Hollytrees Museum

Accessibility

The entrance has automatic sliding double doors.

Access information for visitors with mobility impairments

Visitors in wheelchairs and parents with pushchairs can now gain access to all public areas of the museum via a lift.

The lift door opening measures 80cm wide. The internal measurements of the lift are 110cm wide by 140cm in length.

Due to the nature of the building the lift has two sets of doors, opening on different sides.

Visitors using electric scooters or larger motorised wheelchairs may have difficulty using the lift. However, there is a manual wheelchair available for use, if required.

Fire regulations mean that there is controlled access to the lift. Please ask at reception if you wish to use the lift. We are also restricted to no more than two wheelchair users on the first floor. If there are more than two wheelchair users in your group, please call 01206 282937 to arrange your visit.

Display cases and text are at wheelchair height and mixed with other audio and tactile elements to bring history to life.

There is a RADAR accessible toilet next to the museum entrance - ask a member of the museum staff for a key.

Access information for visitors with visual impairments

A tactile RNIB 'Maps For All' floor plan is situated on each floor to help with orientation.

There are hands-on interactive and sensory experiences throughout the museum displays.

There are various displays with sound commentary.

You can download or listen to an audio described tour of the Bernard Mason Clock Gallery here.  A text version is also available.  Total running time is 22 minutes.

Click here for the text version : Clock Gallery Audio Described Tour Script

Guide and helping dogs are welcome.

 

Access information for visitors with hearing impairments

There is a hearing induction loop fitted at the reception.

Where the displays include sound there are transcripts available by these displays.

Inductive couplers for people who use hearing aids are fitted to the sound phones.

There is a video in British Sign Language (BSL) in the Childhood Gallery interpreting Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, the famous Colchester nursery rhyme.

As well as the audible fire alarm, a visual fire alarm system has been fitted in the building.

We provide British Sign Language interpretation at selected events. Please see our events section for details.

If you have any further access queries please contact our Bookings and Information Officer on 01206 282937 or email jo.besant@colchester.gov.uk