Skip to main content

Garden Museum

5 Lambeth Palace Road, London, SE1 7LB

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

Introduction - Garden Museum

  • The Garden Museum explores and celebrates British gardens and gardening through its collection, temporary exhibitions, events and garden.

Getting Here

South Bank Public Car Parks

  • This section provides information about a number of public cars parks around South Bank.
    For more information about access and parking charges please visit the individual car parks.
    South Bank is located in the congestion charging zone.

Getting Help and Assistance

  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
  • There is a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
  • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include: large print on request.
  • There is an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • There are not mobility aids available.

Approach (Museum Entrance)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is loose chippings.
    • The approach to Café entrance has a tarmac surface, which may be more suitable for wheelchair users.
    • There is step-free access on the approach.

Outside Access (Museum Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the venue.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 120cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 120cm.

Approach (Café Entrance)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is block paving.
    • There is step-free access on the approach.
    • There is a slope with a very easy incline.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.

Outside Access (Café Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 108cm.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the majority of the building.
    • There is a slight ramp, with handrails on both sides, for access to the museum from the café entrance and for access to the café, garden and learning centre from the museum entrance.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
    • There is/are 3 clearly marked step(s), with no handrails, for access to the museum from the café entrance and for access to the café, garden and learning centre from the museum entrance.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The going of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
  • Circulation View
    • There are not doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is stone.
    • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors/walkways.
    • There are seats without armrests at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • Safe Place(s) View
    • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in public areas.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the right of the main ground floor area.
    • There is step-free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The counter is placed in front of a plain background.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are moderate to good.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a lowered section of the counter.
    • The height of the lowered section at the counter is 80cm.
    • There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • The type of system is a portable loop.
    • The hearing assistance system is not signed.
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is tiles.

Eating and Drinking (Café)

  • The following information is for the café.
  • The café is located ahead as you enter from the café or next to the Garden.
  • There is step-free access to the café.
  • Full table service is available.
  • Food and/or drinks can be ordered from the service counter.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system .
  • There is step-free access within the café.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • This area does not play background music.
  • The type of flooring in this area is tiles.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests on both sides.
  • The nearest table is approximately 1m from the entrance/opening.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 71cm.
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 103cm.
  • The standard height for tables is 71cm.
  • Plastic/takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic/takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • There are hand held menus and wall menus available.
  • 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.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Attraction / Exhibit (Ground Floor)

  • Entrance / Opening View
    • There is a single, manual door with an opening width of 75cm+, which is easy to open for access to this area/attraction.
    • The entrance/opening is clearly signed.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance/opening.
  • Attraction / Exhibit View
    • There is step-free level access throughout this area.
    • There is a slight slope leading up to the upper exhibition area. The slight slope overcomes 2 steps without handrails.
    • Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
    • During busy periods this area can become congested.
    • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in this area.
    • This area does not play background music/sound.
    • There are resting/seating areas within this area.
    • Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board format.
    • No exhibits can be audio described.
    • There are some exhibits which start from the floor level.
    • The distance between the lowest exhibit and the floor is 70cm.
    • On the upper exhibition level there is a video. Subtitles are available upon request.
    • There is a good colour contrast between some walls and the floor in this area.
    • The lighting levels in this area are moderate to good.
  • Exit View
    • Visitors exit via the entrance/opening.

Attraction / Exhibit (Walcott Room)

  • Entrance / Opening View
    • There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
    • The entrance/opening is clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance/opening.
    • Access to the Walcott Room is via the slight ramp or steps. The details are included in the getting here section.
  • Attraction / Exhibit View
    • There is step-free level access throughout this area.
    • Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
    • The type of flooring in this area is stone.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in this area.
    • This area does not play background music/sound.
    • There are not resting/seating areas within this area.
    • Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board format.
    • No exhibits can be audio described.
    • All exhibits start from the floor level.
    • There is an information touchscreen available.
      There is clear space beneath for wheelchair users. The height of the touchscreen is between 83cm to 108cm.
    • There is a poor colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
    • The lighting levels in this area are moderate to good.
  • Exit View
    • Visitors exit via the entrance/opening.

Attraction / Exhibit (Ark Gallery)

  • Entrance / Opening View
    • There is a single, permanently held open door with an opening width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
    • The entrance/opening is not clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance/opening.
  • Attraction / Exhibit View
    • There is step-free level access throughout this area.
    • Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
    • The type of flooring in this area is stone.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in this area.
    • This area does not play background music/sound.
    • There are not resting/seating areas within this area.
    • Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board format.
    • No exhibits can be audio described.
    • There are some exhibits which start from the floor level.
    • The distance between the lowest exhibit and the floor is 70cm.
    • There is a good colour contrast between some walls and the floor in this area.
    • The lighting levels in this area are low to moderate.
  • Exit View
    • Visitors exit via the entrance/opening.

