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.

Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Parks Road, OX1 3PW

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
  • Parking and Public Transport View
  • Getting In and Around View
    • There is step-free level access via lift at the most accessible entrance.
    • The most accessible entrance is the south accessible entrance.
    • There is stepped access at the main entrance.
    • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas, this may include the use of a lift.
    • The following areas have step-free access via ramps: the side gallery on the ground floor.
    • Doors are held open along circulation routes.
    • Access throughout may include pillars.
    • The lower ground floor, ground floor and first floor can be accessed via a standard lift.
  • Getting Help and Assistance View
    • Seating is available.
    • There are both fixed and portable hearing assistance systems.
    • There is not 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 2 toilets with adaptations.
    • The toilets with adaptations are located to the north end of the building, and to the south end of the building on the lower ground floor.
    • All toilets with adaptations have a left hand transfer space.
    • Ambulant toilet facilities are located within the standard toilets at the south end of the building on the lower ground floor.
    • Female and male step-free standard toilet facilities are located at the south end of the building.
  • Changing Facilities View
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the toilet with adaptations to the north of the building and in the standard toilets at the south end of the building.

Parking

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located at either end of the building.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • There are 5 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 250cm (width) x 490cm (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 7m from the accessible entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a slight slope.
    • This route has bollards.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • Parking is free for all users.
  • 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.

Entrance

  • This entrance is located to the far right side of the building, on the south side.
  • The approach to the entrance has 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 125cm.
  • There is a single automatic door, which is push pad activated.
  • The height of the push pad is 94cm.
  • The door opens away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 102cm.
  • The door has a high colour contrast.
  • 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.
  • The lift bypasses the steps.
  • There are 9 steps as you enter.
  • There are 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 unmarked.
  • 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-45cm.

Main Lift

  • The lift surveyed is located near the south accessible entrance.
  • The distance from the entrance is 20m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • Doors are held open along the most accessible route.
  • Standard Lift View
    • The lower ground floor, ground floor and Floor 1 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 630kg.
    • 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 80cm.
    • The internal dimensions of the lift are 109cm (width) x 142cm (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 list of floor services/facilities, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer, an intercom hearing assistance system and a mirror to aid reversing.
    • The lift has a separate door to exit.
    • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.

Reception

  • Location View
    • The reception is located at the front centre of building, to the left from the accessible entrance and lift.
    • The distance from the lift is 22m.
  • Route View
    • The most accessible route to the reception has a lift.
    • Doors are held open along the most accessible route.
  • Access View
    • There is step-free level access to the reception.
    • The height of the reception desk is 98cm.
    • There is a lowered section at the desk.
    • The height of the lowered section is 92cm.
    • The reception has patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • There is a clearly signed portable hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system could not be tested at the time of the survey.
    • The height of the touchscreen display ranges from 110cm to 120cm from the floor.
    • The reception is made up of two desks for information.
    • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the time of day.
    • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
    • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

Platform Lift

  • The lift surveyed is located to the north end of the building.
  • The distance from the main lift is 32m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • This lift is a platform lift.
  • Platform Lift View
    • The ground to lower ground floor for toilets can be accessed by this lift.
    • 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 300kg.
    • The internal dimensions of the lift are 80cm (width) x 127cm (depth).
    • The control buttons have a low colour contrast.
    • None of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The button needs to be pressed constantly when in use.
    • The lift is slow moving.
    • This lift is operated by member of staff on request.

Stairs

  • The stairs are located at the south end of the building.
  • The lower ground floor, ground floor and Floor 1 for upper galleries 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 do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The steps are unmarked.
  • 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-45cm.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
  • There are similar stairs at the other end of the building.

Exhibition Space

  • The museum is indoors.
  • There are interactive areas or exhibits in the museum.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps: the north side gallery of the ground floor.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
  • The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
  • The following may be experienced here: lighting effects and interactive video effects.
  • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the time of day.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
  • Display formats include: 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 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 majority of the tour.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps: the north side gallery on the ground floor.
  • Wayfinding signage is not provided throughout the tour.
  • All types of tours are available at this venue.

Westwood Room

  • The room is located on Floor 1, at the south end of the building.
  • The distance from the main lift is 5m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has a lift.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • There is no signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • This room can be booked for events.
  • There are double manual doors.
  • The doors open away from you.
  • The doors are easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 160cm.
  • The doors have a low colour contrast.
  • There is step-free level access throughout.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
  • Seating available in this room includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in this room includes: tables.
  • None of the tables are fixed.
  • The surface height of the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system could not be tested at the time of the survey.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this room.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

Shop

  • Shop View
    • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
    • The shop located to the front of the museum.
    • The majority of main aisle widths are between 150cm - 180cm.
    • The majority of product aisle widths are over 180cm.
    • Product displays/containers that may be more difficult for some to reach or open include: low shelving.
    • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
    • There is background noise which varies depending on the time of day.
    • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
  • Payment Counters and Checkouts View
    • The payment counter is located to the front of the building.
    • Signage is not provided for the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 91cm.
    • There is a lowered section at the counter.
    • The height of the lowered section is 76cm.
    • The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The payment machine is portable.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Eating and Drinking

  • Location and Access View
    • The café is located on Floor 1, towards the front of the building.
    • The most accessible route has a lift.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
    • There is step-free level access into this area.
    • There is open plan access.
  • 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 to the centre left of the café from the lift.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 98cm.
    • There is a lowered section at the counter, but it was obstructed at the time of the survey.
    • The height of the lowered section is 90cm.
    • The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The payment machine is portable.
  • Service View
    • Full table service is not available.
    • Menu types include: wall-mounted and countertop.
    • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free, lactose free, nut allergy, vegetarian and vegan.
    • The following are available: drinking straws, takeaway cups and takeaway cutlery.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Seating Area View
    • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
    • There is 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 have a high colour contrast.
    • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
    • The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the time of day.
    • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

Toilet with Adaptations (Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the lower ground floor, to the south end of the building.
    • The distance from the accessible entrance is 7m.
  • Route View
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • Doors are held open along the most accessible route.
  • Access View
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high colour contrast.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the opening is 86cm.
    • The door has a twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high 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 192cm (width) x 318cm (depth).
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 124cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a spatula 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 high colour contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 96cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has lever taps.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 72cm from the floor.
    • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high colour contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high colour contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 98cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a low colour contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 95cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a long mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin, a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 115cm and 176cm from the floor.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 93cm.
    • The walls and floor have a medium colour contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.