692.
• The formal education programme is well established, offering sessions from early years to further education.  Sessions can be adapted to meet the needs of users.

Prior booking is essential.  Please do provide information about individual and group needs in order to ensure all students can access sessions fully.  Details of programmes are available in the termly Education Newsletter, for copies and booking please call the Access Team on 0115 9153692.

Information for Visitors who are Visually Impaired

The interactive exhibits in the museum rely largely on visual appreciation and are therefore unsuitable for many people with a visual impairment.  Written information on the life and work of George Green is presented in displays using large print.  Information sheets and booklets are also available in large print.

Guide dogs are welcome, and a water bowl is available on request.

Admission to Green’s Mill is free.

Nottingham Castle

Please note:

From the beginning of May essential maintenance work will be taking place on the Nottingham Castle's drive way.

Access to the Castle will be limited for people with mobility impairments until the end of June.

We would ask you to bear with us whilst this essential work is carried out and promise to do our very best to facilitate entry whenever we can.

The work, which has required substantial investment from Nottingham City Council, will result in the Castle's foundations being more secure, and on completion, the sites usual high standards of public access will return.

Thank you for your co-operation and understanding.

We expect the project to be completed by August 2008.

Please call 0115 915 3700 if you require further information.

General Site Information

The Castle Museum is situated 200 metres up a steep hill from the main gatehouse entrance.  Access for pedestrians is through the gatehouse archway which has some cobbles by the gate.  The hill is a difficult walk for people with mobility difficulties but a mobility car is available.  This is situated at the Gatehouse and is for use both to the Castle and down to Brewhouse Yard – please book if possible on 0115 9153676.

A manual wheelchair is also available for loan at the Museum free of charge.

Vehicle access is through the main gate.  Drivers should sound their horn at the Gatehouse to gain entry and may be required to sign a visitors register.

Car and minibus parking can be arranged for visitors who have mobility difficulties at the top of the hill, opposite the museum entrance, by prior arrangement.  Please telephone on 0115 9153700.

Information for Visitors with limited mobility and wheelchair users.

Wheelchair access to the building is via a ramp to the right of the main entrance, through self opening doors into the shop.

The displays are on five floor levels and approximately 99% of these are accessible to wheelchair users.  Regrettably, the Nemi Room is currently inaccessible.  A lift gives access to all floors with braille floor numbering and recorded message identification of each floor.

There are seats throughout the building, in most galleries and all stairs have handrails.  Toilets accessible to wheelchair users are available in the museum shop area.  The toilets in the museum have an alarm bell which will alert the attendants in the shop.  Baby changing facilities are available.  The Castle Grounds only have men’s toilets accessible to wheelchair users.

The museum shop is situated on the ground floor and has a low level counter, with good access for wheelchair users.  Some items, such as jewellery, are kept in high cases but staff are happy to bring them down for closer inspection on request.  

The café is also on the ground floor and is fully accessible to wheelchair users, with plenty of space at the tables.  Groups are advised to book in advance by contacting the Café Manager on 0115 9153650.

In order to maximise enjoyment of your trip it is advisable for group visits to be carefully planned.  Please note that Fire Regulations require the museum to limit the number of wheelchair users in the building to twelve at any one time.

There are clearly marked Refuge Areas for wheelchair users on each floor – in the North Hall on the Ground Floor and at both ends of the Long Gallery on the First Floor.  Fire regulations prevent the use of the lift in the event of a fire but staff will assist wheelchair users to the refuge areas if required.

Information for visitors who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Symbol

Induction Loops are installed in the Education Studio, Lecture Theatre and the galleries, as well as for audio visual presentations.  If you wish to make use of the induction loops for one of our public events, please telephone in advance to notify us on 0115 9153654.

There are button activated taped commentaries for some displays including The Story of Nottingham gallery and hand held audio units in Every Object Tells A Story.  These have induction loop facilities.

Many of the displays are accessible by descriptive labels and laminated information sheets and are ideal for visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Information for visitors who are Blind or Visually Impaired.

Guide Dogs are welcome and a water bowl is available on request.

Most displays are currently under glass but there are some specially selected tactile exhibits including decorative arts objects.  We are happy to arrange sessions for groups using objects which can be handled and thermoform pictures, produced for the museum by the Living Paintings Trust.

Labels or laminated information about exhibits in large print have been prepared and there are some braille labels.  The Café has large print menus.

There are button activated taped commentaries in the Story of Nottingham gallery and hand held audio units for some exhibits including Every Object Tells A Story.

The floors in most rooms have been refurbished specifically to provide strong colour contrasts, with clear markings between carpet and wooden flooring and edge markers on the stairs.

Lighting levels are sometimes low because of the sensitive nature of exhibits.  However, the levels can be enhanced for short periods of time for visually impaired visitors.  Please telephone to arrange this on 0115 9153700.

The lift has braille floor numbering and recorded message identification of each floor.

Access Programmes

Access Programmes aim to encourage groups to use the gallery as creatively as possible.  Sessions may include:-

• An introduction to Nottingham Castle Museum & Art Gallery and disability access.
• A range of one off “sessions” which provide an opportunity to work creatively with objects from the museum collections.  For details and information please contact the Museums Outreach Officer on 0115 9153696.
• The formal education programme is well established, offering sessions from early years to further education.  Sessions can be adapted to meet the needs of users.

Prior booking is essential.  Please do provide information about individual and group needs in order to ensure all students can access sessions fully.  Details of programmes are available in the termly Education Newsletter.  For copies and bookings please contact the Access Team on 0115 9153692.

Study Collections.

