Accessibility Information

Welcome to Topsham Museum, this page is designed to help you plan and enjoy your visit.

Parking: There are car parks on the Quay and in Holman Way.  There is no public parking in Strand, but a double yellow line section is available to blue badge holders. Other visitors with disabilities are invited to contact the Museum to request a temporary parking permit.

Toilets: A disabled access toilet is available, although there may not be sufficient space to manoeuvre large motorised wheelchairs.

Wheelchair Access: The garden, riverside garden and part of the Museum (see below for details) are  accessable. Regretfully, as an old and listed building, three rooms in the Merchant’s House cannot be accessed by wheelchair users.

Other Access Needs: Guide dogs are allowed in the Museum.  There is a Hearing Loop in the Museum. If you require any assistance during your visit please let one of the Stewards know.

Alternatives:  access for wheelchair users is available to these areas but please note that there is a slight incline along the path from the gate to the main visitors’ entrance. There are no steps.

Please see below for details about physical access to the various areas of the Museum

River Gallery, Underloft (including Shop), Tea Room and Garden: A virtual tour of the Museum is available on this website (click on the tab at the top of the page) or you can watch it during your visit. It includes audio and BSL descriptions. You can also enjoy the period rooms via a Virtual Reality headset. A full-colour, 48-page guide to the Museum is available online or from the Museum shop.

Sail Loft :There is a lift from the River Gallery to the Sail Loft.  In the case of breakdown, emergency evacuation or power cut the lift will not be in operation.  There is no alternative other than the stairs, so visitors should not use the lift unless they can get down the stairs (with help if needed).

Merchant’s House, first floor: Access from the Sail Loft is via a short and steep set of stairs.

Merchant’s House, ground floor: Access from the Tea Room is via a short and steep set of stairs.  Wheelchair access using a portable ramp may be available on request.  We will do our best to accommodate you, but please note, there may not be a volunteer on duty who is able to lift and put the ramp in place.

Museum Lectures : These now take place at Matthews Hall in the middle of Topsham. Access is possible for wheelchair users if you would like to attend one of these lectures please email info@topshammuseum.org.uk to reserve a space. A hearing loop is also available.   Please see News or Events for details of our forthcoming lectures.