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Hexham Old Gaol

Hallgate, Hexham , Northumberland, NE46 1XD

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Access Guide

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Overview

  • About View
    • Hexham Gaol is the earliest purpose-built prison in England and was used as a prison until the 1820s. It contains historical and cultural displays exploring crime and punishment through the ages.
    • Facilities available in the venue include: a gift shop.
    • View information on opening times
  • Parking and Public Transport View
  • Getting In and Around View
    • There is step-free access via ramp at the most accessible entrance.
    • There is step-free level access throughout, this may include the use of a lift.
    • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces and narrow walkways.
    • The dungeon, ground, first and second floors can be accessed via a standard lift.
    • The following facilities are available: a seat/chair, a hearing assistance system and a water bowl for assistance dogs.
    • Additional equipment which can be borrowed or hired includes: The Old Gaol has an induction loop system covering the reception desk and audio-visual presentations.
    • The venue can provide large print documents and documents in different languages.
    • Staff receive the following training: Dementia Friends and Everybody Welcome training.
    • Ear defenders are available from reception.
  • Toilet and Changing Facilities View
    • There are no toilet facilities.

Entrance

  • This entrance is located at the front of the venue.
  • There is step-free access via ramp at the entrance.
  • The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide with a handrail on the right going up.
  • The ramp bypasses the steps.
  • There are 4 steps which are unmarked, with handrails on both sides.
  • There is a single manual door at this entrance.
  • The door is permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 106cm.
  • There is a second single automatic door.
  • The second door opens towards you.
  • The push pad for the automatic doors is at a height of 95cm.
  • The width of the opening is 78cm.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 95cm.
  • There is step-free level access via lift as you enter.

Reception (including Gift Shop)

  • The reception is located to the left after the entrance.
  • The journey time to this reception from the entrance door is approximately 1 minute.
  • The most accessible route to reception has uneven surfaces and manual doors.
  • There is step-free level access to reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 91cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the desk, at a suitable height for a wheelchair user .
  • There is a clearly signed portable hearing assistance system.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.

Lift

  • The lift surveyed is located directly ahead of the main entrance doors, in the reception area.
  • The journey time to this lift from the main entrance is approximately 1 minute.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and uneven surfaces.
  • The dungeon, ground, first and second floors are accessed by this lift.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 80cm.
  • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.

Stairs (Spiral Staircase)

  • The stairs surveyed are located near the main reception area.
  • The ground, first and second floors can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 52 stairs in total for visitors who don't like to use lifts.

Exhibition Space (Ground Floor - Dodd Room)

  • All exhibits are indoors.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces and narrow walkways.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is no (or very little) background noise.
  • Display information includes: tactile, pictorial, information boards and interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and benches.
  • There are shows/talks with no designated seating for wheelchair users.
  • The tour is self-guided but volunteers/staff are available to provide additional information.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the tour, this may include the use of a lift.
  • Access throughout the tour may include uneven surfaces and narrow walkways.
  • Wayfinding signage is not provided throughout the tour.
  • The Dodd Room entrance opening width is 93cm.

Exhibition Space (Dungeon)

  • This area is indoors.
  • The following may be experienced here: lighting effects.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Visitors view the dungeon without leaving the glass lift and there is audio commentary.

Exhibition Space (First Floor - Charlton Room and Fenwick Room)

  • All exhibits are indoors.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces and narrow walkways.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • The following may be experienced here: lighting effects and audio triggered by a sensor.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise.
  • Display information includes: pictorial, audio description, touchscreens and interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests and chairs without armrests.
  • There are shows/talks with no designated seating for wheelchair users.
  • The tour is self-guided but volunteers/staff are available to provide additional information.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the tour, this may include the use of a lift.
  • Access throughout the tour may include uneven surfaces and narrow walkways.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided throughout the tour.
  • The Fenwick and Charlton Room entrance opening widths are both 95cm.

Exhibition Space (Second Floor - Robson Room and Milburn Room)

  • All exhibits are indoors.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: The Milburn Room.
  • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces and narrow walkways.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • The following may be experienced here: interactive video effects and audio triggered by a sensor.
  • There may be background noise.
  • Display information includes: pictorial, information boards, touchscreens and interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and benches.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
  • There are shows/talks with no designated seating for wheelchair users.
  • The tour is self-guided but volunteers/staff are available to provide additional information.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the tour, this may include the use of a lift.
  • The following areas of the tour have step-free access via ramps or slopes: The Milburn Room.
  • Access throughout the tour may include uneven surfaces and narrow walkways.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided throughout the tour.
  • The Robson Room has an entrance opening width of 82cm and the Milburn Room has an entrance opening width of 86cm.