Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

Search for accessible places to go

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Horniman Museum

100 London Road, Lewisham, London, SE23 3PQ

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Overview

  • About View
    • This is a museum.
    • Services and facilities available in the venue include: a main museum building, gardens, exhibitions, a shop, cafes and toilets with adaptations.
    • View information on opening times.
  • Parking and Public Transport View
  • Getting In and Around View
    • There is step-free access via a steep slope at the most accessible entrance.
    • The most accessible entrance is the main entrance.
    • The following areas have step-free access via slopes or ramps: nearly all areas in the main building (there's a ramp after reception) and most of the gardens.
    • There are manual doors along circulation routes.
    • Access throughout may include narrow walkways and permanent physical obstructions.
    • The ground, lower ground and basement floors can be accessed via a standard lift and stairs.
  • Getting Help and Assistance View
    • Seating is available.
    • There is a portable hearing assistance system.
    • You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair and magnifiers.
    • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include: Braille (on request), large print (on request) and different languages (on request).
    • There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
    • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There are 4 toilets with adaptations.
    • The toilets with adaptations are located on the lower ground floor of the main building, in the Horniman Cafe, and in the two toilet blocks in the Horniman Gardens.
    • The transfer space varies between toilets with adaptations.
    • Female and male step-free standard toilet facilities are located on floor LG of the main building, in the Horniman Cafe and in the nearest garden toilet block to the main building.
    • Gender neutral step-free standard toilet facilities are located in the toilet block at the far end of the gardens.
  • Changing Facilities View
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located in all toilets with adaptations and the gender neutral toilets.

Parking

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located to the rear of the venue.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of concrete.
    • There are 4 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 238cm (width) x 455cm (depth).
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
    • The hatched/marked zones vary between bays.
    • The nearest designated bay is 25m from the main entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a steep slope.
    • This route has uneven surfaces.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for visitors and Blue Badge holders only.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
    • Electric Vehicle charging points are not available.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Access Points

  • Access Point View
    • This access point is located on London Road.
    • The access point is clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access via a slope.
    • The slope has a steep gradient.
    • There is an open gap at this access point.
    • The width of the opening is more than 200cm.
    • There is step-free access via a slope as you enter.
    • The slope has a steep gradient.

Main Entrance

  • This entrance is located to the left side of the building.
  • The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces and bollards.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via a slope at the entrance.
  • The slope has a slight gradient.
  • There is an intercom at a height of 135cm.
  • There are double automatic doors.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 136cm.
  • The doors have a low colour contrast.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 132cm.
  • The doors have a low colour contrast.

Reception

  • Location View
    • The reception is located to the left as you enter.
    • The distance from the main entrance is 5m.
  • Route View
    • The most accessible route to the reception has step-free level access.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • Access View
    • There is step-free level access to the reception.
    • The height of the reception desk is 79cm.
    • The reception has patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • There is a portable hearing assistance system which is not clearly signed.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
    • There may be background noise in this area.
    • Some flooring is shiny.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access between floors via lift.
    • There is not step-free level access throughout.
    • The following areas have step-free access via slopes or ramps: nearly all areas in the main building (there's a ramp after reception).
  • Circulation View
    • There are manual doors along circulation routes.
    • Access throughout may include narrow walkways and permanent physical obstructions.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high along circulation routes.
    • Some flooring is shiny.
    • There is no (or very little) background noise.
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signage is not consistent throughout.
    • Seating available in the walkways includes: chairs with armrests and benches.
    • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
    • Visitors to the museum can use the Bloomberg Connects app which offers audio descriptions and video tours, however the app does not cover all exhibitions in the museum.
    • Some exhibitions have tactile interactive features.
    • The museum supplies ear defenders for visitors.

Horniman Cafe

  • Location and Access View
    • The Horniman Cafe is located to the left of the museum's main entrance.
    • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
    • This route has uneven surfaces.
    • There is step-free level access into this area.
    • There is a single manual door.
    • The door is permanently held open.
    • The width of the opening is 85cm.
    • The door has a low colour contrast.
    • There is a second, single manual door.
    • The door is permanently held open.
    • The width of the opening is 81cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
    • The door has a low colour contrast.
  • Order and Payment View
    • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
    • The service counter was surveyed.
    • The counter is located at the far end of the cafe.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 80cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
    • The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The payment machine is moveable.
  • Service View
    • This area also has staff who can provide assistance with ordering.
    • Full table service is available on request only.
    • Menu types include: wall-mounted.
    • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: dairy free, vegetarian and vegan.
    • The following are available: drinking straws, takeaway cups and takeaway cutlery.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Seating Area View
    • The seating area is both inside and outside.
    • The outdoor seating area is partially covered.
    • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
    • There is some 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.
    • The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
    • Some flooring is shiny.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and stools.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
    • Some tables are fixed.
    • 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 may be background noise in this area.
    • Lighting levels vary according to time of day.

