Here at Lancaster City Museums we are working hard to make our buildings as accessible as possible. 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

There is an accessible toilet with emergency cord on the ground floor, and a Blue Badge parking space in front of the museum. However as of November 2024 access to the museum galleries is partially restricted:

• Warehouse & Cafe: Unfortunately our lift has recently been declared unfit for fire evacuation. This means that access to the 4th floor Warehouse galleries and Cafe is restricted to those able to descend 4 flights of stairs in the event of a fire alarm. We're very sorry for any disappointment this may cause and we're working to restore full access as soon as possible. Meanwhile, anyone unable to visit the Warehouse & Cafe as a result of these restrictions will be given FREE access to the remainder of the museum:
• Custom House and Shop: This half of the museum remains fully accessible, with lift access to the galleries on the upper floor. In the event of a fire alarm anyone unable to descend the stairs will be asked to evacuate onto the stone portico at the front of the building instead, where staff will be able to use an Evac Chair to help you descent to ground level if necessary. 

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)