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National Railway Museum - Great Hall Side

Leeman Road, York, YO26 4XJ

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About this venue

For a fantastic day out for the whole family in York, visit the award winning National Railway Museum. Get up close to over 300 years of fascinating history in York's only National Museum. Explore our giant halls full of trains and railway legends including the majestic Duchess of Hamilton, step on to the futuristic Japanese Bullet Train or marvel at the stunning opulence of the Royal Trains. Get on board awe-inspiring locomotives, watch our engineers at work in the Workshop, uncover hidden treasures in the Warehouse and make tracks to the outdoor area.

Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Comments View
    • Access to the National Railway Museum is currently only VIA the Station Hall Side Entrance.

Location

  • The venue is situated within the centre of the city.
  • This venue is situated in York.
  • The venue is not situated on a road which has a steep gradient.
  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest mainline station is York.

Opening Hours

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is not free for all users.
    • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
    • The car park is located on Leeman Road.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • There is/are 0 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is not accessible to a wheelchair user.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There is a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • The road is generally busy.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • For Blue Badge parking information, please follow the link in the introduction section to the National Railway Museum - Station Hall Side guide.

Reception (Admissions Desk)

  • The desk/counter is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are medium.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.

Reception (Conference Centre)

  • The desk/counter is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • The lighting levels are medium.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Reception (Information Desk)

  • The desk/counter is 101m (110yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Inside Access

  • There is not level access to the service(s).
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are varied.

Level Change (North Shed)

  • There are a variety of level changes throughout the museum.
  • Some exhibits are accessed by ramps.
  • The ramps vary from easy to moderate.
  • Some exhibits have veiwing platforms accessed by steps.
  • The steps are medium height, clearly marked, with handrails on both sides.
  • The photographs show the ramps to access Bullet (photographs 1 and 2), the Chinese train (photograph 3) and The Scotsman Story (photograph 4).
  • The photographs also show the steps to access Bullet (photograph 5), the Chinese train (photograph 6), Mallard (photograph 7) and The Scotsman Story (photograph 8).
  • The number of steps varies from 4 to 14.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG-G.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Comments View
    • There are a number of different sets of stairs throughout the Great Hall and The Works.
    • The stairs surveyed are located beyond the foyer, leading to the Great Hall.
    • Photographs 4 and 5 show the stairs from The Scotsman Story to The Works.
    • Photograph 6 shows the stairs adjacent to Mallard Cafe leading from the Great Hall to The Works.
    • Photographs 7 and 8 show the photographs adjacent to the volunteer information desk leading from the Great Hall to Search Engine.

Lift (Foyer)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located at the rear right of the foyer as you enter the building.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG-G.
  • The lift is approximately 11m (12yd 1in) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 105cm x 140cm (3ft 5in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.

Museum

  • Exhibits can be audio described.
  • Tactile signage for exhibits is not available.
  • Braille signage for exhibits is not available.
  • Touch tours are not available.
  • Video tours are not available.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
  • There is a wheelchair to borrow.
  • To borrow the wheelchair, ask a member of staff.
  • Comments View
    • There are some interactive and video exhibits in the Great Hall.
    • The height to the top of the video screens is 152cm.
    • The height to the controls is 76cm.
    • The height to the interactives is 72cm.
    • There are information boards for the exhibits.
    • There is a viewing area over The Works which allows visitors to watch engines being refurbished.

Eating and Drinking (Cafe)

  • The following information is for the cafĂ©.
  • The cafĂ© is located to the rear left of the Great Hall as you enter from the main entrance.
  • The bar does serve food.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks cannot be brought to the table.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 82m (89yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • The standard height for tables is 75cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are wall only.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.

Counter (Gift Shop)

  • The counter is 101m (110yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the counter from the entrance.
  • There is not a bell to attract attention.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 87cm (2ft 10in).
  • There is not a lowered section.
  • The height of the counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

Outside Access (Countess of York Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located in the patio at the rear of the Great Hall.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • There are no doors at this entrance.
  • The width of the door opening is 180cm (5ft 11in).
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 102cm (3ft 4in).

Level Change (Countess of York Entrance)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located in front of the second door.
  • The ramp/slope is easy.
  • The ramp/slope is portable.
  • Please contact a member of staff.
  • The ramp does not have handrails.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
  • There is/are 8 step(s) to the area/service.
  • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • There is a lift to access this area/service.
  • The lift does bypass the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • There is also 1 deep step in the second door way, which is overcome by the ramp.

Lift (Countess of York Entrance)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in front of the entrance.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 84cm (2ft 9in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 90cm x 135cm (2ft 11in x 4ft 5in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does not have tactile markings.

Eating and Drinking (Countess of York)

  • The following information is for the restaurant.
  • The restaurant is located on the patio at the rear of the Great Hall.
  • Full table service is available.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the Countess of York Entrance.
  • The standard height for tables is 72cm.
  • There is not ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are hand held only.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is afternoon teas.
  • Comments View
    • The restaurant is located in an old railway carriage.
    • The restaurant can be hired for evening meals.
    • There are also external tables on the patio and platform.
    • The height of the external tables is 74cm.

Lift (The Works)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located at the rear left of the building, beyond the Scotsman Story.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG-G.
  • The lift is approximately 124m (135yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 111cm x 140cm (3ft 8in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.

Lift (Search Engine)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the rear right of the building as you enter from the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG-G.
  • The lift is approximately 101m (110yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 89cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 157cm x 140cm (5ft 2in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.
  • Comments View
    • The lift is only operational when the library and archive is open.

Library (Search Engine)

  • This is the NRM library and archive.
  • There are security barriers at the entrance.
  • The width between the barriers is 100cm.
  • There are desks.
  • The height of the desks is 76cm.
  • There are seats.
  • The seats have armrests.
  • There are computer desks.
  • The height of the computer desks is 72cm.
  • There are not height adjustable chairs.
  • The height of the counter is high.
  • There is a low section of the counter.
  • The counter is 45m from the Search Engine lift.

Accessible Toilet (Foyer)

  • There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the rear left of the foyer.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 143cm x 214cm (4ft 8in x 7ft).
    • There is not sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is sensor.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are general domestic waste and sanitary disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf is not higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Accessible Toilet (Great Hall)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 50m (54yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the left of the Great Hall as you enter.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 130cm x 190cm (4ft 3in x 6ft 3in).
    • There is not sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 67cm (2ft 2in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary and general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the accessible toilet cubicle.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 86cm (2ft 10in).

Standard Toilet(s)

Additional Info

  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • Comments View
    • There is stepped access from York main line station to the Station Hall side.
    • A wheelchair can be borrowed from the Station Hall side.
    • The venue can be hired for private functions.
    • A large print map is available on request.
    • Electric and standard wheelchairs are available to loan free of charge.
    • There are also 2 mobility scooters available to borrow.
    • Additional services and special requirements can also be made available. This includes out of hours visiting and general help/assistance, please phone the venue in advance for more details.

User Reviews