Access at the musum
We would like everyone to have the opportunity to visit the museum and are
continually finding ways to improve.

If you can’t find the answers you are looking for, please contact our visitor
reception on 01206 242524 or email information@earm.co.uk and we will be
happy to help you.

Museum site
The museum is a historic site with some new buildings and a variety of ground surface materials. Most of the museum buildings are accessible, including the Goods Shed, Restoration Shed, Model Railway Exhibition and small exhibit museum in the Thompson Centre.

Due to the nature of the site a step footbridge joins the two halves of the
museum. Wheelchair users will need a vehicle to gain full access to both sides of the museum. Most of the museum is the other side of the footbridge to the visitor reception.

If you are arriving by car/minibus please drive to the visitor reception at the
front of the station to purchase or validate your ticket. The staff will give you
directions to drive to the rear gate to gain access to that half of the museum.
Where possible, it is best for the wheelchair user to please remain in the vehicle while another member of the party gets the tickets. This will save having to get back into the car to drive to the rear gate of the museum.

When you arrive at the museum
You will be greeted by Front of House Team in our visitor reception who are
happy to help you. They will give you a museum map and give a brief explanation.
Please do ask if you want more detail.

If you are unable to manage the footbridge the vehicle route to the back gate
and parking on the other half of the site will be explained to you.
We currently do not have space for visitors to leave buggies, scooters or other personal possessions at the museum.

Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome at the museum. There is no charge for them. On Days Out with Thomas event days we are unable to accept dogs on site, except assistance dogs.

Seating
There are different types of seating available throughout the museum

Toilets
The museum has accessible toilets in the Thompson Centre, next to the
Restoration Shed and Platform 2. The Platform 2 toilet requires a radar key for access.

Available aids
The museum has available the following items which can be borrowed whilst at the museum: (Please return to reception on your way out )

• Child and adult sized ear defenders
• Fidget toys
• Twiddle muffs (coming soon)
• Explorer bags
• Magnifier sheets