It is possible to set up a Study Point for individual scholars who use wheelchairs.  To arrange a visit please telephone the Castle Museum on 0115 9153700.

Newstead Abbey

General Site Information

Newstead Abbey is situated near Ravenshead, one mile from its main gate on the A60 Nottingham to Mansfield road.  The main car park is 200 metres from the house but blue badge parking is available directly outside the building for visitors who have mobility difficulties.

Information for Visitors with Limited Mobility and Wheelchair Users

The full tour of the house involves many stairs and although there are proposals to add handrails where possible, these are currently limited.  The historic nature of the building prevents major alterations and access for wheelchair users is therefore restricted to parts of the ground floor only.  

Entrance is via the South Entrance using ramps which enable access to the cloisters, Plantagenet Room and Becket Room.  Please use the doorphone to gain assistance.

Please note that groups of three or more wheelchair users should book visits to the house in advance on (01623) 455900.

A wheel chair is available, please book in advance by phoning 01623 455900

Toilets accessible to wheelchair users are available in the grounds.

There are seats throughout the house and gardens.

Information for Visitors who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

The nature of the displays is such that they are ideal for visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing to enjoy.

Access Programmes

Access Programmes aim to encourage groups to use the museum as creatively as possible.  Sessions may include:-

• An introduction to Newstead Abbey and disability access.
• A range of one off “sessions” which provide an opportunity to work creatively with objects from the museums collections.  For details and information please contact Ann Coyne, Museums Access Officer on (0115) 9153693.
• The formal education programme is well established, offering sessions from early years to further education.  Sessions can be adapted to meet the needs of users.

Prior booking is essential.  Please do provide information about individual and group needs in order to ensure all students can access sessions fully.

Details of programmes are available in the termly Education Newsletter, for copies and booking please call the Access Team on 0115 9153692.

Information for Visitors who are Visually Impaired.

The audio tour has been specially adapted for visitors who are visually impaired.  Lighting levels are necessarily low because of the sensitive nature of many exhibits.  However, lighting levels can be enhanced for short periods of time for groups of visitors who are visually impaired.  Please telephone in advance to arrange this on (01623) 455900.

A leaflet guide to the house is available in large print.

Guide dogs are welcome and water bowls are available on request.

Study Collections

The stores are currently inaccessible to wheelchair users but a study point for individual scholars can be set up.  Please inform us in advance of your visit by telephoning the Museum Office on (01623) 455903 or writing to the Curator, Newstead Abbey, Ravenshead, Notts, NG15 8GE.

Wollaton Hall and Park

General Site Information

Vehicle access to Wollaton Park is off Wollaton Road and there are two main car parks.  One is situated just through the entrance gates to the Park and the second halfway up the hill towards the Hall.  Wollaton Hall is situated up a steep hill, 100 metres from the second car park.

Car and minibus parking is available for visitors with mobility difficulties directly outside the Hall.  Since places are limited, please telephone, if possible, on (0115) 9153900.

Information for Visitors with Limited Mobility and Wheelchair Users

There are a number of steps up to the entrance to the Hall and museum.  The historic nature of the Hall has prevented major alterations to the fabric of the building but wheelchair users can gain access to the ground floor using the ramp at the back entrance to the hall.

Please see a staff member at the front entrance to access the back door. Once inside the building, there is a lift between the basement, ground floor and first floor.

Please note that fire regulations limit the maximum number of wheelchair users in the building to five at any one time.

Toilets accessible for wheelchair users are available both in the hall and in the nearby courtyard buildings in the grounds.

There are seats throughout the building and all inside stairs have handrails.

The Industrial Museum, Cafe in the Courtyard, and Yard Gallery are all fully accessible  for wheelchair users.

Information for Visitors who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

The nature of the displays is such that they are ideal for visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing to enjoy.

Access Programmes

Access Programmes aim to encourage groups to use the museum as creatively as possible.  Sessions may include:-

• An introduction to Wollaton Hall and disability access.
• A range of one off “sessions” which provide an opportunity to work creatively with objects from the museums collections.  For details and information please contact Ann Coyne, Museums Access Officer on (0115) 915 3692.
• The formal education programme is well established, offering sessions from early years to further education.  Sessions can be adapted to meet the needs of users.

Prior booking is essential. Please do provide information about individual and group needs in order to ensure all students can access sessions fully.  Details of programmes are available in the termly Education Newsletter, for copies and bookings please call the Access Team on (0115) 9153692.

Information for Visitors who are Visually Impaired

A brailie information sheet on the Hall is available to use during your visit. Please ask at the reception desk on arrival.

There is a tactile model of Wollaton Hall situted in the Great Hall. A tactile model  of the park is situated in the Yard Shop in the Coutryard buildings

Handling sessions are available by arrangement.  Please telephone the Access Officer on (0115) 9153900.

Guide Dogs are welcome and a water bowl is available on request.

Alternative Languages

An information sheet detailing a brief history of Wollaton Hall is available to pick up from the reception desk. This is available in English, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, Arabic, Japanese, Cantonese, Frech, Polish, German, Spanish and Italian.

In the Park

Wollaton Park’s Sensory Garden is the result of a partnership between Nottingham City Council and The Boots Company.  The garden uses a variety of techniques to stimulate the senses and increase awareness of the benefits  of gardening for people with sensory impairments.  

Upon entering the garden, a tapping rail and white stripe have been installed to allow people with visual impairments easier access to the garden.  A tactile map of the layout of the garden is also in place.

The plants within the garden have been specifically chose for their sensory qualities.  Raised beds and wide paths allow easy access for wheelchair users.

Please note that there is a Car Parking Charge at Wollaton Park.