Shop

  • Shop View
    • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
    • The majority of main aisle widths are between 150cm - 180cm.
    • The majority of product aisle widths are between 120cm - 150cm.
    • Product displays/containers that may be more difficult for some to reach or open include: low shelving and high shelving.
    • Some flooring is shiny.
    • There is no (or very little) background noise.
    • There is product signage.
    • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
    • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
  • Payment Counters and Checkouts View
    • The payment counter is located on the left side of the shop.
    • Signage is not provided for the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 105cm.
    • There is a lowered section at the counter.
    • The height of the lowered section is 77cm.
    • The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The payment machine is moveable.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Main Lift

  • The lift surveyed is located ahead and to the left after reception.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 20m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has a slight ramp.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • Standard Lift View
    • Floors G and LG can be accessed by this lift.
    • The lift door has a low colour contrast.
    • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
    • The weight limit for the lift is 2000kg.
    • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings.
    • The control buttons have a high colour contrast.
    • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The lift door opening width is 125cm.
    • The internal dimensions of the lift are 158cm (width) x 250cm (depth).
    • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings.
    • The control buttons have a high colour contrast.
    • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • Internally the lift has: a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer, an intercom hearing assistance system and a mirror to aid reversing.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Main Stairs

  • The stairs are located ahead and to the right after reception.
  • Floors G and LG can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 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 clearly marked.
  • The steps have tactile markings at the top and bottom.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 16cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

Toilet with Adaptations (Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on floor LG.
    • The distance from the main lift is 25m.
  • Route View
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
    • This route has narrow walkways.
  • Access View
    • 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 colour contrast.
    • The door requires effort to open.
    • The width of the opening is 77cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a low colour contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door, with a high colour contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 198cm (width) x 245cm (depth).
    • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 121cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a lever flush for the toilet.
    • The flush is on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown grab rail has a low colour contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 43cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a medium colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 103cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The wash basin and tap can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 80cm from the floor.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the right side of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a medium colour contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 87cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a medium colour contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 116cm from the floor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin, a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 87cm.
    • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
    • There is also a changing bench at a height of 80cm and a length of 170cm.

Parent and Baby Room / Feeding Room

  • The room is located on floor LG.
  • The distance from the main lift is 20m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • This route has narrow walkways.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There is a single manual door.
  • The door opens away from you.
  • The door requires effort to open.
  • The width of the opening is 77cm.
  • The door has a low colour contrast.
  • Internally the door has a low colour contrast.
  • There is also a coat hook in the room.
  • The room has a waste bin.
  • Seating available in this room includes: chairs with armrests and stools.
  • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Aquarium Lift

  • The lift surveyed is located to the left side of the building on floor LG.
  • The distance from the main lift is 15m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has a slight slope.
  • Doors are held open along the most accessible route.
  • Standard Lift View
    • Floors LG and B can be accessed by this lift.
    • The lift door has a high colour contrast.
    • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
    • The weight limit for the lift is 1000kg.
    • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings.
    • The control buttons have a high colour contrast.
    • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The lift door opening width is 94cm.
    • The internal dimensions of the lift are 105cm (width) x 210cm (depth).
    • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings.
    • The control buttons have a high colour contrast.
    • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • Internally the lift has: a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and an intercom hearing assistance system.
    • The lift has a separate door to exit.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Aquarium Stairs

  • The stairs are located on the left side of the building on floor LG.
  • Floors LG and B can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are permanently held open doors to access the stairwell.
  • There are handrails on both sides, which are within reach.
  • 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 clearly marked.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 16cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

Outdoor Spaces

  • About View
    • The following is available in this area: a playground, parkland, formal gardens and walkways.
  • Getting Around View
    • There are surfaced footpaths throughout.
    • Surfaced footpaths consist of: concrete and tarmac.
    • The majority of the surfaced footpaths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
    • Some footpaths have sections with potential obstacles such as: uneven surfaces.
    • There is no signage in this area.
    • There are seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
    • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • Playground View
    • The play equipment is within easy reach for seated and standing users and users of different heights.
    • The following play experiences are available: sensory (visual, audible, or tactile).
    • Routes around the play equipment are firm and even.
    • Routes around the play equipment are at least 150cm wide.

Eating and Drinking

  • Location and Access View
    • The cafe is located at the bottom of the gardens.
    • The most accessible route has steep slopes.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
    • This route has uneven surfaces.
    • There is step-free level access into this area.
    • There are double manual doors.
    • The doors are permanently held open.
    • The width of the opening is 220cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
    • The doors have a low colour contrast.
  • Order and Payment View
    • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
    • The service counter was surveyed.
    • The counter is located on the right side of the cafe.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 80cm.
    • The payment machine is moveable.
  • Service View
    • This area also has staff who can provide assistance with ordering.
    • Full table service is available on request only.
    • Menu types include: wall-mounted (digital) and countertop.
    • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian and vegan.
    • The following are available: drinking straws, takeaway cups and takeaway cutlery.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Seating Area View
    • The seating area is both inside and outside.
    • The outdoor seating area is partially covered.
    • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
    • There is some 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.
    • The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
    • Some flooring is shiny.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests and chairs without armrests.
    • 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.
    • There may be background noise in this area.
    • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.