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Overview

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• About View
  • This is a railway museum with a café, exhibition rooms, a children's playground and a shop.
    There are train rides on all days except for Discovery Days.
  • View information on opening times
• Parking and Public Transport View
  • The venue does not have its own car park.
  • There is a drop-off point and a public car park nearby.
  • The nearest parking is located at Station Road Car Park, at Didcot Parkway Station..
  • View information on Station Road Car Park (opens new tab) .
  • The nearest train station is Didcot Parkway.
  • 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 level access at the most accessible entrance.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: most station platforms, and some vintage carriages.
  • The following areas have stepped access: the air raid shelter, and some viewing platforms for exhibits.
  • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces, automatic doors, narrow walkways and narrow aisles.
• 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.
  • There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
  • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.

You are on Parking (Blue Badge Parking). Skip to the next section.

Parking (Blue Badge Parking)

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• Car Park View
  • The car park is located at the Didcot Parkway Railway Station.
  • The car park is open air/surface.
  • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
  • There are 15+ designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
  • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
  • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 2400cm (width) x 5000cm (depth).
  • There is a marked zone to both sides and rear.
  • The width of the marked zone is 120cm.
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
  • The nearest designated bay is 65m from the entrance to Didcot Parkway station concourse.
  • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has slight ramps or slopes and bollards.
  • There is a dropped kerb with tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
• Charges and Restrictions View
  • Parking is not free for all users.
  • Clearly presented parking signs are available.
  • View information on parking policies/charges (opens new tab).
  • This car park is operated by Ringo or APCOA and you will need to download the parking app prior to visiting in order to pay.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is a designated drop-off point available.
  • The designated drop-off point is located at the front of the Didcot Parkway Railway Station.
  • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the drop-off point.

You are on Parking (APCOA - Foxhall Multi-Storey Car Park). Skip to the next section.

Parking (APCOA - Foxhall Multi-Storey Car Park)

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• Car Park View
  • The car park is located off Foxhall Road, approximately 350m away, with step free access via lift.
  • The car park is multi-storey.
  • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
  • There are 15+ designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
  • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
  • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 2400cm (width) x 5000cm (depth).
  • There is a marked zone to one side but not at the rear.
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
  • The nearest designated bay is 350m from the entrance to Didcot Parkway station concourse.
  • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a lift and steep ramps or slopes.
  • From this car park, leave on foot, via the covered walkway from Level 2 which leads to the front of Didcot Parkway station.
    Please note that if you have limited mobility, you should use one of the alternative car parks as these are much closer to the centre.
    This car park is a 10-15 minute walk from the centre.
• Charges and Restrictions View
  • Parking is not free for all users.
  • Clearly presented parking signs are available.
  • Payment machines are located next to the doors which access the lift and stairs, on each floor.
  • 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).

You are on Access To (Railway Centre via Didcot Parkway Station). Skip to the next section.

Access To (Railway Centre via Didcot Parkway Station)

• Access to the Railway Centre is through the tunnel immediately behind the automatic ticket barriers for the GWR station. Station staff will open the barriers, on request, for museum visitors.
• The distance from Didcot Parkway station entrance to the Railway Centre entrance is 55m.
• The most accessible route has step-free level access.

You are on Entrance (from Didcot Parkway Station). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (from Didcot Parkway Station)

• This entrance is located at the start of the tunnel immediately behind the automatic barriers - station staff will open the barriers on request for museum visitors.
• The entrance area is clearly signed.
• There is step-free level access at the entrance.
• There are double manual doors at this entrance.
• The doors are permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 150cm.
• The doors have a high visual contrast.
• The tunnel continues after the doorway. After leaving the end of the tunnel, there is a ramped (on left) or stepped (on right) entrance level change to the ticket office/counter.
  Note: At time of survey the ramp was nearing completion but in use. The new stepped access was not in use, but the original steps were available.

You are on Ticketing (Visitor Centre / Ticket Office). Skip to the next section.

Ticketing (Visitor Centre / Ticket Office)

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• Ticket Counter View
  • The ticket counter surveyed is located in the ticket hut, close to the main entrance for the museum site, in an open vintage wooden building with some weather protection.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The queue width is at least 150cm and there is no need to turn.
  • There is not a separate wheelchair accessible queue lane.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

You are on Getting Around (From the Entrance, and Between Exhibits). Skip to the next section.

Getting Around (From the Entrance, and Between Exhibits)

• The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the station platforms on the main and branch demonstration lines, the shop, café, GWT museum and signalling centre.
• The following areas have stepped access: the viewing platforms in the carriage exhibit, air raid shelter exhibit, parts of some other exhibits.
• Access throughout may include manual doors, automatic doors and uneven surfaces.
• Wayfinding signage is provided.
• The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
• Seating available in the walkways includes: benches.

