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The Beatles Story Museum, Fab4 Café and Fab4 Store

Britannia Vaults, Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool , L3 4AD

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Access Guide

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Overview

  • About View
    • The Beatles Story Museum is an interactive and immersive exhibition, tracing the musical journey of the "Fab Four".
    • Services available in the venue include: museum and musical exhibitions, video and audio guidance, educational and discovery spaces, themed café and gift shop.
    • View information on opening times
  • Parking and Public Transport View
  • Getting In and Around View
    • There is step-free level access via lift 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: Hamburg, The Cavern Club and Yellow Submarine exhibition areas and the Fab4 Store.
    • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces, manual doors, doors permanently held open, narrow walkways and narrow aisles.
    • The basement can be accessed via a standard lift and stairs.
    • Wheelchairs users are advised to contact the venue in advance of their visit as spaces, at any one time, are limited.
  • 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 and wheeled baskets.
    • Documents are available in the following formats: large print, different languages and audio.
    • Written transcriptions of the audio tour are available, as are large print guides in multiple languages.
      If requested, management can find a quiet space for assistance dogs that are welcome in all public areas.
    • There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
    • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
    • Additional facilities/services include: phone charging points and Wi-Fi.
    • Staff receive the following training: Disability Awareness Training, Introductory BSL Training and Visual Awareness. However, not all staff onsite have had all of the training.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There are 3 toilets with adaptations.
    • Toilets with adaptations are located in the Link Corridor and the Main Exhibition Area.
    • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
    • Ambulant toilet facilities are located in the Main Exhibition Area near to The Cavern Club exhibits.
    • The male and female toilet facilities are located in the Link Corridor.
    • The male and female toilet facilities are located in the Main Exhibition Area, near to The Cavern Club exhibits.
  • Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located in the Link Corridor and the Main Exhibition Area, near to The Cavern Club exhibits.

Parking

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located across the road from The Beatles Story Museum.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • There are 6 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 250cm (width) x 460cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to both sides but not at the rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 160cm.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
    • The nearest designated bay is 35m from the main entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access and a very easy slope.
    • 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.
    • 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 not a designated drop-off point available.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is a public car park located Gower Street, Albert Dock, Liverpool, L3 4AS.
    • The name of the car park is Albert Dock Car Park B.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available in the car park.

Entrance (Main Stepped)

  • This entrance is located at the front of the museum, opposite the parking area.
  • The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces.
  • 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 via lift at the entrance.
  • There are 20+ steps with 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 steps are unmarked.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 18cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There are double manual doors at this entrance.
  • The doors opens towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 166cm.
  • The doors have a low visual contrast.
  • If the doors are closed there will be a team member to assist during operational hours.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Lift (Main Entrance - Out of Use)

  • The lift surveyed is located at the front, left side of the stepped museum entrance, opposite the parking areas.
  • This lift is a platform lift.
  • The distance from the main entrance. As of 2025, this lift is out of use and will be replaced at a future date. is 2m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has a very easy slope and uneven surfaces.
  • The basement and ground floor are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a high visual contrast.
  • The lift does not have 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 medium visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 85cm.
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
  • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The button needs to be pressed constantly when in use.
  • As of 2025, this lift is out of order and is expected to remain so until replaced at a future date. Visitors are advised to contact the venue in advance to discuss access options. If you would like more information or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Duty Manager on site or contact the team directly at [email protected]. Please click here for further information.

Reception (Tickets and Reservations)

  • The reception is located to the right side, immediately after entering.
  • The distance from the entrance is 3m.
  • The most accessible route to reception has uneven surfaces.
  • There is step-free level access to reception.
  • There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
  • The height of the touchscreen display ranges from 155cm to 130cm from the floor.
  • Staff are happy to help visitors who need assistance using the self-service ticket screens.
  • There is background noise in this area.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
  • 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.

