You are on Overview. Skip to the next section.

Overview

Collapse all Expand all

• About View
  • The National Waterways Museum is a canal history venue, with multiple displays and interactive exhibits in 17 buildings, plus a boat collection in a former dock.
  • The following is available here: a café, exhibits, museum buildings , outbuildings, a playground and a shop.
  • There are boat trips available.
• Parking and Public Transport View
  • The venue has its own car park, with Blue Badge parking available.
  • There is a drop-off point.
  • The nearest train station is Ellesmere Port Station.
  • The nearest bus station is Ellesmere Port Bus Interchange.
  • For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Google Maps (opens new tab).
• Getting Around View
  • The following areas have stepped access: The Superintendent's Office, some parts of the Pump House, The Pattern Shop, Porters Row Cottages and the Conference Centre toilets.
  • The following areas have step-free access via slopes or ramps: the slipways and locks, the area behind the stables and many parts of the walkways in the outdoor areas around the Museum. Portable ramps give access to some areas and exhibits in Porters Row.
  • Circulation routes around the site consist of: surfaced footpaths, unsurfaced paths, gravel paths and grassed areas.
  • Resting areas are available along circulation routes.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Map boards are provided.
• Getting Help and Assistance View
  • You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair.
  • There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
  • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
  • Staff receive the following training: Safeguarding, Dementia Awareness, Autism Awareness, Basic Makaton and Fire, Water, Save a Life Training.

You are on Toilet and Changing Facilities. Skip to the next section.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

Collapse all Expand all

• Toilet Facilities View
  • There are 2 toilets with adaptations.
  • The toilets with adaptations are located near the ticketing desk and on the first floor of the Island Warehouse.
  • The transfer space varies between toilets with adaptations.
  • Female and male step-free standard toilet facilities are located near the ticketing desk, on the first floor of the Island Warehouse and in the Conference Centre.
  • Female and male standard toilet facilities with stepped access are located in the Conference Centre.
• Changing Facilities View
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located near the standard toilets next to the ticketing desk and on the first floor of the Island Warehouse.

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

Collapse all Expand all

• Car Park View
  • The car park is located on South Pier Road, opposite the museum.
  • The car park is open air/surface.
  • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
  • The height of the restriction barrier is 210cm.
  • There are 12 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
  • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
  • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 240cm (width) x 470cm (depth).
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
  • The hatched/marked zones vary between bays.
  • The nearest designated bay is 45m from the main entrance.
  • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access.
  • This route has uneven surfaces.
  • There is a dropped kerb with tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
• Charges and Restrictions View
  • This car park is for visitors only.
  • Parking is free for all users.
• Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
  • There are no electric vehicle charging points designated for Blue Badge holders.
  • There are 4 electric vehicle charging points.
  • The dimensions of the surveyed electric vehicle charging bay are 240cm (width) x 470cm (depth).
  • The controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The nozzle holster is not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Payment can be made via an app.

You are on Entrance. Skip to the next section.

Entrance

• This entrance is located at the front of the building.
• The entrance area is clearly signed.
• There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
• There is step-free access via a very easy slope or ramp at the entrance.
• There is an entry system at a height of 80cm.
• There are double automatic doors.
• The doors open towards you.
• The width of the opening is 100cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The doors have a low colour contrast.
• There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 90cm.

You are on Ticketing Counter. Skip to the next section.

Ticketing Counter

• The counter is located to the right hand side, as you enter the Museum.
• The distance from the entrance doors is 6m.
• The most accessible route to the counter has step-free level access.
• There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
• There is step-free level access to the counter.
• The height of the counter is 90cm.
• There is a lowered section at the counter.
• The height of the lowered section is 78cm.
• The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
• The payment machine is portable.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• There may be background noise in this area.
• Some flooring is shiny.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Main Entrance Foyer - Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Main Entrance Foyer - Right Hand Transfer)

Collapse all Expand all

• Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located in the main entrance foyer.
  • The distance from the ticketing desk is 3m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening is 92cm.
  • The door has a lever twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 177cm (width) x 186cm (depth) and 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 115cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a spatula flush on the transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 105cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 75cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a twist/turn tap.
  • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 47cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 101cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There is one coat hook.
  • The coat hook is 150cm from the floor.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.

You are on Cafe. Skip to the next section.

