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Natural History Museum at Tring

Akeman Street, Tring, Hertfordshire, HP23 6AP

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About this venue

The Natural History Museum at Tring was built in 1889 to house the incredible zoological collections of Walter Rothschild. Discover animal specimens from all over the world here, from tiny beetles to huge bears. Today it retains its unique Victorian character, including its original floor-to-ceiling, glass-fronted hardwood and iron cases. The 4,000 specimens on public display are still arranged in taxonomic order, classified into related groups, just as they were in Walter’s lifetime.

Access Guide

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Location

  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Tring.

Opening Times (Museum)

  • Monday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Tuesday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Wednesday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Thursday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Friday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Saturday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Sunday 14:00 - 17:00.
  • Comments View
    • Guided tours and tickets for some exhibitions have to be booked in advance. Please call the venue for more information on 020 7942 6163 Monday to Friday between 10.00-16.00.

Opening Times (Cafe)

  • Monday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Tuesday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Wednesday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Thursday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Friday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Saturday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Sunday 14:00 - 17:00.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • The car park is located at the side of the venue.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
    • There is/are 2 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 220cm x 490cm (7ft 3in x 16ft 1in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 140m (153yd 4in) from the Park Street entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 150m (164yd 2in) from the Park Street entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are dropped kerbs.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There is a dropped kerb between the car park and the venue.
    • The dropped kerb does have tactile paving.
    • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • There is also an overflow car park available along Hastoe Lane.
    • There are 4 Blue Badge parking bays available, that are 238cm wide and 489cm deep.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on Akeman Street.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) both ways.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 160cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 114cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 8 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 21cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a second lower handrail.
  • Comments View
    • The central handrail does not cover the first step.

Outside Access (Car Park Exit)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the lower ground floor of the museum.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 160cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located immediately after the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.

Outside Access (Park Street Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on Park Street, at the rear of the museum.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 115cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 110cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.

Reception

  • The desk/counter is 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Park Street entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk/counter does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is not signed.
  • Staff are not trained to use the system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested on 14/06/2023.
  • The hearing assistance system was not working at the time of testing.

Inside Access (Museum)

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are not trained to use the system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested on 14/06/2023.
  • The hearing assistance system was not working at the time of testing.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are varied.

Gift Shop

  • There is a gift shop available on the ground floor of the museum.
  • The entrance to the gift shop is a push, single door, permanently held open and 84cm wide.
  • The counter is 95cm high and has a fixed hearing loop.
  • The hearing loop is signed and was working at the time of the survey (14/06/2023).

Level Change (Gift Shop and Standard Toilets)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • 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 to the right as you enter the museum via the Park Street entrance.
  • There is/are 2 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are shallow (2cm - 10cm).
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).

Eating and Drinking

  • The following information is for the cafe.
  • The cafe is located by the car park entrance.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can 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 2m (2yd 7in) from the cafe entrance.
  • The standard height for tables is 70cm.
  • 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.

Museum

  • Exhibits can be audio described.
  • Tactile signage for exhibits is not available.
  • Braille signage for exhibits is not available.
  • Touch tours are available.
  • The availability of touch tours depends on exhibition.
  • Video tours are not available.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is a wheelchair to borrow.
  • To borrow the wheelchair, contact the venue in advance.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 3 and 4.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on the left going up.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • There is alternate set of stairs beside the gift shop that gives access to the ground floor, first floor, third floor and fourth floor. The steps are medium height and has a handrail on the right (this is shown in photographs 4 to 7).

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the right side of the museum.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG, G, 1, 2, 3 and 4.
  • The lift is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the Park Street entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 125cm x 140cm (4ft 1in 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 good.

Accessible Toilet (Left Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the Park Street entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located at the rear of the venue.
    • 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 inwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 76cm (2ft 6in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 210cm x 440cm (6ft 11in x 14ft 5in).
    • There is 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 130cm (4ft 3in).
    • 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 push.
    • There is not 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, non-infectious waste and waste paper pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not 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 not a mirror.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 130cm (4ft 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 can 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.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located in the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 95cm (3ft 1in).
  • Comments View
    • There is a window sill available that could be used as a shelf that is 107cm high, 94cm wide and 25cm deep.
    • There is also an alternate wash basin available that is 82cm high and an alternate hand dryer that is 110cm high.

Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor)

Level Change (Ground Floor Toilets)

  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located next to the gift shop.
  • There is/are 1 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are shallow (2cm - 10cm).
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

Standard Toilet(s) (Lower Ground)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
    • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the lower ground floor next to the cafe.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from the car park exit.
    • Inside the venue, there is not level access to the female and male toilets.
    • Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are moderate to good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within both the female and male lower ground floor toilets.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 94cm (3ft 1in).
    • Inside the venue, there is not level access to the baby change facility.

Level Change (Lower Ground Toilets)

  • There is a / are step(s) to access this area / service.
  • The step(s) is / are located in front of the cubicle entrances.
  • There is / are 3 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.
  • The steps do not have handrails.

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Documents can be requested in Braille.
  • Documents can be requested in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • An assistance dog toilet area can be provided onsite.
  • The assistance dog toilet area is located on the grass areas at the rear of the venue.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
  • This service can be requested.