Venue Description

Buckingham Old Gaol Museum traces the history of Buckingham and North Buckinghamshire, from prehistoric times to the mid-20th century. Housed in the historic Grade 2* listed former gaol, it features numerous artefacts and displays, including occasional stand-alone exhibitions in the former prisoners' Exercise Yard which now has a glazed roof. Museum exhibits include displays of militaria by Bucks Military Museum Trust, prisoner conditions from when the building was a gaol, plus coins from the Lenborough Hoard that were minted in Buckingham, It also houses the only collection of Flora Thomson (Lark Rise to Candleford) memorabilia The Exercise Yard is also available to hire, and is a popular venue for business meetings, parties, training sessions, lectures and receptions of all kinds. The building also houses the local Tourist Information Centre, with leaflets and information about the area, and trained staff to advise visitors.

Accessibility

The whole of the Museum is not fully accessible by those unable to use the internal stairwells. It covers multiple levels, via staircases. There is a wheelchair lift (accessed via the rear shop) covering the disabled-accessible toilet, Exercise Yard, the Exercise Yard mezzanine and the ground floor displays. The top floor is only accessible by stairs. We are in the course of improving many interpretation sheets into larger-print versions, for those with eyesight issues. The Tourist Information Centre has level access from the main entrance, and is wheelchair accessible. A hearing loop is installed. The toilet is accessible by wheelchair via the wheelchair lift from the Exercise Yard and mezzanine, or at street level from shop the rear of the building.

Awards List

Museum accredited by the Arts Council for England

Toilets

There is a disability-equipped toilet on the lower ground floor.

Staff

The Museum is staffed entirely by volunteers. The Tourist information Centre is managed and staffed by Buckingham Town Council. None of the volunteers or staff have specific training in the needs of the disabled.

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

Assistance dogs are welcome but there are no exercise facilities. Toileting would have to be outside the building - the nearest "green area" is about 400 metres away.

Other assistance dog facilities

Assistance dogs are welcome. Water will be gladly provided for them on request.