Medieval Tower

  • The Medieval Tower is located next to the information desk.
  • There is one step leading from the desk to the entrance to the tower.
  • The entrance to the tower is 70cm high and height of the entrance is 150cm.
  • There are 131 steps leading up to the tower.
  • The steps are on the spiral staircase and the going of the step varies and can be narrow in places.
  • There are rope handrails available on the wall.
  • The Tower has a viewing area at the top.
  • The surface of the viewing area is metal.

Shop

  • The shop is located at the centre of the museum.
  • There are slight ramps leading from the museum and the café corridor.
  • There is step-free access throughout the shop.
  • The surface of the flooring is stone.
  • There are seats with armrests available.
  • There are shelving units on the wall.
  • There is counter.
  • The height of the counter is 80cm.

Sackler Garden

  • The Sackler Garden is located of the Café corridor.
  • There is step-free access to the garden.
  • The access to the garden is via a single door.
  • The door opens away from you (push) and has an opening width of 105cm.
  • There is step-free access around the garden.
  • The surface of the flooring is stone and block paving.
  • There are deck chairs available.

Accessible Toilet(s)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located at the rear of the café/garden corridor.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 85cm.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 155cm x 230cm (5ft 1in x 7ft 7in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The toilet has a non-slip floor.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 85cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a waste bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 100cm and 140cm from the floor.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is a shelf next to the toilet.
    • The shelf is at a height of 47cm.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • 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).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • Taps have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 95cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
    • The baby change table is not height adjustable.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 89cm (2ft 11in).

Event Room(s) / Space(s) (Clore Learning Space)

  • Access to the Room View
    • The room surveyed was Clore Learning Space.
    • Clore Learning Space is located along the café corridor.
    • There is wayfinding signage for the room.
    • There is clear signage for the room(s) (on or near the door).
    • There is written signage for the room(s), in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
    • Staff can provide assistance getting to the room(s)/space(s).
    • The corridor/walkway leading to the room(s)/space(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
    • There is step-free access.
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 180cm.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
  • Room Details View
    • There is a portable hearing assistance system available for the room.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • There are no potential trip hazards within the room.
    • There is some flooring in corridors with a very shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s) View
    • The shared toilets that were surveyed are located at the rear of the café/garden corridor.
    • There is step-free access into the shared toilet(s).
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
    • There is not a lowered wash basin.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • There is a/are similar standard toilet(s) available.

Other Floors (Ground to First Floor)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located next to the information desk.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G and 1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The going of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail 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 landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.

Lift (Standard Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located next to the information desk.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G and 1.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do not contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is good.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is poor.
  • The clear door width is 95cm (3ft 1in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 115cm x 140cm (3ft 9in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are moderate to good.

Attraction / Exhibit (First Floor Exhibition)

  • Entrance / Opening View
    • There is a lift with an opening door width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
  • Attraction / Exhibit View
    • There is step-free level access throughout this area.
    • Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
    • During busy periods this area can become congested.
    • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in this area.
    • This area does not play background music/sound.
    • There are resting/seating areas within this area.
    • Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in pictorial and information board format.
    • No exhibits can be audio described.
    • There are some exhibits which start from the floor level.
    • The distance between the lowest exhibit and the floor is 70cm.
    • There is an information touchscreen.
      The height of the touchscreen is between 85cm to 108cm.
      There is clear space beneath for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a good colour contrast between some walls and the floor in this area.
    • The lighting levels in this area are good.
  • Exit View
    • Visitors exit via a lift.

Attraction / Exhibit (Gallery)

  • Entrance / Opening View
    • There is a single, manual door with an opening width of 75cm+, which is easy to open for access to this area/attraction.
    • The entrance/opening is clearly signed.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance/opening.
  • Attraction / Exhibit View
    • There is step-free level access throughout this area.
    • Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
    • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in this area.
    • This area does not play background music/sound.
    • There are resting/seating areas within this area.
    • Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board format.
    • No exhibits can be audio described.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
    • The lighting levels in this area are moderate to good.
  • Exit View
    • Visitors exit via the entrance/opening.

Related London South Bank Venues (Albert Embankment - between Lambeth Bridge and Westminster Bridge)