Main Building

The main building is on three floors and due to its age (600 years) and listed status there are:

• Steep spiral-type stairs, which are black but do have a white strip edge.

• No handrails on parts of some staircases

• Very low ceilings in some places, however these are well signposted

• Cobbles on the ground floor, which make the surface uneven

• Single steps connecting areas on the same floor as all the areas of one floor are not on the same level - there are warning notices.

•  Some narrow passages.

New Building and Outside Area

• There is a ramp from the main building to the new building.

• There are modern stairs with a handrail to and from the Royalty Room.

• There are stairs with a handrail to the tearoom and steps from there to the garden.

• There are 4 steps with a handrail to the grass, which can also be accessed by a sloping path.

•  The outside play area has bark chips on the landing area.

• There are no obstacles in the remainder of the outside area.

 Wheelchair Access

• There is no wheelchair access to the 2nd and 3rd floors in the main building.

• The ground floor is cobbled and very uneven.

• There is a lift from street level to the Royalty Room.

• There is a lift from the tearoom to the garden level.

• There is a sloping path through to the garden.

Slippery surfaces

Every effort is taken to minimise risks created from slippery surfaces.  Some pathways leading to the gardens are on a slight gradient, therefore caution is recommended in bad weather. In inclement weather action is taken to grit pathways, sweep away debris, and mop up water in toilets etc.  Although care is taken to make areas as safe as possible, visitors should be cautious of slipping on fallen leaves. Steps leading from the museum to the garden are high-lighted with white lines and a hand rail is available.

Main Building

Some ceilings are quite low however visitors are warned in advance by clear signage in the area. The museum is situated on three floors, and due to the medieval age and listed status of the building, therefore are no lifts, therefore access is via stairs that are quite steep in places. The stairs go round therefore care must be taken as they are quite narrow on the inside.

Maintenance of the play areas

The children’s play areas are checked daily and monitored for any potential hazards. Teachers are asked to supervise school groups as they play in these areas. A tarmac gravel path leads to the children’s play area, and it is advisable that children do not run down this slight incline - warning signage is clearly marked.