Wheelchair, Scooter, Buggy Users Notice

The Russell-Cotes Museum is committed to making the museum as accessible as possible for disabled visitors. The museum is a listed historic building and therefore interior alterations are not always possible. Most of the museum has lift access, except for the upper-ground floor of East Cliff Hall. However some parts of the building have restricted space, narrow routes and steps.
Following consultation with local disabled people, including wheelchair users, scooter users and buggy users the following policy has been adopted:
Manual wheelchair users and users of most joy-stick operated electric wheelchairs are able to access the museum, provided the dimensions do not exceed those of the UK reference wheelchair size: total length 1200 mm; total width 700 mm; sitting height (from ground to top of head) 1350 mm; height of footrest above floor 150 mm.
Unfortunately most tiller controlled Class 2 & 3 scooters/buggies will not be able to access the museum. This is because they are too large and do not have the manoeuvrability required to safely access this listed building.
Visitors may borrow (if available) the museums manual wheelchair on request.
The Museum recognises that enhancing access is a process of continuous improvement and we positively welcome suggestions for access improvements.

Arriving at the museum

The museum entrance is on East Cliff Promenade.  This is a pedestrian area leading from East Overcliff Drive to the Pier Approach. The path has a steep gradient and may not be suitable for people with mobility issues.

Public car parking is available on East Overcliff Drive and Bath Road South car parks. It is advised that those with mobility issues use Bath Road South car park.

Accessible transport information for Bournemouth...

Downloadable access information.

Wheelchairs

Electric and manual wheelchairs are welcome. Most of the house is accessible by wheelchair.

The museum has a manual wheelchair for visitors to use (subject to availability). Please ask at the information desk.

Mobility scooters

Please park mobility scooters outside.

The museum has a manual wheelchair for visitors to use (subject to availability). Please ask at the information desk.

Seating areas are available throughout the museum.

Assistance dogs

Assistance dogs are welcome. We will provide drinking water if you ask at the information desk.

Partially sighted visitors

There is a large-print museum guidebook.
You can buy this at the information

desk. You may borrow magnifying glasses at

 the information desk.

Accessible toilets

There is an accessible toilet by the Japanese Gallery on the first floor.

Access Restrictions

The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum is a Grade II* Listed building. We are not able to provide lift access to the upper ground floor because of planning restrictions.

We are an historic house and accredited museum so we have a responsibility to care for the building and its collections.

Because of this: 

Visitors are asked to leave large bags in the lockers at the museum entrance. 

Prams and Buggies must be left in the buggy rack at the museum entrance. 

Bicycles are not permitted in the historic garden.There is a bicycle rack outside the garden gate.

The museum cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to your  belongings.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

Telephone 01202 451858

Or email here.