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National Museum of Flight - Getting Around the Site and External Exhibits

East Fortune Airfield, B1347, EH39 5LF

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Access Guide

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Getting Around the Site

  • There is step-free level access throughout walkways.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the entrances to some of the exhibits, the walkways and some internal features.
  • The following areas have stepped access: some of the aircraft exhibits, assault course and viewing platforms.
  • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces, manual doors, doors permanently held open, narrow walkways and narrow openings.
  • There is no longer a shuttle service operating onsite and between exhibits.
  • Visitors can park outside exhibits, but are asked to drive and park with care and consideration.
  • There are signed and marked pedestrian walkways all around the site.

Parking

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located outside of the shop and along the access route to the exhibition.
    • There is additional Blue Badge parking outside the Military Aviation and Conservation Hangars.
    • Visitors can drop off outside exhibits but park in the marked bays or ask staff to park in areas closer to exhibits first.
    • Visitors are asked to drive and park with care and consideration.
    • 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.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 250cm (width) x 450cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to both sides but not at the 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 20m from the entrance door.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access, slight ramps or slopes and uneven surfaces.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for staff, visitors and Blue Badge holders only.
    • Parking is free for all users.

Air Raid Shelter

  • This area is outdoors.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: access into the shelter.
  • There are gates to both enter and leave, that are permanently held open.
  • The entrance and exit openings are 97cm wide.
  • The distance to this exhibit from the nearest Blue Badge parking is 140m, but closer parking is possible with prior permission.
  • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces and narrow walkways.
  • There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is no (or very little) background noise.
  • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
  • Display information includes: information boards.
  • The tour is self-guided.

Blast Shelter

  • This area is indoors.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: access into the shelter.
  • There are gates to enter and leave that are permanently held open.
  • The entrance and exit openings are 95cm wide.
  • The distance to this exhibit from the nearest Blue Badge parking is 80m, but closer parking is possible with prior permission.
  • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces, narrow walkways and narrow openings.
  • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is no (or very little) background noise.
  • Display information includes: pictorial and information boards.
  • The tour is self-guided.

Matador

  • This attraction is outdoors.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: approaching the exhibit.
  • The distance to this exhibit from the nearest Blue Badge parking is 75m, but closer parking is possible with prior permission.

Green Goddess

  • This attraction is outdoors.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: approaching the exhibit.
  • The distance to this exhibit from the nearest Blue Badge parking is 75m, but closer parking is possible with prior permission.

Access to the Comet

  • The Comet is located next to the Conservation Hangar.
  • The distance from the nearest Blue Badge parking is 30m.
  • The most accessible route has step-free level access, steps and uneven surfaces.
  • There are 14 steps with handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There is no signage on or near the entrance.
  • There is step-free level access onto the aircraft.
  • There is a single manual door which is permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 60cm.
  • The door has a high visual contrast.
  • The height of the entrance door is 120cm.

Comet

  • This attraction is internal and external.
  • Access throughout may include narrow walkways and narrow openings.
  • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise.
  • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
  • Display information includes: pictorial and information boards.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The tour is self-guided.
  • The aisle width is 40cm.

Vulcan

  • This attraction is outdoors.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: approaching the exhibit.
  • The distance to this exhibit from the nearest Blue Badge parking is 70m, but closer parking is possible with prior permission.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise.
  • Display information includes: pictorial and information boards.
  • It isn't possible to access this aircraft.

Assault Course and Picnic Area

  • The following is available in this area: a playground with play equipment.
  • Additional facilities in this area include: an assault course.
  • Outdoor areas consist of wood bark and grass.
  • There are footpaths in some areas.
  • The majority of the paths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
  • The following areas have stepped access: some of the assault course equipment.
  • There are seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
  • The paths have uneven surfaces.
  • The distance to this area from the nearest Blue Badge parking is 110m, but closer parking is possible with prior permission.
  • Playground View
    • There is a play area with an access point over 100cm wide.
    • There is a route around the play equipment which is firm and even, and is at least 180cm wide.
    • The play equipment is within easy reach for seated and standing users and users of different heights.
    • The following play experiences are available: swinging, rocking, climbing, balancing, viewing and fitness.

Indoor Packed Lunch Space

  • The room is located between the Education Centre and Fantastic Flight.
  • The distance from to this area from the nearest Blue Badge parking is 50m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has slight ramps or slopes and uneven surfaces.
  • There is written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free access via a very easy slope into the room.
  • There are double manual doors with a medium visual contrast.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 124cm.
  • 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.
  • The walls and floor have a high 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 no (or very little) background noise in this room.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Main Entrance Picnic Area

  • Location and Access View
    • This picnic area is located outside of the main shop and ticket office.
    • The most accessible route has step-free level access and uneven surfaces.
    • There is step-free level access into this area.
    • The distance to this area from the nearest Blue Badge parking is 20m.
  • Seating Area View
    • The seating area is uncovered.
    • 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.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: picnic tables and adapted picnic 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.

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