You are on Exhibition Space (Main Demonstration Line – Main Line Platform to Oxford Road Station). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Main Demonstration Line – Main Line Platform to Oxford Road Station)

• This attraction is outdoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the platforms at each station and some carriages.
• Access throughout may include uneven surfaces, manual doors, narrow walkways and narrow openings.
• There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• The following may be experienced here: smoke, fog, or misting effects, strong smells and sudden loud noises.
• There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
• Display information includes: information boards.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches.
• The tour is self-guided but volunteers/staff are available to provide additional information.
• The following areas of the tour have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the platforms and shelter.
• The following areas of the tour have stepped access: the carriages, if the train ride is taken.
• Access throughout the tour may include uneven surfaces, manual doors, narrow walkways and narrow openings.
• Wayfinding signage is provided throughout the tour.
• This operating line runs along the north east edge of the site, from end to end, with trains shuttling frequently back and forth on open days.
  There is open access to the platforms, ramps being the most accessible route.
  Some carriages are able to accommodate a wheelchair and a ramp is available, and this may be the easiest route to some exhibits at the far end of the site, such as the Transfer Shed and Burlescombe Station.

You are on Entrance (Shop - Gifts and Souvenirs). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Shop - Gifts and Souvenirs)

• This entrance is located to the front of the shop building.
• 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 ramp at the entrance.
• The ramp has a steep gradient.
• The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide with no handrails.
• There is a single manual door at this entrance.
• The door opens away from you.
• The door requires effort to open.
• The width of the opening is 72cm.
• The door has a high visual contrast.
• There is step-free level access as you enter.

You are on Counter (Shop - Gifts and Souvenirs). Skip to the next section.

Counter (Shop - Gifts and Souvenirs)

• The counter is located to your right as you enter the shop.
• The distance from the shop entrance is 3m.
• 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 patterned/distracting backgrounds.
• There is a fixed hearing assistance system which is not clearly signed.
• The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Getting Around (Shop - Gifts and Souvenirs). Skip to the next section.

Getting Around (Shop - Gifts and Souvenirs)

• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• There may be background noise.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Eating and Drinking (Café - Refreshment Room). Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking (Café - Refreshment Room)

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• Location and Service View
  • This is a café in the middle of the main concourse, which serves hot and cold meals and snacks.
  • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered and colleagues who can provide assistance with ordering.
  • Menus are displayed on the counter.
  • 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 towards the right hand end of the food counter.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 91cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • The height of the tray rail is 89cm.
• 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.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and high stools.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables, picnic tables and high tables.
  • The surface height of some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • The entrance door has a significant lip on the threshold (7cm), but the exit door does not and can be used as an alternative route into the café.
    There are also picnic tables in the area outside the café.

You are on Exhibition Space (GWT Museum and Archive). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (GWT Museum and Archive)

• This area is indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: there is a very easy slope up to the entrance door.
• Access throughout may include manual doors.
• There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
• There is no (or very little) background noise.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• Display information includes: information boards.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
• Some displays have low-level information boards which can be read easily by a wheelchair user. Many display cabinets have a front step (approximately 30cm high) to allow children to view contents.

You are on Exhibition Space (Air Raid Shelter). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Air Raid Shelter)

• This area is indoors.
• The following areas have stepped access: the underground air raid shelter is accessed down a twisting stairway with no handrails.
• Access throughout may include uneven surfaces, narrow walkways and narrow openings.
• There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
• There is no (or very little) background noise.
• Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
• Display information includes: information boards, audio description and pictorial.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and benches.

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

Exhibition Space (Signalling Centre)

• This area is indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the main entrance is accessed via a slight downward slope.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
• 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: interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user, information boards, pictorial and televisions/screens.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• There is step-free level access throughout the tour.
• There is an additional display inside this building - the Swindon Panel - a representation of more recent electronic technology, which is on and running on selected days of the year. The main Signalling Centre museum is open every day that the centre opens.

You are on Exhibition Space (Carriage and Wagon Display). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Carriage and Wagon Display)

• This attraction is internal and external.
• The following areas have stepped access: the viewing platform, and boarding/alighting any static carriages that are available.
• Access throughout may include uneven surfaces.
• There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• There is no (or very little) background noise.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• Display information includes: information boards.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• The Carriage and Wagon displays are among the furthest from the entrance, and some visitors choose to take a train ride from Eynsham Station to Oxford Road Station to reduce the distance walked. The distance from the entrance is 530m.

You are on Exhibition Space (Signal Box and Level Crossing). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Signal Box and Level Crossing)

• This attraction is outdoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
• The following areas have stepped access: certain parts of the display, including the paved area outside the signal box.
• Access throughout may include uneven surfaces.
• There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• There is no (or very little) background noise.
• Display information includes: information boards.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• The Signal Box, Level Crossing and related exhibits are close to the Didcot Halt branch line station. The distance from the entrance is 450m.

