Access at the museum
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, Exhibition Hall, Model Railway Exhibition and small exhibit museum in the Thompson Centre.

The majority of the Museum is connected to our visitor entrance by a historic stepped footbridge that does not have a lift. Wheelchair users will need a vehicle to gain full access to both sides of the museum. 

If you are arriving by car/minibus please drive to the visitor reception at the
front of the station and park outside 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 remain in the vehicle whilst another member of the party purchases or validates 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 a member of our Front of House Team in reception who will be happy to help you. They will give you a museum map and a brief explanation. Please 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 side of the site will be explained to you.
Unfortunately we do not have space for visitors to leave buggies, scooters or other personal possessions at our reception.

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

Seating
There are numerous types of seating available throughout the museum, including benches and picnic tables.

Toilets
The museum has accessible toilets in the following locations:

• Thompson Centre,
• next to the Restoration Shed
• On Platform 2 (requires a radar key for access)
• Visitor reception

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

• Child and adult sized ear defenders
• Fidget toys
• Twiddle muffs
• Explorer bags
• Magnifier sheets