We Welcome Everyone
At Chiltern Open Air Museum, we are committed to being inclusive and enhancing accessibility for all our visitors.
Accessibility
As a vast outdoor museum featuring 37 historic buildings, we acknowledge that some structures, owing to their size and historical significance, may present accessibility challenges. Nevertheless, we strive to make our exhibits inclusive, installing ramps wherever feasible to facilitate entry into buildings. Dedicated parking spaces near the Museum entrance and accessible toilets are available to ensure a comfortable experience for visitors.
Discounted Admission for Disabled Visitors
Concessionary rates are available for registered disabled visitors and we have special heavily discounted disabled visitor and companion tickets.
Accessible Parking
There are designated parking spaces for blue badge holders close to the Museum entrance.
Wheelchairs & Mobility Scooters
Mobility scooters are welcome on site. The Museum has a couple of off-road wheelchairs and mobility scooters available to borrow. These are free of charge, however, a security deposit is required while the scooter is on loan. As numbers are limited, these are available on a first come first served basis. Please ring the Museum Office on 01494 871 117 to check availability and to pre-book (lines are open Monday – Friday 9.30am – 4pm).
Visitors are welcome to use personal mobility scooters around the site. Due to the size of our exhibit buildings mobility scooters are unable to go inside them.
Access Ramps & On-site Transport
The Museum has a golf buggy and our team of staff and volunteers are happy to provide lifts to those who need it. Please let a member of our team know if you require assistance.
The Museum has ramps into the prefab, Henton mission room, WWI Nissen hut and Borehamwood dairy. Please be aware that our compact gravel paths are not ideal for wheelchairs and some paths can become very muddy in bad weather. We are in the process of seeking funds to make our pathways more accessible. We regret that the Woodland Walk is not suitable for wheelchairs.
Loop Systems
Small portable loop systems are installed at the Ticket Office and Skippings Barn.
Assistance Dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome and, unlike other dogs, are allowed inside all the historic buildings. All dogs must be kept on a short lead because of farm livestock. Water bowls are dotted around the Museum site.
Accessible Toilet Facilities
There is an accessible toilet to the left of our Caversham Edwardian toilets which has a changing space bed. There are accessible toilet facilities at our ‘Bakerloo’ mid-site toilets on the Village Green (No.14a on the Museum map). We do not have a changing places toilet but have plans to include this as part of a capital project that we are working on.
Baby Changing Facilities
Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet in our ‘Bakerloo’ mid site toilets on the Village Green (No.14a on the Museum map).
Sensory Backpacks
Sensory backpacks that include ear defenders are available to borrow from our ticket office. We only have a limited number, so please book one ahead of time or ask a member of staff about availability on the day. You will be asked to leave some sort of security deposit such as ID or keys while you are using them. The Museum also has a sensory trail and you can pick up a map from our ticket office.
For Further Assistance contact us on 01494 871 117
For more information on how to make the most of your visit, please refer to our Plan Your Visit and Useful Information pages. These resources offer helpful tips and details to enhance your experience at Chiltern Open Air Museum.
