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Museum of East Anglian Life

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

  • Services / facilities within the grounds include history exhibits and buildings, farm animals and wildlife, cafe, woodland walks and gardens.
  • Related link Mid Suffolk Tourist Information Centre.
  • Http://www.disabledgo.com

Opening Times

  • The venue has seasonal opening times and please contact the venue for details of opening times.

Location

  • The venue is situated within the centre of the town.
  • This venue is situated in Stowmarket.
  • The venue is not situated on a road which has a steep gradient.
  • The nearest mainline station is Stowmarket.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Parking is free for all users.
  • The car park is at the side of the venue.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
  • There are 2 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
  • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 250cm x 460cm (8ft 2in x 15ft 1in).
  • The nearest designated bay is 100m (109yd) from the main entrance.
  • The furthest designated bay is 103m (113yd) 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 loose chippings.
  • The patron does not have to cross a road.
  • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the venue.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main doors open automatically.
  • The door opening is 150cm (4ft 11in) wide.
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The doors open away from you (push).
    • The doors are double width.
    • The doors are permanently held open.
    • The door opening is 140cm (4ft 7in) wide.
  • Comments View
    • The first door gives access to the Information Centre.
    • You must travel through here to reach the museum.

Level Change (Main Entrance)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this service.

Reception

  • The reception desk is 4m (13ft 1in) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to reception from the entrance.
  • The reception desk is low height.
  • The desk has a lowered section.
  • Lighting levels are medium.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use system.

Inside Access (Barns/Cafes and Additional Buildings)

  • There is not level access to the service.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
  • Lighting levels are varied.

Level Change (Barns/Cafes and Additional Buildings)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this service.

Museum

  • Exhibits cannot be audio described.
  • Tactile signage for exhibits is not available.
  • The availability of tactile signage does not depend on exhibition.
  • 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.

Outside Access (The Osier)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the cafe.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main doors open towards you (pull).
  • The doors are double width.
  • The doors are heavy.
  • The door opening is 150cm (4ft 11in) wide.

Level Change (The Osier Cafe)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
  • Comments View
    • There is another slope just before the entrance that is easy and 170cm wide.

Eating and Drinking (The Osier)

  • The following information is for the cafe.
  • The bar does serve food.
  • 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 service counter.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is 1m (3ft 3in) from the cafe entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 50cm (1ft 8in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 75cm (2ft 6in).
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • 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 only.
  • Opening Times View
    • Monday Closed.
    • Tuesday 09:00 - 15:30.
    • Wednesday 09:00 - 15:30.
    • Thursday 09:00 - 15:30.
    • Friday 09:00 - 15:30.
    • Saturday 09:00 - 15:30.
    • Sunday 10:00 - 15:30.

Accessible Toilet (Toilet Block)

  • There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • 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 unisex 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 light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 140cm x 150cm (4ft 7in x 4ft 11in).
    • There is not a lateral transfer space.
    • The tap type is twist/turn.
    • There is not a mixer tap.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
    • 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 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 placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 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 fair.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is fair.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • The lighting levels are poor.
  • Comments View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • The baby change facilities are located in the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • Inside the venue, there is not level access to the baby change facility.

Level Change (Accessible Toilet)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.

Standard Toilet(s) (Toilet Block)

Level Change (Male Standard Toilets)

  • There is not a ramp or slope to access this service.
  • There are steps to access this area / service.
  • The steps are located directly in front of the entrance.
  • There is / are 1 step(s) to the area / service.
  • The steps are not clearly marked.
  • The steps are deep.
  • The steps do not have handrails.

Level Change (Female Standard Toilets)

  • There are steps to access this area / service.
  • The steps are located directly in front of the entrance.
  • There is / are 1 step(s) to the area / service.
  • The steps are not clearly marked.
  • The steps are medium.
  • The steps do not have handrails.

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • An assistance dog toilet area can be provided onsite.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.