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Richmondshire Museum
Richmondshire Museum

Accessibility Policy

Situated just out of the centre of Richmond, this interesting, VASQAS approved museum tells the story of the town and surrounding area from its early beginnings right up to the present time.  The museum is situated off a slight hill, Ryders Wynd, and is approached along a short, cobbled access road with a paved path to one side.  There is lift access to all three floors of the museum and to the toilets.

To make the most of your visit, you should allow about 1.0 - 1.5 hours to see everything.  Stewards are on hand to give assistance where required.

For full details and maps of how to reach us please see the Location section of our website. Alternatively, you can plan your journey by car or public transport using a journey planning website using our postcode which is DL10 4JA to get directions. If using the app what3words please use "chiefs.pockets.watch" to find us.

We are connected well by Arriva bus routes to both the train station and the surrounding area.   The Little White Bus  also serves the local area.

The nearest train station is 11 miles away in Darlington, County Durham. 

Parking is extremely limited onsite, but can be made available on request. There are a number of free spaces within the town centre with a 2-hour parking disk; Lidl's car park may also be used for up to 2 hours free of charge; and parking is also available at The Station and in Nuns Close car park for a modest hourly charge.

There is space outside the museum that can be used as a drop off point with no curbs. The main entrance has a paved footpath, which is wide enough for wheelchair access and no steps.

The entrance, ticket and shop area are on the ground floor with no steps and a thin pile carpet surface. It is level throughout and there is a seat for visitor use. We also have additional seating just outside the entrance with two lovely benches. This area is well lit; other parts of the museum have more subdued light for the preservation of items on display. The counter is a low desk which is easily accessible to wheelchair users. Magnifying glasses, pens and paper can be available on request.

Interpretation boards are all in standard text, and have pictorial representation where applicable. Most are at a maximum top height of 165cm. Most cabinets can be seen at 115cm eye level; there are only two that cannot. A visitor map is given upon arrival to assist with the exploration of the museum but there is no definitive way to enjoy the space; it is much more; look and explore. There is an introductory video that can be played upon request to set the scene of Richmondshire social history.

A selection of Quizzes are available on request for children of all ages and our education program

There are two toilets on the first floor, but these easily accessible by the lift.  The larger one is unisex, is suitable for wheelchair users, and has baby-changing facilities.

The shop is located within the entrance area and is easily accessible; members of staff are always happy to help. There is no background music and the counter is not behind glass or any other partition.

Additional Information

The staff have not received any specific disability training but are all caring individuals who are always more than happy to help. There is an evacuation plan on the visitor map and the alarm has a loud sound and flashing red lights; emergency exit signage is easily visible.

Future Plans

To have large print / braille copies of all information.

Staff training to improve support for visitors.