Venue Description

Aerospace Bristol tells the amazing story of Bristol’s amazing aviation achievements and gives you and your family the chance to step aboard Concorde Alpha Foxtrot, the last of the supersonic jets ever to fly. There's loads to discover at Aerospace Bristol, starting from the earliest days of powered flight, through to today’s cutting-edge aerospace technology. There's aeroplanes, helicopters, missiles, satellites, engines and more to see and many interactive exhibitions for all ages. Aerospace Bristol is committed to providing an exceptional experience for all visitors and offers free parking including fifteen disabled bays, and free entry to all dedicated carers when accompanying a paying visitor who is disabled. Located just three minutes’ drive from the Mall at Cribbs Causeway and the M5, it’s the perfect day out.

Accessibility

There is level access and hard flooring in all areas of the site, with the contrast markings using the Aerospace Bristol logo on all glass doors. MAIN ENTRANCE/ADMISSIONS: There are two doors next to each other - Arrivals door for the entrance and departures door for the exit. The doors are side hung and are sliding automatic. The admissions desk and shop counter has a low-level section, and is always manned by a member of staff. There are two queue lines at admissions - One queue is for buying and collecting tickets. The other queue is for people who already have tickets, which leads you past admissions. There is bench seating available in this area. SHOP: The route through the shop is fully accessible by wheelchair, and there is a lower section at the till for wheelchair users. There are some high shelves, but there is always a member of staff present should you need any assistance. There is no background music. MAIN GALLERY: There is low lighting in this gallery, with ropes positioned low down around exhibits. All of the videos with audio in the galleries have subtitles, with some display information at a wheelchair accessible height. There is one platform lift in the main gallery for access to the Britannia exhibit or you can choose to walk up the eight steps up to board the exhibit. There are four steps up to view our A320 simulator. CAFÉ: Chairs are spaced to allow room for wheelchairs but may need to be moved. There are some high shelves, but there is always a member of staff present should you need any assistance or have any dietary requirements. There is no background music. PATH TO CONCORDE: The external ground is slightly sloped and there are markings on the ground directing you diagonally left toward the Concorde hangar as you exit the main hangar. OUTSIDE PLAY AND SEATING AREA: The outdoor play and seating area is to your right as you exit the main hangar. It is mostly covered, and some tables have space for wheelchairs. There are heaters insider the covered seating area, so please ask a member of staff if you would like these turned on. There is play equipment for children to use. CONCORDE HANGAR: There are two sets of doors at the entrance, both of which are side sliding automatic doors. There are three videos projected onto the side of Concorde, which play on a loop and can be loud. There are 20 steps up to the Concorde balcony floor with ridged bars on the edge of every step. Each ridge is a contrasting colour to the main step. All staircases have a red bar where the stairs begin and end on the floor to indicate the top and bottom. The gallery has low lighting. There is one standard lift in the Concorde hangar for access up to the balcony floor. There is a mirror in this lift. There are seven steps up to access Concorde itself, and one platform lift on the first floor to be level for boarding Concorde. Please note that Concorde was sadly not designed with easy access in mind and has a very narrow aisle between the seats.

Accessibility Guide

Accessibility Guide Link: http://aerospacebristol.org/accessibility

Access Statement

Access Statement Link: https://www.accessibilityguides.org/content/aerospace-bristol

Accessible Performances

The front row of the Lecture Theatre has ample space for wheelchair users. If you have any specific requirements, please get in touch.

Toilets

There are three unisex disabled toilets across the site. All disabled toilets have contrast coloured toilet seats and two hooks on the door, with one at a low height. It is possible to transfer from the right to the left. There is a low sink with vertical handrails on both sides and a horizontal foldaway handrail to the right of the toilet. MAIN GALLERY: There are two disabled toilets in the main hangar, one of which is a registered Changing Places toilet. This toilet is open to the public, but a code is needed to gain access. Inside there is a bed with adjustable height and hoist mechanism, which allows movement around the room, and there are different sized hoists available for use. The toilet has a low sink with soap dispenser and hand towel dispenser. There are horizontal rails either side of the toilet, and vertical rails next to the mirror and toilet. There is a red cord for emergencies and assistance if needed. CONCORDE HANGAR: There is one disabled toilet located upstairs in the Concorde hangar, and can be accessed by lift.

Staff

Some staff are BSL trained or are currently learning basic BSL. Some staff have experience working with people with access needs.

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

All registered guide and assistance dogs are welcome. There is a grass area behind the outdoor play and seating area in between the main hangar and Concorde hangar that can be used as a relief and exercise area. All assistance dogs must remain on their leads at all times.

Other assistance dog facilities

There is a water bowl for assistance dogs which can be found at Admissions.