You are on Overview. Skip to the next section.

Overview

Collapse all Expand all

• About View
  • The Beacon Museum is a museum based on maritime, local and other themes.
  • Facilities available in the venue include: parking, toilets, museum, gallery space, café and gift shop.
  • View information on opening times
• Parking and Public Transport View
  • The venue has its own car park, with Blue Badge parking available.
  • There is a public car park nearby.
  • The nearest train station is Whitehaven.
  • For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Google Maps (opens new tab).
  • View information on getting here (opens new tab) .
• Getting In and Around View
  • There is step-free access via slope at the most accessible entrance.
  • There is access to the museum via the café and lift.
  • There is step-free level access throughout.
  • The following areas have stepped access: the popular culture gallery.
  • Access throughout may include doors permanently held open.
  • Level 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 can be accessed via a standard lift.
• Getting Help and Assistance View
  • There is seating available.
  • There is a fixed hearing assistance system.
  • You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair.
  • Documents are available in the following formats: Braille, large print and different languages.
  • There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
  • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
  • Staff receive the following training: Visitor Expectations and Equality and Diversity.

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.
  • Toilets with adaptations are located on Level 0 and Level 3.
  • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
  • The accessible toilet with a peninsular layout is located on Level 3.
  • Ambulant toilet facilities are located on Level 0.
  • The male step-free toilet facilities are located on Level 3.
  • The female step-free toilet facilities are located on Level 2.
• Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located on Level 2.

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

Collapse all Expand all

• Car Park View
  • The car park is located to the side of the venue.
  • The car park is open air/surface.
  • The car park surface consists of block paving.
  • There are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
  • The Blue Badge bays have faded markings.
  • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 340cm (width) x 480cm (depth).
  • There are no hatched/marked zones.
  • The nearest designated bay is 22m from the entrance.
  • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has slight ramps or slopes and bollards.
  • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
• Charges and Restrictions View
  • Parking is not free for all users.
  • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
  • Clearly presented parking signs are available.
  • Payment machines are located close to the Blue Badge parking bays.
  • There is a payment machine with controls at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • There is a level manoeuvring space for a wheelchair user in front of the payment machine (185cm x 210cm).
  • View information on parking policies/charges (opens new tab).
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is a designated drop-off point available.
  • The designated drop-off point is located For step-free level access, visitors can be dropped off at the café entrance.
  • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the drop-off point.
• Public Car Parks View
  • There is a public car park located The nearest alternative public car park is approximately 100m away.
  • The name of the car park is Quay Street Car Park.
  • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available in the car park.

You are on Entrance (Level 0 - Howling Wolf Café). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Level 0 - Howling Wolf Café)

• This entrance is located on Level 0, below the Beacon Museum.
• The entrance area is clearly signed.
• There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
• There is step-free level access at the entrance.
• There is a single automatic door at this entrance.
• The door opens towards you.
• There is a push pad at a height of 72cm.
• The width of the opening is 105cm.
• The door has a high visual contrast.
• There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 85cm.
• There is step-free level access as you enter.

You are on Eating and Drinking (Level 0 - Howling Wolf Café). Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking (Level 0 - Howling Wolf Café)

Collapse all Expand all

• Location and Service View
  • This café can be accessed externally from the harbour side, or internally via stairs or lift from the museum.
  • The most accessible route has step-free level access and automatic doors.
  • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered, colleagues who can provide assistance with ordering and numerous seating options.
  • Full table service is available on request only.
  • Menus are wall-mounted, available on a board and displayed on the counter.
  • 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 and takeaway cups.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Order and Payment View
  • The payment counter was surveyed.
  • The counter is located on the right side of the café as you enter from the harbour.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 92cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • The counter has glazed screens which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
• Seating Area View
  • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests, sofas, benches and stools.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
  • Some seating and tables are fixed.
  • The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There may be background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • There is a second, barista service counter in the café with a height of 92cm.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Level 0 - Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Level 0 - Left Hand Transfer)

Collapse all Expand all

• Location and Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located on Level 0, to the rear of the café.
  • The distance from the café entrance is 15m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and manual doors.
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a low visual contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
  • The door has a 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 150cm (width) x 250cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet.
  • The lateral transfer space is 78cm (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 no vertical grab rail for the toilet.
  • 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 high 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 low visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 96cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 71cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a push 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 low visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 88cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a low visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 95cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin.
  • There is one coat hook.
  • The coat hook is 126cm from the floor.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Lift. Skip to the next section.

Lift

• The lift surveyed is located opposite the ticket desk on Level 1, or through the rear of the café on Level 0.
• The distance from the entrance is 10m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
• Level 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 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 tactile markings and 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 90cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 135cm (width) x 150cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have a high visual contrast.
• The majority of the internal controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a list of floor services/facilities.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Stairs. Skip to the next section.

