Venue Description

Steeped in history, full of quirks and brimming with fun – it’s a special place for all the family to explore. Once the grand home of renowned Victorian shipping entrepreneur, Robert Ropner; Preston Hall is now a museum set in 100 acres of parkland and boasting an extensive collection, which tells the story of the Tees Valley. Visitors are invited to Step back on time on our replica Victorian Street and experience what life was like in 1895. We have an exciting annual events programme, so no matter what time of year you visit, there is always something new to see.

Accessibility

The museum welcomes all visitors to the museum and offers free entry for carers who are accompanying a visitor with disabilities. Assistance Dogs and other support animals are also welcome in all areas of the museum and grounds with water bowls available at the main entrance. The majority of the paths around the park are well surfaced, however there are some areas of the Woodland and Quarry Walk which are on an incline with uneven surface. There are several rest stops with benches both down to the river and also on the way from the car park to the museum. This road also has some speed bumps. Within the museum there are lifts to all levels of the displays and galleries, however assistance may be required on the gravel path through the Orchard to the Walled Kitchen Garden and the gardens are on a slight incline. There is a portable ramp available to help gain access to the Victorian Street shops which have one or two steps into them, this can be requested upon arrival or booked in advance. There is also a wheelchair and walker available to borrow at the museum, this can be pre-booked by calling the main desk on 01642 527375. Accessible toilet facilities are located in the park, adjacent to Café Tees and within the main museum. There are three accessible toilets within the museum - one in the Victorian Street, one near the main entrance next to the lift and another on the 2nd Floor next to the lift. Facilities in all three of the toilets include a pull cord alarm. There is currently no Changing Place facility on site, the closest facility is: • The Shambles Market Hall, Stockton High Street, Stockton on Tees, TS18 1AU (3 miles) We have a Hearing Induction Loop on the museum Welcome Desk. For those visitors who would like a quieter museum experience we have started doing Relaxed Openings on 2nd Sunday of the month 9am-11am.

Accessibility Guide

Accessibility Guide Link: https://www.prestonparkmuseum.co.uk/visit/accessibility/

Accessible Performances

Relaxed Openings We are running a series of quiet Sunday mornings which aimed at supporting the needs of people with autism and sensory conditions or anyone who might benefit from a quieter museum experience. They are times when the museum is open as usual but it is usually quieter. We will turn off additional noises and sound effects, as well as turning up lighting in darker areas where possible. These will take place every second Sunday of the month from 9 – 11am. Relaxed Openings which take place during school and bank holidays are likely to be busier. You do not need to book, just turn up on the day. Normal Museum admission applies. If we are running any workshops or activities then they will be bookable and places will be limited. You can find out more by visiting our events page

Awards List

Visit England Sandford Award for Excellence in Heritage Education

Toilets

There are three accessible toilets within the museum. All have rails and red cords and are big enough to fit manual as well as electric wheelchairs. The one located in the Victorian Street has a push button open and close with a manual lock mechanism. The two located within the building (ground floor and 2nd floor) have manual doors with bars and a manual locking mechanism.

Staff

Most staff have received Welcome All training and Autism training.

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

The museum is based on a public park and there are lots of field areas that can be used to exercise dogs, however dogs should be kept on leads as there is a river and children's play area near by.

Other assistance dog facilities

Water bowls are at the main entrance of the museum and are filled regularly by staff.