Cafe

Collapse all Expand all

• Location and Access View
  • The cafe is located to the left hand side of the reception desk.
  • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
  • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • The width of the opening is 250cm.
• Service View
  • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered and staff who can provide assistance with ordering.
  • Full table service is available on request only.
  • Menus are handheld and available on a board.
  • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free, lactose free, nut allergy, vegetarian and vegan.
  • The following are available: drinking straws, takeaway cups and takeaway cutlery.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Order and Payment View
  • The service counter was surveyed.
  • The counter is located to the right hand side, as you enter the cafe.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 90cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
  • The height of the tray rail is 85cm.
  • There is a portable payment machine.
• Seating Area View
  • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
  • There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
  • The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is background noise in this area.

You are on Outdoor Seating - Cafe. Skip to the next section.

Outdoor Seating - Cafe

Collapse all Expand all

• Location and Access View
  • The outdoor seating area is located to the right hand side, as you enter the cafe.
  • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • There is step-free level access to this area.
  • There are double manual doors.
  • The doors open away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 150cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a low colour contrast.
• Seating Area View
  • The seating area is partially covered.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • Seating available in this area includes: benches.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables and picnic tables.
  • The surface height of the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There may be background noise in this area.

You are on Gift Shop. Skip to the next section.

Gift Shop

Collapse all Expand all

• Access to the Shop View
  • The gift shop is located on the left hand side, from the main entrance.
  • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • There is step-free level access into the shop.
  • There is an opening without doors.
  • The width of the opening is more than 200cm.
  • There is a clearly marked lip at the door threshold.
• Shop View
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • The majority of product aisle widths are under 120cm.
  • Product displays/containers that may be more difficult for some to reach or open include: low shelving and high shelving.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • There may be background noise.
  • There is product signage.
  • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• Payment Counters and Checkouts View
  • The payment counter is located on the left hand side, as you enter the gift shop.
  • Signage is not provided for the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 90cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • The payment machine is moveable.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

You are on Exhibition Space (Island Warehouse - Ground Floor). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Island Warehouse - Ground Floor)

• The area is indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
• There is background noise in this area.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• Display formats include: pictorial, audio description and information boards.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• The Island Warehouse is located opposite the reception building, across the lock bridge.
• A QR code is available for visitors to connect to, for exhibit information.

You are on Stairs. Skip to the next section.

Stairs

• The stairs surveyed are located through the door at the rear of the exhibition.
• There is a single manual door to access the stairwell.
• The ground floor and first floor can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 11 steps between floors.
• The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are not easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 17cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.

You are on Lift. Skip to the next section.

Lift

• The lift surveyed is located through the door to the rear of the exhibition.
• The distance from the main entrance is 20m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and manual doors.
• The ground floor and first floor are accessed by this lift.
• The lift door has a high visual contrast.
• The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
• The external lift control buttons have a high visual contrast.
• All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The lift door opening width is 100cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 110cm (width) x 140cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
• Some of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing and an audible announcer.

You are on Exhibition Space (Island Warehouse - First Floor). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Island Warehouse - First Floor)

• The area is indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• Some flooring is shiny.
• The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
• The following may be experienced here: interactive video effects.
• There may be background noise in this area.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• Display formats include: audio description, information boards and televisions/screens.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
• The flooring is uneven in some areas.
• A QR code is available for visitors to connect to, for exhibit information.

You are on Exhibition Space (The Power Hall). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (The Power Hall)

• The area is indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
• There may be background noise in this area.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• Display formats include: audio description and information boards.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• A QR code is available for visitors to connect to, for exhibit information.

You are on Outdoor Seating. Skip to the next section.

Outdoor Seating

Collapse all Expand all

• Location and Access View
  • Outdoor seating is available in the canalside area.
  • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • This route has uneven surfaces.
  • There is step-free level access to this area.
• Seating Area View
  • The seating area is uncovered.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and benches.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables and picnic tables.
  • The surface height of the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There may be background noise in this area.

You are on Outdoor Spaces. Skip to the next section.

Outdoor Spaces

• The following is available in this area: a playground, walkways and bridges around the Museum site.
• Outdoor areas consist of cobbled surfaces, block paving and bonded gravel.
• There are footpaths throughout.
• The majority of the paths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas, this may include the use of a lift.
• The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the slipways and locks, the area behind the stables, the horse path and many parts of the walkways around the Museum site. Portable ramps give access to some areas and exhibits in Porters Row.
• The following areas have stepped access: the Superintendent's Office, some parts of the Pump House, The Pattern Shop and Porters Row Cottages.
• There are seats situated along the paths for people to rest.