Stairs

• The stairs surveyed are located centrally, throughout the museum.
• There is a single manual door to access the stairwell.
• Levels 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 20+ steps between floors.
• The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrail extends horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 18cm.
• The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Entrance (Level 1). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Level 1)

• This entrance is located directly ahead from the parking area.
• The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces and bollards.
• The entrance area is clearly signed.
• There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
• There is step-free access via slope at the entrance.
• The slope has a slight gradient.
• There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
• The doors open by sliding.
• The width of the opening is 176cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The doors have a high visual contrast.
• There is a second set of double automatic doors.
• The second set of doors open by sliding.
• The width of the opening is 176cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The second set of doors have a high visual contrast.
• There is step-free level access as you enter.

You are on Ticketing (Level 1 including Gift Shop). Skip to the next section.

Ticketing (Level 1 including Gift Shop)

Collapse all Expand all

• Ticket Office View
  • The ticket office surveyed is located on the left after the main entrance on Level 1.
  • There is step-free level access to the ticket office.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the ticket office.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is not a separate wheelchair accessible queue lane.
  • The flooring is patterned.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • The height of the counter is 112cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the counter.
  • The height of the lowered section is 80cm.
  • There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.

You are on Exhibition Space (Level 1 Harbour Gallery). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Level 1 Harbour Gallery)

• All exhibits are indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• Access throughout may include doors permanently held open.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• The flooring is shiny.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• Display information includes: subtitles, pictorial, televisions/screens and information boards.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: stools.
• Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
• The surface height of the tables is not suitable for wheelchair users.
• The clear height under the tables is not suitable for wheelchair users.
• The tour is self-guided.

You are on Exhibition Space (Level 2). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Level 2)

• All exhibits are indoors.
• Access throughout may include doors permanently held open.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• Some flooring is shiny.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• The following may be experienced here: lighting effects, interactive video effects, audio triggered by a sensor and audio triggered by the visitor.
• There may be background noise.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• Display information includes: pictorial, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user, tactile, subtitles, augmented reality, information boards, audio description, televisions/screens and touchscreens.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches and stools.
• Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
• The tour is self-guided.

You are on Parent and Baby Room / Feeding Room (Level 2). Skip to the next section.

Parent and Baby Room / Feeding Room (Level 2)

• The room surveyed is located on Level 2.
• The distance from next to the lift is 1m.
• The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access and a lift.
• There is step-free level access into the room.
• There is Braille, pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
• The door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
• The door is easy to open.
• The width of the door opening is 80cm.
• Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
• The height of the baby change facility when in use is 76cm.
• There is a wash basin, a hand dryer, a paper towel dispenser, a mirror and a coat hook in the room.
• The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
• The room has a waste bin and a nappy/incontinence items bin.
• Seating available in the room includes: chairs without armrests.
• The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Exhibition Space (Level 3). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Level 3)

• All exhibits are indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• Access throughout may include doors permanently held open.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• Some flooring is shiny.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• The following may be experienced here: lighting effects, 3D visual effects on screen and interactive video effects.
• There may be background noise.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• Display information includes: tactile, pictorial, audio guides, information boards, televisions/screens, augmented reality, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user and subtitles.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests and stools.
• Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
• The tour is self-guided.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Level 3 - Peninsular Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Level 3 - Peninsular Transfer)

Collapse all Expand all

• Location and Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located on Level 3.
  • The distance from the lift is 1m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and a lift.
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is Braille, pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 98cm.
  • The door has a locking handle.
  • 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 240cm (width) x 330cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is lateral transfer space on both sides of the toilet, however the left side is obstructed.
  • The lateral transfer space on the left is 170cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • The lateral transfer space on the right is 80cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a lever flush on the right transfer side.
  • There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
  • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
  • The vertical grab rails have a high visual contrast.
  • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
  • The dropdown rails have a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 42cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is located on the dropdown rail.
  • The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 74cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • The vertical grab rail is on the left as you face the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rail has 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 92cm 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 90cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm but it was tied up at the time of the survey.
  • The mirror has been angled for ease of use.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a sanitary bin and a pedal bin.
  • There is one coat hook.
  • The coat hook is 145cm from the floor.
  • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Exhibition Space (Level 4). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Level 4)

• All exhibits are indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
• The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the Light and Dark Gallery.
• Access throughout may include manual doors and doors permanently held open.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• The flooring is shiny.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• The following may be experienced here: interactive video effects.
• There is background noise.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• Display information includes: tactile, pictorial, information boards, touchscreens, televisions/screens, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user and subtitles.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests, benches and stools.
• The tour is self-guided.

You are on Stairs (Mezzanine). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (Mezzanine)

• The stairs surveyed are located on Level 4.
• Level 4 and the Mezzanine level can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 14 steps between floors.
• The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails 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 18cm.
• The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Exhibition Space (Mezzanine). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Mezzanine)

• All exhibits are indoors.
• The following areas have stepped access: all mezzanine displays.
• The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
• There may be background noise.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• Display information includes: tactile, pictorial, audio description, televisions/screens, augmented reality, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user and subtitles.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches.
• The seating is fixed.
• The tour is self-guided.