Accessibility

Accessibility at the Weald & Downland Living Museum

The Weald & Downland Living Museum is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive experience for all visitors.

As a 40-acre rural open-air museum, we present historic buildings within their original landscape settings. While this creates an authentic historic environment, it also means that some areas of the site and some historic buildings may not be fully accessible. We aim to provide clear information in advance so visitors can plan their visit with confidence.

If you have any accessibility questions, please contact us:

01243 811363
office@wealddown.co.uk

Site Terrain and Accessibility

The Museum is located across a large rural landscape with varied terrain.

Visitors should be aware that:

• Paths are mainly gravel, chippings, or natural rural surfaces
• Some routes are uneven
• Certain areas are steep or sloping
• Cobbled surfaces may be present in historic courtyard areas
• The central Museum area is relatively flat, with accessible routes linking key visitor facilities.

A designated accessible route is shown on the Museum map (marked in red), which is provided on arrival at the ticket office.

Admission and Carer Tickets

To support visitors who may experience accessibility barriers, we offer a Disabled & Carer Admission Ticket, which includes:

• Approximately 50% discount on standard entry
• One free carer or essential companion
• This ticket is available to visitors who feel their disability may affect their ability to fully explore the Museum site.
• Staff may request supporting documentation on arrival (such as PIP, DLA, or similar evidence).

Arrival, Parking and Drop-Off Access

Accessible arrival options include:

• Drop-Off Point
• Located immediately outside the main visitor entrance
• Suitable for passengers with mobility requirements

Disabled Parking

Located in the main car park to the left of the entrance gate

• Spaces are clearly signposted
• Spaces are intentionally left unmarked by painted bays to allow additional space for accessible vehicle access

From the parking area:

• A zebra crossing leads to the visitor facilities
• A flat resin-surfaced path provides step-free access to the Visitor Centre

Visitor Centre and Main Facilities

Our modern visitor buildings provide good physical accessibility.

Facilities with level access include:

• Visitor Centre
• Admissions desk
• Gift shop
• Café

Additional facilities:

• Accessible toilet located in the café building
• Baby changing facilities in the café and near Reigate House Extension

Doors are automatic and entrances are threshold-free where possible.

Access Around the Historic Buildings

Beyond the Visitor Centre, the Museum becomes a traditional rural historic environment.

Visitors may encounter:

• Unmade paths
• Steep gradients

Narrow access routes between buildings

Some historic interiors may have:

• Narrow doorways
• Steps at entrances
• Uneven internal flooring

Where full physical access is not possible, we provide:

• Interpretation folders
• Information about building interiors and collections

Historic Buildings Access Guidance

Due to their heritage construction, access to some buildings may be limited, including traditional structures such as historic houses, the mill, bakery, and Winkhurst buildings.

Our staff and volunteers are available to provide information about exhibits and building history where access is restricted.

Wheelchair and Mobility Aid Users

We do not currently provide wheelchair hire.

• Visitors are encouraged, where possible, to use:
• Wheelchairs with wide tyres for gravel surfaces
• Powered wheelchairs or four-wheel mobility scooters for best site access

Visitors using mobility aids should allow extra time when moving between buildings due to site size and terrain.

Autism, Neurodiversity and Sensory Considerations

The Museum can become busy during:

• School holidays
• Special events
• Peak weekend periods

For a quieter visit, we recommend:

• Weekdays during term time
• Non-event days

Visitors can contact us in advance to discuss quieter visiting times and accessibility requirements.

Assistance Dogs

We are a dog friendly Museum and welcome dogs to most of our daytime entry ticket/events, but they must be always kept on a short lead.

There are some events which we do not permit dogs, however we will still welcome trained assistance dogs, including:

• Guide dogs
• Hearing dogs
• Assistance or support dogs

Assistance dogs must be always kept on a short lead.

The Museum is generally dog friendly, with:

• Water bowls available around the site (at most toilet facilities, outside the café and shop).
• There is also a dog-friendly seating area inside and outside the café

Please speak to staff if you require guidance regarding access to specific historic buildings.

Getting Around the Museum

Visitors should plan additional time when exploring the site due to:

• The 40+ acre size of the Museum
• The distance between buildings
• The rural terrain

Comfortable footwear is strongly recommended.

Feedback

We welcome feedback on accessibility and visitor experience.

Your comments help us continue improving access for all visitors.

office@wealddown.co.uk
01243 811363