Accessibility
Here at Lancaster City Museums we are working hard to make our buildings as accessible as possible. This is a page in development, so please bear with us as we continue to add content.
Physical Access
- ***Please be aware that the stairlift at Lancaster City Museum does not currently work.*** We are working on getting a replacement as soon as possible. We are really sorry but this means that the first-floor galleries (most of the permanent exhibits, including the King's Own Regimental galleries) are currently NOT accessible to anyone unable to climb two flights of stairs. The ground floor remains completely accessible and can be reached via the main steps or a ramp to the right of the front door. Our main temporary exhibition gallery and shop are on the ground floor. There is Blue Badge parking available in New Street, behind the museum.
- The Maritime Museum is wheelchair-accessible, with lift access to all areas except for the small mezzanine gallery. There is an accessible toilet with emergency cord on the ground floor, and a Blue Badge parking space in front of the museum.
- The Cottage Museum is unfortunately not easily accessible to anyone with limited mobility, due to its historic features such as steep staircases and uneven floors.
Other Features
Both the City Museum and the Maritime Museum have sensory backpacks available to borrow for free from the front desk. Ideal for children and young people on the autism spectrum, each backpack includes ear protectors, communication cards, fiddle toys and more.
We are working on several other ideas to increase accessibility in our museums, including the Touch and See project for the visually impaired. Both the City and Maritime museums have prototype lithophanes installed as part of this project, and we welcome any feedback on these. Find out more about this project here: Touch and See.
If you would like to talk to us about an access issue at our museums then please contact us by email or phone:
- Lancaster City & Cottage Museums - lancastercitymuseum@lancaster.gov.uk, 01524 64637
- Lancaster Maritime Museum - lancastermaritimemuseum@lancaster.gov.uk, 01524 382264
- Visual Story of the City Museum, including Sensory Maps: City Museum Sensory Floor Plan (PDF, 6.3MB)
- Lancaster City Museum Access Statement (PDF, 167KB)
- Maritime Museum Access Statement (PDF, 174KB)
- Cottage Museum Access Statement (PDF, 157KB)