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

Exhibition Space (Locomotive Turntable)

• This attraction is outdoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• Access throughout may include uneven surfaces.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• Display information includes: information boards.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• The turntable, along with some locomotives, is near the Carriage Display and Picnic Area.
  The Picnic Tables and Viewing Areas are nearby, with seating and bench.
  The distance from the entrance is 425m.

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

Exhibition Space (Coal Stage)

• This attraction is internal and external.
• The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the main building.
• The following areas have stepped access: the working bay and coal trucks.
• Access throughout may include uneven surfaces.
• There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• This working exhibit is located above and to one side of the main site, and accessed primarily via a sloping and uneven gravel path. Access to the exhibit is limited, and may be out-of-bounds if the facility is in use. The distance from the entrance is 125m.

You are on Exhibition Space (1932 Engine Shed). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (1932 Engine Shed)

• This attraction is internal and external.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• The following areas have stepped access: some observation platforms.
• Access throughout may include uneven surfaces.
• There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• Display information includes: information boards.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Access to the main Engine Shed is either across the tracks from the main concourse, or from the grassy area connecting with the viewing area by the main demonstration line. Both routes have some uneven surfaces.

You are on Exhibition Space (The Branch Line - Transfer Shed / Burlescombe Station to Didcot Halt). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (The Branch Line - Transfer Shed / Burlescombe Station to Didcot Halt)

• This attraction is internal and external.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the platforms at each station.
• The following areas have stepped access: the open carriages or wagons at Burlescombe station.
• Access throughout may include uneven surfaces.
• There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• Display information includes: information boards.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches.
• The Branch Line displays many buildings and associated artefacts from the historical Great Western era and is in the centre of the site from the entrance, near the turntable and picnic area. The distance from the main entrance to Didcot Halt is 400m and to Burlescombe Station is 750m.
  There is open access to the Branch Line Platform with a ramp at the northern end (the ramp at the southern end is not suitable for visitors with limited mobility. Some carriages are able to accommodate a wheelchair and a ramp is available.
  The Main Demonstration line trains from the Main Line Platform can be used to reduce the walking distance. The distance from the main entrance to Burlescombe Stations is 750m.

You are on Area (Picnic Tables and Viewing Area). Skip to the next section.

Area (Picnic Tables and Viewing Area)

• This external area is located alongside the main demonstration line, close to the Play Area.
• There is step-free level access into this area.
• The seating and viewing areas are uncovered.
• This area includes a variety of picnic tables and seating, and offers a view of the trains on the main demonstration line.
• There is step-free level access throughout the area.
• The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: Some benches.
• Access throughout the area may include uneven surfaces.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• Seating available in this area includes: benches.
• Furniture available in this area includes: picnic tables.
• Some seating and tables are fixed.
• Some surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
• The clear underside space of some surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
• There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.

You are on Outdoor Spaces (Play Area near to Picnic Tables and Viewing Areas). Skip to the next section.

Outdoor Spaces (Play Area near to Picnic Tables and Viewing Areas)

• The following is available in this area: a playground with play equipment and a grassed play area.
• Outdoor areas consist of rubber tarmac.
• The majority of the paths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• There are some seats situated along the paths for people to rest.

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• Playground View
  • There is a route around the play equipment which is firm and even, and is at least 150cm wide.
  • The play equipment is within easy reach for seated and standing users and users of different heights.
  • The following play experiences are available: sliding, climbing, crawling and viewing.

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

Toilet with Adaptations (Right Hand Transfer)

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located in the main concourse, near the café and shop.
  • The distance from the café (Refreshment Rooms) is 36m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
  • There is step-free access via ramp into the facility.
  • The ramp has a slight gradient.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening is 93cm.
  • 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 low visual contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 137cm (width) x 310cm (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, however it is obstructed.
  • The lateral transfer space is 75cm (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 medium visual contrast.
  • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
  • The vertical grab rails have a medium visual contrast.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown rail has a medium visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 45cm 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 102cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 72cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • The vertical grab rail is on the right as you face the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rail has a medium 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 90cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a full length mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin, a sanitary bin and a pedal bin.
  • There are multiple coat hooks.
  • The coat hooks are 105cm and 150cm from the floor.
  • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 90cm.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • The Toilet with Adaptations is 220m from the Centre's entrance.

You are on Standard Toilet Facilities. Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet Facilities

• The male standard toilet facilities were surveyed.
• The toilets are located in the toilet block that contains the toilet with adaptations.
• The distance from the café (Refreshment Room) is 57m.
• The most accessible route has step-free level access, uneven surfaces and narrow walkways.
• There is step-free level access into the toilets.
• There is written text signage on or near the door.
• Internally the door has a medium visual contrast.
• There are no ambulant toilet facilities available.
• There is a wash basin, a wall mounted soap dispenser and a hand dryer available.
• The wash basin has a twist turn mixer tap.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• There is a female toilet in the block that contains the gift shop but this was not surveyed.