Accessibility Guide

There is a large pay and display car park adjacent to Discovery Point. Parking is free if you display your blue badge.

There is a level entrance to Discovery Point, and all the museum galleries are on the ground floor. A lift to the first-floor offices, conference rooms and Discovery Dome experience is available.

In the museum galleries, light levels vary. There are a number of audio-visual displays.

Temperature varies as you move between the museum galleries and the ship, and some spaces can be quite cold. You may want to bring an extra layer of clothing to put on in this area.

Royal Research Ship Discovery is a historic ship, and the nature of her construction means that full wheelchair and buggy access is not possible. There is a ramp that can be placed at the top of the gangway to provide access to the main deck.

Access to the Bridge or the lower decks is by narrow stairs. Once below decks, there are many changes in level lighting and steep stairs.

In the Odyssey gallery, there is a film show of a tour of the ship above and below decks. This film has both an audio commentary and written subtitles on the screen, for any visitors who cannot access the Royal Research Ship Discovery.

Wheelchairs are available for loan at no extra charge, both in child and adult sizes.

There is a variety of seating throughout the museum. Adapted toilets are available.

There are induction loops fitted to the audio displays. Within the exhibition galleries, light levels can vary.

Assistance dogs are admitted. Concession rates are available, and carers are admitted free when accompanying the person they care for.

If you need assistance during your visit, staff members will be able to help you. Front-of-house teams wear grey t-shirts and orange lanyards. Members of our Education team are trained in basic Makaton.

We have emergency evacuation procedures for disabled visitors.

Free sanitary products are available in our bathrooms.