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Natural History Museum - Colchester

High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1DN

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Access Guide

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Overview

  • About View
    • This museum is housed in a former church featuring natural history exhibits on regional animals & geology.
    • Facilities available in the venue include: natural history exhibits, gift shop, standard and accessible toilets and outdoor trail.
    • View information on opening times.
  • Parking and Public Transport View
  • Getting In and Around View
    • There is step-free access via slope at the most accessible entrance.
    • There is step-free level access throughout.
    • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: welcome desk, toilets and shop.
    • The following facilities are available: a seat/chair and a water bowl for assistance dogs.
    • Additional equipment which can be borrowed or hired includes: Hidden Disabilities lanyards, Twiddle Muffs and Sheet Magnifiers. .
    • The venue can provide braille documents.
    • Staff receive the following training: Autism Awareness, Dementia Awareness and First Aid.
  • Toilet and Changing Facilities View
    • There is 1 toilet with adaptations.
    • The toilet with adaptations is located to the left of the reception desk.
    • The shared step-free toilet facilities are located to the left of the reception desk.
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located in the toilet with adaptations to the left of the reception desk.

Access Point (Gate)

  • This access point is located on the Colchester High Street.
  • There is step-free level access.
  • There are double manual gates.
  • The gates are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 153cm.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Entrance

  • This entrance is located at the front of the venue.
  • There is step-free access via a very easy slope at the entrance.
  • There are double manual doors at this entrance.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 115cm.
  • There is a second set of double manual doors .
  • The second set of doors open away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 132cm.
  • There is step-free access via a very easy slope as you enter.

Ticketing

  • Ticket Counter / Machines View
    • The ticket counter surveyed is located on the right side after entering.
    • There is step-free access via a very easy slope to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 96cm.
    • There is a lowered section at the counter, at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Shop

Toilet with Adaptations (Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located to the left of the reception desk.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has a ramp or slope.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The width of the door opening is 84cm.
    • The door has a locking handle.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet.
    • The lateral transfer space is 74cm (from the side of the toilet pan to the wall).
    • There is a spatula flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The toilet seat is 44cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder, a wash basin, a wall mounted soap dispenser, a wall mounted towel dispenser and a hand dryer available.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rail is on the right as you face the wash basin.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
    • Additional features include: a full length mirror, a coat hook and a baby changing table.
    • The baby changer is 106cm when in use.

Climate and Geology Gallery

  • All exhibits are indoors.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: entrance into this area.
  • Access throughout may include narrow walkways.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There may be background noise.
  • Display information includes: tactile, pictorial, audio guides, information boards and interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The tour is self-guided but volunteers/staff are available to provide additional information.

The Saltings

  • This area is indoors.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: entrance into this area.
  • Access throughout may include narrow walkways.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There may be background noise.
  • Display information includes: tactile, pictorial, information boards and interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
  • Guided tours are available.

Activity Area

  • This area is indoors.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • Access throughout may include narrow openings.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There may be background noise.
  • Display information includes: tactile, pictorial, audio guides, information boards, televisions/screens, handheld information devices and interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
  • The tour is self-guided but volunteers/staff are available to provide additional information.

Museum Nature Trail

  • The following is available in this area: gardens.
  • Outdoor areas consist of concrete or tarmac, compact earth and paving slabs.
  • There are footpaths throughout.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • There are not any seats situated along the paths for people to rest.