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National War Museum

Edinburgh Castle, Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG

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Access Guide

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Summary

Getting Here

Getting Help and Assistance

  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
  • There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
  • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include: audio on request.
  • There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • There are not mobility aids available.

Public Parking

Approach

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is cobbled.
    • The approach surface is uneven in places.
    • The National War Museum is located in Edinburgh Castle.
      To reach the Museum you can request to be transported via a mobility adapted vehicle from the Castle Esplanade to the Museum free of charge.
    • There is step-free access on the approach.
  • Comments View
    • The Museum is located off an uneven cobbled courtyard.
    • In the centre is a statue of Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the left as you enter the Courtyard.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The main automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 80cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the opening is 96cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the left as you enter.
    • The reception point is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The counter is placed in front of a plain background.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
    • The height of the reception counter is 92cm.
    • There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a lowered section of the counter.
    • The height of the lowered section at the counter is 76cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
    • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are provided in the reception area.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is stone.
  • Reception Seating Area View
    • There is a seating area close to the reception point.
    • Access to the seating area is unobstructed.
    • There are a mixture of chairs with and without armrests available.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the seating area.

Gift Shop

  • The gift shop is located to the left as you enter.
  • There is level access with no doors to enter the shop.
  • There is clear manoeuvring space in the shop.
  • The minimum width between fittings is over 100cm.
  • There is ample room to manoeuvre within the shop.
  • Items are purchased at the museum reception desk.
  • There is not a hearing loop at the reception.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are for public use.
    • The stairs are located to the left as you enter, just beyond reception.
    • The stairs are approximately 10m from the main entrance.
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G and 1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The steps do have open risers.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail 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 not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left as you enter, at the rear of reception.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 11m (12yd 1in) from the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G and 1.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is low.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is High.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 104cm x 137cm (3ft 5in x 4ft 6in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are low to moderate.

Attraction / Exhibit (Gallery 1)

  • Entrance / Opening View
    • There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
    • The entrance/opening is not clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance/opening, via lift.
  • Attraction / Exhibit View
    • There is step-free level access throughout this area.
    • Clear directional signage is provided in this area.
    • The type of flooring in this area is wood.
    • There is flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in this area.
    • This area does not play background music/sound.
    • There are resting/seating areas within this area.
    • Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board and television/screen format.
    • Some exhibits can be audio described.
    • Exhibits are audio described by using a headset.
    • Headsets can be obtained from Edinburgh Castle.
    • There are no exhibits which start from the floor level.
    • There is a film played in this gallery which has a hearing loop.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
    • The lighting levels in this area are good.
  • Exit View
    • The exit is not clearly signed internally.
  • Comments View
    • The route to exit is by going into Gallery 2 or by returning to the lift.

Attraction / Exhibit (Gallery 2)

  • Entrance / Opening View
    • There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
    • The entrance/opening is not clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance/opening.
  • Attraction / Exhibit View
    • There is step-free level access throughout this area.
    • Clear directional signage is provided in this area.
    • The type of flooring in this area is wood.
    • There is flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in this area.
    • This area does not play background music/sound.
    • There are resting/seating areas within this area.
    • Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in tactile and information board format.
    • Some exhibits can be audio described.
    • Exhibits are audio described by using a headset.
    • Headsets can be obtained from Edinburgh Castle.
    • There are no exhibits which start from the floor level.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
    • The lighting levels in this area are good.
  • Exit View
    • Visitors exit via a separate set of doors/opening.
    • The exit is clearly signed internally.
    • There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ when exiting this area/attraction.
    • The exit is stepped.
    • There is/are 10+ clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, when exiting.
    • 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.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
  • Comments View
    • Step free access from Gallery 2 is by returning through Gallery 1 back to the lift.

Attraction / Exhibit (Gallery 3)

  • Entrance / Opening View
    • There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
    • The entrance/opening is not clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance/opening.
    • There is a steep permanent ramp, with a handrail on the right going up, for access to Gallery 3.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 95cm (3ft 1in).
  • Attraction / Exhibit View
    • There is step-free level access throughout this area.
    • Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
    • During busy periods this area can become congested.
    • The type of flooring in this area is wood.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in this area.
    • This area does not play background music/sound.
    • There are not resting/seating areas within this area.
    • Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board format.
    • All exhibits can be audio described.
    • Exhibits are audio described by using a headset.
    • Headsets can be obtained from Edinburgh Castle.
    • There are no exhibits which start from the floor level.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
    • The lighting levels in this area are low to moderate.
  • Exit View
    • Visitors exit via a separate set of doors/opening.
    • The exit is not clearly signed internally.
    • There is a single, permanently held open door with an opening width of 75cm+ when exiting this area/attraction.
    • The exit is ramped/sloped.
    • There is a steep permanent slope, with no handrails, when exiting.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 94cm (3ft 1in).

