Access at Pontefract Museum
Pontefract Museum is committed to being accessible for everyone. Here you can find information about accessible facilities and resources across our site. These will help you plan your visit.
Accessible parking
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the nearest Blue Badge parking is near the rear of the museum accessed via Stuart Road.
Assistance
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staff are on hand to help in any way we can and wear a black uniform. There is always a member of staff in the museum reception
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volunteers are often in the building and are also available to help. They wear a green uniform
Moving around our spaces
- view our visual story at Pontefract Museum
- there are three exhibition areas and a reference room. They are all on a level surface accessed from the main entrance. You can download a floor plan of the museum here
- the floor surfaces are polished wood, linoleum or mosaic tile
- the museum is level access throughout
- some of our exhibition spaces have low light levels to protect delicate objects on display
- sometimes our exhibitions include audio
- this map shows the sensory environment of the museum. You can download the sensory map before your visit here. Copies of the sensory map will also be available at the front desk at the museum
- you can download a sensory map for the Ladies who Launch exhibition (Word, 320 KB) here
- we can provide chairs if you need to sit down during your visit
- we have Makaton signage next to our star objects
PenFriend audio description guide
We now have audio description guides for the main gallery! These are designed with our blind and partially sighted visitors in mind, but are free to be used by anybody.
The audio descriptions are accessed using one of our PenFriend devices. You tap the coloured stickers in a handheld booklet. The PenFriend then reads aloud the description. You can also plug headphones into the PenFriend device. You can use our headphones or bring your own.
The audio description guide describes and provides more information about a range of star objects on display. It also guides you around the main gallery space.
Ask our friendly Visitor Experience Assistants at the entrance for a PenFriend audio description guide. They can show you how to use it if you need help.
Relaxed Openings
Every Tuesday from 2pm to 4pm at Pontefract Museum is a relaxed opening session. You can explore the Museum in a quieter, more relaxed setting.
Everybody is welcome!
This means that any loud noises will be turned down or turned off. It will not be busy. You can be yourself. We have fidget and sensory objects to help you relax and explore. There is an extra quiet space if you need it. You can also try our activity sheets and crafts.
Entry is still free. You do not need to book.
Email any suggestions for our Relaxed Openings to museumslearning@wakefield.gov.uk.
Pick and Mix station
We've now got a multi-sensory Pick and Mix station at Pontefract Museum.
It’s full of beautiful tactile tools and resources to support you on your visit.
You can find the Pick and Mix station just inside the entrance at the Museum.
Choose from a range of items from the Explore, Touch, See and Sound drawers.
You can fill up a backpack with your choice of items and take with you around the galleries.
Toilets and baby changing
- the museum has an accessible toilet and baby changing room on the ground floor
- we do not have changing places facilities. The nearest changing places toilet can be found at Junction 32 Outlet Shopping Village, WF10 4FR, 2.5 miles away