Guildford Museum access information

Access to the historic museum buildings is currently via steps. There is no handrail. We have a portable ramp.

If you want to use the ramp, call us using the bell (accessible to wheelchair users). The bell is on the left of the museum front door.

The ramp is steeper than the current standard for a fixed ramp. The ramp does not have handrails.

You will find a member of staff at the accessible welcome desk opposite the entrance.

Guildford Museum has one toilet. Unfortunately, this is not large enough if you are using a wheelchair. It is suitable for ambulant disabled people.

The toilet has:

• extra space
• colour contrast
• grab rails
• a shelf
• red emergency pull cord alarm
• baby changing facilities.

The nearest accessible toilets and changing places toilets are at the Friary Shopping Centre (opens new window) in Guildford. The Friary Shopping Centre is about 500 metres from the museum on a step-free route.

We welcome guide and other assistance dogs to the museum. Ask at the welcome desk if you would like a bowl of water for your dog. The Castle Grounds are very close to the museum if you want to walk or spend your dog. Ask welcome desk staff for directions.

We have evacuation procedures in the event of a fire or emergency. We will check the building and will help you to leave the museum. 

Audio-visual displays

We have two films showing in the museum. One in an alcove to one side of the entrance and the other in the Guildford Stories Gallery. Both have images and commentary. There are no other audio-visual displays.

Light levels

The light levels are low in some areas to protect objects such as the textiles. There is a mixture of natural and artificial light.

Noise levels

The museum is not a noisy place. But, school groups sometimes visit. If you want to avoid school groups, please contact us before you visit to find out if a school is due.

Phone: 01483 444751
Email: heritageservices@guildford.gov.uk

The Scullery Playroom is aimed at children under five years old and may be noisy.

The museum is housed in several old buildings and the floors can be creaky.

Quiet space

If you need a quiet space, there is a room you can use if it's free. Please ask a member of staff.

Audio-visual displays

We have two films showing in the museum. One in an alcove to one side of the entrance and the other in the Guildford Stories Gallery. Both have images and commentary but no audio description. 

Braille

Ask at the welcome desk if you would like a tactile map of the museum with braille. There are braille signs on important features such as stairs and the toilet door.

Large print

Large print copies of the text from permanent and temporary exhibitions are available. Ask at the welcome desk.

Light levels

The light levels are low in some areas to protect objects such as the textiles. There is a mixture of natural and artificial light.

Shop

There are items for sale in our shop, such as:

• books
• cards
• toys 
• gifts

If you would like to know exactly what we sell, ask the welcome desk staff.

Signage

The signs for the galleries are large, in a clear font and in colours that contrast strongly with the walls.

Audio-visual displays

There are two films showing in the museum. One in an alcove to one side of the entrance and the other in the Guildford Stories Gallery. Both have images and commentary. The film about the history of the museum buildings by the entrance has subtitles. The film about the history of Guildford in the Guildford Stories Gallery has a paper transcript.

Induction loops

There is a fixed induction loop for hearing aid users. It covers the welcome desk and Temporary Exhibitions Gallery. We have a portable induction loop for meetings or talks in other areas.

Noise levels

The museum is not a noisy place. But, school groups sometimes visit. If you want to avoid school groups, please contact us before you visit to find out if a school is due.

Phone: 01483 444751
Email: heritageservices@guildford.gov.uk

The Scullery Playroom is aimed at children under five years old and may be noisy.

Quiet space

If you need a quiet space, there is a room you can use if it's free. Please ask a member of staff.

Audio-visual displays

There are two films showing in the museum. One in an alcove to one side of the entrance and the other in the Guildford Stories Gallery. Both have images and commentary. The film about the history of the museum buildings by the entrance has subtitles. The film about the history of Guildford in the Guildford Stories Gallery has a paper transcript.

Dementia Friends

Some of the museum staff have had Dementia Friends training.

Induction loops

There is a fixed induction loop for hearing aid users. It covers the welcome desk and Temporary Exhibitions Gallery. We have a portable induction loop for meetings or talks in other areas.

Light levels

The light levels are low in some areas to protect objects such as the textiles. There is a mixture of natural and artificial light.

Noise levels

The museum is not a noisy place. But, school groups sometimes visit. If you want to avoid school groups, please contact us before you visit to find out if a school is due.

Phone: 01483 444751
Email: heritageservices@guildford.gov.uk

The Scullery Playroom is aimed at children under five years old and may be noisy.

The museum is housed in several old buildings and the floors can be creaky.

Orientation

Doors for staff use only are painted white to match the walls. Doors for the public to use, like the toilet, are brown wood.

Quiet space

If you need a quiet space, there is a room you can use if it's free. Please ask a member of staff.

Seating

There are seats around the galleries for you to use, some with arms.

Activities

There are activity sheets for permanent and temporary exhibitions. Please pick them up at the entrance or ask the welcome desk staff.

Quiet space

If you need a quiet space, there is a room you can use if it's free. Please ask a member of staff.

Getting around the galleries

The Saxon and Medieval displays, Temporary Exhibitions Gallery and toilet have step-free access. The Prehistoric and Roman Surrey Gallery are on the ground floor. They are accessed by two steps down and two steps up. Both sets of steps have metal handrails one side.

We can provide a ramp, which is only suitable for users of manual wheelchairs.

On the first floor and only accessible by stairs are:

• the Scullery Playroom
• trade and industry
• childhood
• Gertrude Jekyll and Lewis Carroll
• textiles
• Guildford Stories Galleries.

There are eight steps to a small mezzanine level with a wooden banister either side. There are six more steps to the Scullery Playroom with wooden banisters both sides.

From the mezzanine there are four more steps to the main first floor. These steps have a horizontal wooden banister one side.

To reach the Gertrude Jekyll and Lewis Carroll gallery there is one more step without a handrail. To reach the Guildford Stories Gallery there are two more steps. These steps have a metal handrail one side.

We are not currently able to install a lift in the Grade II* listed buildings.

The history of the museum buildings film is on the ground floor. You can also watch the film on our website.

Mobility scooters are available for loan from Shopmobility (opens new window).

Seating

There are seats around the galleries for you to use, some with arms.

Shop

The shop area is at the welcome desk. Some of the shop displays are at high level. Please ask the welcome desk staff for help.

We can arrange an alternative for groups. These include loans boxes, outreach or virtual visits. Please contact us for further details.