Here at Lancaster City Museums we are working hard to make our buildings and collections as accessible as possible. Technical issues and the challenges posed by our historic, listed buildings mean that physical access to our museums is currently more restricted than we would like. However we are doing all we can to improve this situation, as well as developing several ideas to increase accessibility in other ways. This is a page in development, so please bear with us as we continue to add content.

Lancaster City Museum

Please be aware that our stairlift does not currently work. We are working on getting a replacement as soon as possible. We are really sorry but this means that:

• The first-floor galleries (most of the permanent exhibits, including the King's Own Regimental galleries) are currently NOT accessible to anyone unable to climb two flights of stairs.
• The ground floor remains completely accessible and can be reached via the main steps or a ramp to the right of the front door. Our main temporary exhibition gallery and shop are on the ground floor.

There is Blue Badge parking available in New Street, behind the museum.

Maritime Museum

Physical Access Update, Jan 2025:

• Our usual entrance is temporarily closed while we renovate the shop. Instead we will be using the front entrance to the Custom House, which is accessed via two flights of stone steps to the portico. For those with limited mobility there is an alternative entrance to the side of the building with only one step. Please ring the doorbell for access. 
• Fire evacuation for wheelchair users from the upper floors of the museum relies on Evac Chairs and the presence of trained staff. This means that we are only able to provide access for one wheelchair user at a time to each level of the museum above the ground floor.

There is an accessible toilet with emergency cord on the ground floor, and a Blue Badge parking space in front of the museum.

Cottage Museum 

Most of this building is unfortunately not easily accessible to anyone with limited mobility, due to its historic features such as steep staircases and uneven floors. 

Both the City Museum and the Maritime Museum have sensory backpacks available to borrow for free from the front desk. Ideal for children and young people on the autism spectrum, each backpack includes ear protectors, communication cards, fiddle toys and more. 

We are working on several other ideas to increase accessibility in our museums, including the Touch and See project for the visually impaired. Both the City and Maritime museums have prototype lithophanes installed as part of this project, and we welcome any feedback on these. Find out more about this project here: Touch and See. 

If you would like to talk to us about an access issue at our museums then please contact us by email or phone:

• Lancaster City & Cottage Museums - lancastercitymuseum@lancaster.gov.uk,  01524 64637
• Lancaster Maritime Museum - lancastermaritimemuseum@lancaster.gov.uk, 01524 382264

• Visual Story of the City Museum, including Sensory Maps: City Museum Sensory Floor Plan (PDF, 6.3MB)
• Lancaster City Museum Access Statement (PDF, 167KB)
• Maritime Museum Access Statement (PDF, 174KB)
• Cottage Museum Access Statement (PDF, 157KB)