Accessibility

Last reviewed 17 Jan 2025

We’re committed to improving access to our spaces, galleries, and facilities, so that everyone can enjoy what we have to offer.

If you have a specific access question that isn’t covered by this page, or suggestions of how we can improve this content for future visitors, please contact us.

Getting to the Museum

We’re located on Redlands Road, Reading, RG1 5EX.

If you’re driving and require parking, there are two disabled parking bays in front of the museum, and three disabled parking bays in the adjacent University of Reading car park on Acacia Road.

Our main entrance is step-free and you can open the door by pressing a button.

Wheelchair access

All our galleries are wheelchair accessible. There is a lift connecting the ground floor galleries to Digging Deeper (our open store). There is also a lift at our entrance leading through to the Reading Room and Staircase Hall.

Portable seats

We provide foldaway and portable stools throughout the galleries. You can use these at any point during your visit.

Accessible Toilets and Changing Facilities

We have a wheelchair-accessible toilet in the galleries, between Forces For Change and Our Country Lives. This toilet includes baby-changing facilities.

Accessing the garden

Although there are some gravel paths through the garden, most of the space is either laid lawn or woodlands. In bad weather, the garden gets muddy, which may be unsuitable if you’re a wheelchair user or unstable on your feet.

Sensory access

• We provide assistance to people with hearing needs at our talks and events
• We welcome service animals
• We can provide large-print guides for our permanent displays on request. Please ask for these materials at reception or contact us in advance.
• Our Museums, My Way programme (developed with Autism Berkshire) provides bespoke visiting opportunities for neurodivergent people of all ages.

Resources

You can access resources both before and during your visit to feel more comfortable at the museum.

Sensory Map

Our Sensory Map incorporates sound, light and touch. The galleries have atmospheric sounds, so you may wish to bring your own ear defenders, or borrow ours (see Sensory Backpack).

Social Story

Our Social Story walks you through a visit and the route through the galleries.

Sensory Backpacks

You can borrow our Sensory Backpacks during a visit. You can find them in our activity trolley, by the galleries’ entrance.

We would be grateful if you could return the backpack to a member of staff once you finish using it.