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Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PW

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include a Museum, a Gift Shop and a Café.

Location

  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Oxford.

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 - 17:00.
  • Sunday 10:00 - 17:00.

Parking (Blue Badge)

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • The car park is located at the far right of the building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
    • There is/are 2 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 250cm x 490cm (8ft 2in x 16ft 1in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 7m (7yd 1ft) from the south accessible entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 8m (8yd 2ft) from the south accessible 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 slopes/ramps.
    • The car park surface is concrete.
    • 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 venue.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 128cm (4ft 2in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
    • The width of the door opening is 80cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 97cm.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located beyond the first set of doors.
    • There is/are 9 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are in the centre.
    • 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.
    • The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.
  • Comments View
    • There is a ticketing system in place in line with current government legislation. The booth can be seen in photograph 2.

Outside Access (North Accessible Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the far left side of the building.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 126cm (4ft 2in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 95cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 104cm.
  • Comments View
    • This entrance accesses the lower ground floor.

Outside Access (South Accessible Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the far right of the building.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 125cm (4ft 1in).
    • 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 94cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 100cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
  • Comments View
    • This entrance accesses the lower ground floor.
    • MJB 15/9/21 - there is a temporary enclosed walkway of 35m to the south accessible entrance during building works until possibly 2023 as photographs.

Reception

  • The desk/counter is 2m (2yd 7in) from the Main Entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk/counter does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested on 10/12/2019.
  • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
  • There is a touch screen.
  • The touch screen is not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.

Counter (Gift Shop)

  • The counter is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the entrance.
  • There is level access to the counter from the entrance.
  • There is not a bell to attract attention.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 91cm (2ft 12in).
  • There is a lowered section.
  • The height of the lowered section of the counter is 75cm.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

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.
  • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Museum

  • Exhibits can be audio described.
  • Tactile signage for exhibits is not available.
  • Braille signage for exhibits is not available.
  • Touch tours are available.
  • The availability of touch tours depends on exhibition.
  • Video tours are not available.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
  • A deposit is not required for the hearing system.
  • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
  • There is a wheelchair to borrow.
  • To borrow the wheelchair, ask a member of staff.

Eating and Drinking (Museum Café)

  • The following information is for the café.
  • The café is located on the first floor.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the south lift.
  • The standard height for tables is 76cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are wall only.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not 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.

Other Floors (North Stairs)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG, G and 1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on the left going up.
    • There is not a landing.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Lift (North Stairs)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the north stairs.
  • The lift is a stair lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG and G.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the north accessible entrance.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 80cm x 95cm (2ft 7in x 3ft 1in).
  • The lift does not 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 not have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.

Other Floors (South Stairs)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG, G and 1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • There is not a landing.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • The handrails are on the left and then the right.

Lift (South Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the far right side of the building.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG, G and 1.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 13m (14yd 8in) from the south accessible entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 140cm (3ft 7in 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 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 moderate to good.

Accessible Toilet (Lower Ground South. Left Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the south accessible entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the lower ground floor, to the far right 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 outwards.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 192cm x 320cm (6ft 4in x 10ft 6in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 125cm (4ft 1in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is not 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, general domestic waste and open waste paper bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are 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 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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 moderate to good.

Standard Toilet(s) (Lower Ground South)

  • 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 on the lower ground floor, to the right side of the building.
    • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 11m (12yd 1in) from the south accessible entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle with wall mounted grab rails is available.
    • Lighting levels in the female toilets are good.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the lower ground floor, to the right side of the building.
    • The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 16m (17yd 1ft) from the south accessible entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle with wall mounted grab rails is available.
    • Lighting levels in the male toilets are good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located in 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.

Accessible Toilet (Lower Ground North. Right Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the north accessible entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left after you enter via the north accessible entrance.
    • 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 outwards.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 83cm (2ft 9in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 190cm x 128cm (6ft 3in x 4ft 2in).
    • There is not sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is not a lateral transfer space.
    • The tap type is sensor.
    • There is not 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 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 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 a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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 fair.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within this accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 92cm (3ft).

Standard Toilet(s) (Lower Ground North)

  • 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 far left of the building.
    • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the north accessible entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels in the female toilets are good.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the far left of the building.
    • The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the north accessible entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels in the male toilets are good.

Additional Info

  • Documents are not available in Braille.
  • Documents are not available in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
  • This service cannot be requested.
  • Comments View
    • The museum holds family events for families with children on the autistic spectrum.
    • Please check the website for details.