Attraction / Exhibit (Gallery 4)

  • Entrance / Opening View
    • There is a single, permanently held open door with an opening width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
    • The entrance/opening is not clearly signed.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance/opening.
    • There is a steep permanent slope, with no handrails, for access to Gallery 4.
  • Attraction / Exhibit View
    • There is step-free level access throughout this area.
    • Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
    • During busy periods this area can become congested.
    • The type of flooring in this area is wood.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in this area.
    • This area does play background music/sound.
    • There are resting/seating areas within this area.
    • Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board and television/screen format.
    • Some exhibits can be audio described.
    • Exhibits are audio described by using a headset.
    • Headsets can be obtained from Edinburgh Castle.
    • There are no exhibits which start from the floor level.
    • A film is played in this area which has a hearing loop.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
    • The lighting levels in this area are low to moderate.
  • Exit View
    • Visitors exit via a separate set of doors/opening.
    • The exit is not clearly signed internally.
    • There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ when exiting this area/attraction.
    • The exit is step-free.

Attraction / Exhibit (Gallery 5)

  • Entrance / Opening View
    • There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
    • The entrance/opening is not clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance/opening.
  • Attraction / Exhibit View
    • There is step-free level access throughout this area.
    • Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
    • During busy periods this area can become congested.
    • The type of flooring in this area is wood.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in this area.
    • This area does play background music/sound.
    • There are not resting/seating areas within this area.
    • Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board format.
    • Some exhibits can be audio described.
    • Exhibits are audio described by using a headset.
    • Headsets can be obtained from Edinburgh Castle.
    • There are no exhibits which start from the floor level.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
    • The lighting levels in this area are low to moderate.
  • Exit View
    • Visitors exit via a separate set of doors/opening.
    • The exit is not clearly signed internally.
    • There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ when exiting this area/attraction.
    • The exit is step-free.

Attraction / Exhibit (Gallery 6)

  • Entrance / Opening View
    • There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
    • The entrance/opening is not clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance/opening.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance/opening, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a slight permanent slope, with no handrails, for access to Gallery 6.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 114cm (3ft 9in).
  • Attraction / Exhibit View
    • There is step-free level access throughout this area.
    • Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
    • The type of flooring in this area is stone.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in this area.
    • This area does not play background music/sound.
    • There are not resting/seating areas within this area.
    • Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board format.
    • Some exhibits can be audio described.
    • Exhibits are audio described by using a headset.
    • Headsets can be obtained from Edinburgh Castle.
    • There are no exhibits which start from the floor level.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
    • The lighting levels in this area are good.
  • Exit View
    • Visitors exit via a separate set of doors/opening.
    • The exit is not clearly signed internally.
    • There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ when exiting this area/attraction.
    • The exit is step-free.

Attraction / Exhibit (Gallery 7)

  • Entrance / Opening View
    • There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
    • The entrance/opening is not clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance/opening.
  • Attraction / Exhibit View
    • There is step-free level access throughout this area.
    • Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
    • During busy periods this area can become congested.
    • The type of flooring in this area is stone.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in this area.
    • This area does play background music/sound.
    • There are resting/seating areas within this area.
    • Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board and television/screen format.
    • All exhibits can be audio described.
    • Exhibits are audio described in person.
    • There are some exhibits which start from the floor level.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
    • The lighting levels in this area are good.
  • Exit View
    • Visitors exit via a separate set of doors/opening.
    • The exit is clearly signed internally.
    • There is a single, automatic door with an opening width of 75cm+ when exiting this area/attraction.
    • The exit is ramped/sloped.
    • There is a slight permanent ramp, with a handrail on the left going down, when exiting.
  • Comments View
    • The automatic door at the exit opens away from you.
    • The exit to this gallery leads out of the museum into the courtyard located in front of the main entrance.

Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Access to Toilets)

  • There is a ramp/slope located in the corridor leading to the toilet facilities.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
  • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are moderate to good.

Toilet with Adaptations (Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located between Galleries 5 and 6.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 110m (120yd 11in) from the main entrance.
    • There is ramped/sloped access into the accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 162cm x 210cm (5ft 4in x 6ft 11in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The toilet has not got a non-slip floor.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 96cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are non-infectious waste and general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 124cm from the floor.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
    • The toilet has a lid.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • 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).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 93cm (3ft 1in).
    • 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).
    • The height of the wash basin is 73cm (2ft 5in).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is not a mixer tap.
    • Taps do not have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 93cm.
    • 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).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 131cm (4ft 4in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is medium.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is medium.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
    • The baby change table is not height adjustable.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 95cm (3ft 1in).

Standard Toilet(s)

  • 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 between Galleries 5 and 6.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 110m (120yd 11in) from the main entrance.
    • There is ramped/sloped access into the female and male toilet(s).
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • There is not a lowered urinal in the male toilet(s).
    • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
    • There is not a lowered wash basin.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s) View
    • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet(s).