Access

man using mobilty scooter

At Chiltern Open Air Museum we have been making lots of changes to make our museum as accessible as possible. We are a large outdoor museum with a collection of 37 historic buildings, some of which, due to their size and historic nature, are not completely accessible. We try to ensure that our buildings can be enjoyed by all of our visitors and where possible we provide ramps into our buildings. Disabled visitors have designated spaces close to the Museum entrance and we have accessible toilets.

We are always looking at ways to improve access and value your feedback in ways that we can improve. Please contact us on enquiries@coam.org.uk with your suggestions.

Blue badge holders

Concessionary rates are available for registered disabled visitors and we offer special tickets for disabled visitors and companions.

Parking

There are designated parking spaces for blue badge holders close to the Museum entrance.

Wheelchairs & Electric Scooters

Electric mobility scooters are welcome on site. The Museum has a couple of off-road wheelchairs and electric 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.

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 Cafe.

Access Guide

We have created an access guide which details pathways, gradients and access into buildings.
COAM Accessibility Guide for Site & Buildings

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.

Toilet Facilities

There is a new accessible toilet to the left of our Caversham Edwardian toilets. 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.

child using ear defenders and toy from sensory backpack

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. Further information about activities for family visits is available here.

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).

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