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Great North Museum

Barrass Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4PT

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About this venue

Journey through 350 million years of evolution to discover the story of our planet and its people. From the pretty to the poisonous, the terrifying to the tiny, explore the wonder and diversity of our world at the award winning Great North Museum.

Access Guide

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Location

  • The venue is situated within the centre of the city.
  • This venue is situated in Newcastle.
  • The venue is situated on a road which has a steep gradient.
  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest mainline station is Manors.

Opening Times

  • 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 - 16:00.
  • Sunday 11:00 - 16:00.

Parking (Blue Badge Holders Only)

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is not free for all users.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • The car park is located to the right hand side as you face the venue.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot be booked in advance.
    • There is/are 4 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 320cm x 520cm (10ft 6in x 17ft 1in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 25m (27yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 30m (32yd 2ft) from the main 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 uneven surfaces.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • 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.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The main automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 90cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 130cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on the left going up.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 10+ 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 15cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

Lift (Main Entrance Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right of the main entrance steps.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are Level change main entrance.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 100cm x 140cm (3ft 3in 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 not 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.

Outside Access (Rear Entrance - Exit Only)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 180cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located beyond the exit doors on the pathway leading from the exit.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
  • Comments View
    • This is an exit from the museum only.

Reception

  • The desk/counter is 6m (6yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • This venue does play background music.
  • Music is played throughout the venue.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are medium.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1-2.
    • 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 both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the rear of the reception.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G -1 - 2.
  • The lift is approximately 55m (60yd 5in) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 175cm (5ft 9in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 178cm x 400cm (5ft 10in x 13ft 1in).
  • 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 not 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 moderate to good.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left of the reception desk.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G,1,.
  • The lift is approximately 55m (60yd 5in) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 140cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is 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.

Museum

  • Exhibits cannot be audio described.
  • Tactile signage for exhibits is not available.
  • The availability of tactile signage does not depend on exhibition.
  • Touch tours are not available.
  • Video tours are not available.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
  • Concessions are available.
  • There is a wheelchair to borrow.
  • To borrow the wheelchair, please contact a member of staff.

Restaurant Bar Internal (Hancock Café)

  • The following information is for the café.
  • Once inside, there is level access to the service.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • There is not a lowered section at the service counter.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is 51m (55yd 2ft) from the lift.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 72cm (2ft 4in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 72cm (2ft 4in).
  • Menus are hand held only.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are 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.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is Braille, tactile and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left as you enter.
    • 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 (automatically).
    • The door is push pad activated.
    • The door is locked by a push button or pad.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 76cm (2ft 6in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 240cm (5ft 3in x 7ft 10in).
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is sensor.
    • There is 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 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 not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • 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 cannot 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 fair.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located in the accessible toilet.
  • Comments View
    • The door is operated by push pad.
    • The lock is a push pad.

Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is Braille, tactile and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left of the lift on the first floor.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens by sliding (Bi-Fold).
    • The door is push pad activated.
    • The door is locked by a push button or pad.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 220cm (5ft 3in x 7ft 3in).
    • There is not 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is sensor.
    • There is 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 and non-infectious waste 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 not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • 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 cannot 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 fair.
    • There is a fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 90cm (2ft 11in).

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor Rear - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is Braille, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 80m (87yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located at the rear of the building.
    • 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 (automatically).
    • The door is push pad activated.
    • The door is locked by a push button or pad.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 217cm x 370cm (7ft 1in x 12ft 2in).
    • 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 143cm (4ft 8in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is 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 and non-infectious waste 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 the left.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can 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.
  • Comments View
    • There is a changing bench in the room.
    • There is a walk-in shower in the room with an adjustable shower head.
    • The flip down shower chair is 50cm high.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the right as you enter.
    • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels in the female toilets are moderate to good.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the left as you enter.
    • The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels in the male toilets are moderate to good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the female and male standard toilets.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 94cm (3ft 1in).
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.
  • Comments View
    • There are similar standard toilets on the first floor.

Parent and Baby Room (Baby Change First Floor)

  • There is a parent and baby room for public use.
  • The parent and baby room is located on the first floor.
  • The parent and baby room is approximately 55m from the 12 lift 2 entrance.
  • There is step-free access to the parent and baby room, via lift.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the room.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the parent and baby room door.
  • The baby change table is 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • There are disposal facilities in the parent and baby room.
  • There is a wash basin in the parent and baby room.
  • The height of the wash basin is 78cm.
  • The wash basin tap type is sensor.
  • There is/are not chair(s) in the parent and baby room.
  • There is a toilet in the parent and baby room.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • The lighting levels are good.

Additional Info

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