Getting Around (The Beatles Story - Main Exhibition)

  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: Hamburg, The Cavern Club, The Yellow Submarine exhibition areas and the Fab4 Store.
  • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces, manual doors and narrow walkways.
  • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
  • The visual contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high.
  • Some of the walls have a reflective finish.
  • There is background noise.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signs is not consistent throughout.
  • Seating available in the walkways includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests and benches.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

Exhibition Space (The Beatles Story - Main Exhibition)

  • The museum is indoors.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: Hamburg, The Cavern Club, The Yellow Submarine exhibition areas and the Fab4 Store.
  • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces, manual doors, doors permanently held open and narrow walkways.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
  • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
  • The following may be experienced here: strobe or flashing lights, sudden loud noises, lighting effects, 3D visual effects on screen and interactive video effects.
  • There is background noise.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • Display information includes: multi-language audio, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user, handheld information devices, audio description, audio guides, information boards, televisions/screens, subtitles, touchscreens and pictorial.
  • There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and benches.
  • Some seating is fixed.
  • There are shows/talks with no designated seating for wheelchair users.
  • The tour is self-guided.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of the tour.
  • The following areas of the tour have step-free access via ramps or slopes: The Hamburg Area, The Cavern Club Area and the Yellow Submarine Area.
  • Access throughout the tour may include uneven surfaces, manual doors, doors permanently held open and narrow walkways.
  • Areas with stepped access only can be experienced by visitors via a video on tablet or mobile phone.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided throughout the tour.
  • The route and self-guided tour around The Beatles Story follows their careers in a chronological order; emerging at the end into the Fab4 Café area.

Room (Discovery Zone)

  • The room is located next door to the Chill Out Zone and Fab4 Café.
  • The distance from the Fab4 Café is 10m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access.
  • There is written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There are double manual doors with a high visual contrast.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • The doors are easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 165cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
  • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: tables.
  • Some surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of some surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system could not be tested at the time of the survey.
  • Additional facilities/services include: a television with subtitles and a play area.
  • There may be background noise in this room.
  • Announcements are in person.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Toilet with Adaptations (Link Corridor - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located in the link corridor between the main exhibition and the Fab4 Café area.
    • The distance from the main entrance is 50m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access, doors permanently held open 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 high visual contrast.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 90cm.
    • 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 197cm (width) x 224cm (depth) and there is 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 132cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a lever 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 46cm 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 low visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 76cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 71cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer 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 95cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 132cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a low visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 93cm 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, a sanitary bin and a pedal bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 92cm.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Room (Chill Out Zone)

  • The room is located next to the Fab4 Café.
  • The distance from the Fab4 Café is 8m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access.
  • There is written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There are double manual doors with a high visual contrast.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • The doors are easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 165cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • The walls and floor have a low visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: tables.
  • The surface heights are not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of the surfaces is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Additional facilities/services include: a television with subtitles.
  • There may be background noise in this room.
  • Announcements are in person.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Eating and Drinking (Fab4 Café)

  • Location and Service View
    • The Fab4 Café is located at the end of Main Exhibition route, below the Fab4 Store.
    • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
    • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered, staff who can provide assistance with ordering and numerous seating options.
    • Full table service is available on request only.
    • Menus are wall-mounted and digital.
    • 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 payment counter was surveyed.
    • The counter is located to the right side after entering the café.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 86cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • 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.
    • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
    • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests, armchairs and benches.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: tables, coffee tables and booths.
    • Some seating is fixed.
    • 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.
    • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

Access To (Fab4 Store - Accessible Route)

  • People with wheelchair or other access needs can access the Fab4 Store via an accessible route that involves; exiting the museum via the lift at the front entrance and travelling via Gower Street into the court yard behind the Fab4 Store to the rear entrance.
  • The distance from the Beatles Story Museum main entrance is 50m.
  • The most accessible route has slight ramps or slopes and uneven surfaces.
  • There is another, stepped entrance to the Fab4 Store accessible from the Gower Street, opposite the car parking area.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via a portable ramp into the Fab4 Store.
  • The ramp has a steep gradient with resting areas.
  • The ramp is under 75cm wide with no handrails.
  • The ramp bypasses the step.
  • There is 1 step with no handrails.
  • The step is unmarked.
  • The height of the step is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 18cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Visitors will need to call for assistance at the rear entrance so staff can put the portable ramp in place.
    The height of the assistance bell is 145cm.
  • There are double manual doors which are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 173cm.
  • The doors have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a second single manual door which opens towards you.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 93cm.
  • The second door has a low visual contrast.

Shop (Fab4 Store)

  • Getting Around View
    • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
    • The majority of product aisle widths are between 150cm - 180cm.
    • Some flooring is shiny.
    • The visual contrast between the shelving and floor varies between low and high.
    • There is background noise.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • Payment View
    • The checkout area is located in the centre of the shop.
    • There is step-free level access to the checkout area.
    • The venue has a payment counter.
    • The height of the payment counter is 90cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
    • There are 3 ways to enter the Fab4 Store; via stairs, up from the Fab4 Café, the street facing entrance and the rear, ramped entrance accessed via the courtyard.