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Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

Murdoch's Lone, Alloway, Ayr, South Ayrshire, KA7 4PQ

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About this venue

Visit the humble cottage where Robert Burns was born and spent the first years of his life. Explore the museum which houses more than 5,000 Burns artefacts including his handwritten manuscripts. Follow in Tam o’ Shanter’s footsteps to atmospheric Alloway Auld Kirk and over the Brig o’ Doon. Visit the Monument where Burns tourism began back in 1823. Celebrate the legacy of Burns with haggis, neeps and tatties in the museum café.

Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Comments View
    • Burns Cottage is around 750m away and also offers its own car park.

Location

  • The venue is situated outside the centre of the town.
  • This venue is situated in Ayr.
  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest mainline station is Ayr.

COVID-19 Information

Opening Hours

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • The car park is located to the left of the building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
    • There is/are 6 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 450cm x 490cm (14ft 9in x 16ft 1in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 35m (38yd 10in) from the main entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
    • 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)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is / are single.
  • The width of the door opening is 83cm (2ft 9in).
  • Comments View
    • There is also an automatic revolving door to the right of this entrance (shown in photograph 4).

Outside Access (Garden Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the rear of the building in the café.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The main automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 200cm.
  • Comments View
    • There are some sheltered seating areas on either side of the entrance, as well as further outdoor seating.
    • This entrance leads to the playpark and garden and can be used to access Burns Monument and Gardens.

Reception (Ticket Office)

  • 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 medium.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The system is a portable loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are varied.

Museum

  • Exhibits can be audio described.
  • Tactile signage for exhibits is not available.
  • The availability of tactile signage does not depend on exhibition.
  • 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 portable loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
  • A deposit is not required for the hearing system.
  • Concessions are available.
  • There is a wheelchair to borrow.
  • To borrow the wheelchair, contact a member of staff.
  • Comments View
    • There is a wide automatic sliding door next to the ticket desk for entry.
    • There are push pad operated double doors to exit.

Eating and Drinking

  • The following information is for the café.
  • The café is located to the rear of the building.
  • Full table service is available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks cannot be brought to the table.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 24m (26yd 9in) from the main entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 38cm (1ft 3in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 108cm (3ft 7in).
  • The standard height for tables is 72cm.
  • 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 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 halesome hearty fare (hot and cold meals and snacks).

Parks and Gardens

  • The park or garden does have footpaths.
  • The path(s) has a / have tarmac surface(s).
  • The majority of the path(s) is / are wide enough for wheelchair users.
  • There are slight slopes on the paths.
  • There are bench seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
  • Comments View
    • There are a range of surfaces in the play area with some rubberised, and compact earth/wood chippings with some steeper slopes in the adventure play zones.
    • The tarmac path to the rear of the play park leads out to a wide gate with Alloway Parish Church car park which provides level access to Burns Monument and Gardens.

Accessible Toilet (Left Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is written text and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) 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 outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 216cm x 245cm (7ft 1in x 8ft).
    • 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 130cm (4ft 3in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not 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.
    • There is a push button alarm in this cubicle.
    • 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 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 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 fair.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is fair.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • An alarm touch strip runs around the perimeter of the room.
    • The alarm strip is 23cm from the floor.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • 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 to the left as you enter.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located to the left as you enter.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.

Additional Info

  • Documents are available in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • An assistance dog toilet area can be provided onsite.
  • The assistance dog toilet area is located at the side of the car park.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is normally on duty.
  • Staff are trained to BSL level (unknown at time of research).
  • Comments View
    • Accessible openings take place on the first Tuesday of every month, from 15:00-17:00 at both the Museum and Cottage.
    • Lights are turned up and interactive noises turned off to create a calmer and more relaxed environment.