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Food Museum

Abbots Hall, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 1DL

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About this venue

Discover the history and natural world of East Anglia on our beautiful 75 acre site — explore nearly 3km of woodland and riverside nature trails. Learn about fascinating East Anglian crafts and traditional Gypsy culture, get steamed up with our powerful engines and meet our friendly animals including rare breeds of cattle and sheep. Discover 15 splendidly restored historic buildings, including the newly restored Abbot's Hall and try some delicious food and local produce in the new museum café.

Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Comments View
    • Information from the venue: .
    • The Food Museum is set across 84 acres of glorious Suffolk countryside. There are 17 fascinating buildings to explore and close to 40,000 objects in the museum’s collection – from wartime ration recipes to steam engines. The Food Museum is open year-round and runs all kinds of events and activities, including daily demonstrations, workshops and live performances. Meet the museum’s animals including rare breeds, explore the river walk and woodland, and try delicious food and local produce in the museum café.

Location

  • There is not a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Stowmarket.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • This car park is for Blue Badge holders only, please ask at the reception desk for entry to the car park. There is Food Museum patron parking with the Illife Way car park next to Asda car park. This area has standard pay and display bays. There is free parking for Blue Badge owners for 3 hours. This car park is approximately 200m away.
    • The car park is located to the left of the main entrance.
    • 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 460cm (8ft 2in x 15ft 1in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 100m (109yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 103m (112yd 1ft) 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 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.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available within the car park.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • There is an entry phone next to the entrance to the Blue Badge parking. This entry phone is located at 115cm high.

Outside Access (Main Entrance - Reception and Shop)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the venue.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The width of the door opening is 150cm (4ft 11in).
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 140cm (4ft 7in).
  • Comments View
    • Photograph 8 shows the internal entrance to the barn from the reception area/shop.
    • The heavy double doors open away (push) from you to a width of 145cm.

Outside Access (Mediaeval Barn)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the side of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
    • The width of the door opening is 155cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located at the door threshold.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
  • Comments View
    • The Mediaeval Barn is a large flexible space that can be rented for functions.

Outside Access (The Feast)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the front of the cafe.
    • 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) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
  • 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 both sides.
    • The ramp/slope does not bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located to the right of the entrance.
    • There is/are 2 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are 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 a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • 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.
    • There is a second lower handrail.

Reception (Reception and Shop)

  • The desk/counter is 4m (4yd 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 desk/counter has 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.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.

Parks and Gardens

  • The park or garden does have footpaths.
  • The path(s) has a / have compact earth, tarmac and muddy surface(s).
  • The majority of the path(s) is not / are not 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 many slight slopes throughout the pathways leading to the venues' out buildings.

Museum

  • Exhibits cannot be audio described.
  • Tactile signage for exhibits is not available.
  • Braille signage for exhibits is not available.
  • Touch tours are not available.
  • Video tours are not available.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Concessions are available.
  • There is not a wheelchair to borrow.
  • Comments View
    • The Museum consists of 17 historic building housing items of agricultural, mechanical and local significance.

Eating and Drinking (The Feast)

  • The following information is for the café.
  • 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.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the cafe entrance.
  • The standard height for tables is 77cm.
  • 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 hand held and wall.
  • 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.
  • Comments View
    • There are external picnic and standard tables with a top height of 74cm.

Level Change (Toilet Block - Accessible Toilet)

  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
  • There is/are 1 step(s) to the area/service.
  • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are shallow (2cm - 10cm).
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

Accessible Toilet (Toilet Block - 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 80m (87yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located at the rear of the Gypsy Exhibits.
    • There is not 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 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 135cm x 150cm (4ft 5in x 4ft 11in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 79cm (2ft 7in).
    • There is no dropdown rail for the toilet.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is twist/turn.
    • There is not a mixer tap.
    • There is not an emergency alarm.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary and clinical 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 right.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is not a mirror.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • 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 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 poor.
    • 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.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • 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).

Accessible Toilet (Toilet Block Adjacent to Edgar's Farmhouse - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Edgar's Farmhouse.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the North side of the grounds.
    • 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.
    • 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 147cm x 255cm (4ft 10in x 8ft 4in).
    • 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 79cm (2ft 7in).
    • 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 not an emergency alarm.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary, non-infectious waste and waste paper pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 100cm and 170cm from the floor.
  • 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 42cm (1ft 5in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • 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 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • 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 poor.
    • There is a low colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are low to moderate.
  • 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 96cm (3ft 2in).
  • Comments View
    • There are double doors with one door locked that open into the toilet block. They open away from you. The opening is 75cm wide.

Standard Toilet(s) (Toilet Block)

Level Change (Male Standard Toilets)

  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located directly in front of the entrance.
  • There is/are 1 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

Level Change (Female Standard Toilets)

  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located directly in front of the entrance.
  • There is/are 1 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

Standard Toilet(s) (Toilet Block Adjacent to Edgar's Farmhouse)

  • Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
    • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the North side of the grounds.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Edgar's Farmhouse.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
    • Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are moderate to good.

Additional Info

  • 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 Please ask member of staff.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.