BRITISH MOTOR MUSEUM CV35 0BJ Motor Cars User Guide

BRITISH MOTOR MUSEUM CV35 0BJ Motor Cars

Access Guide for the British Motor Museum
This access statement does not contain personal opinions as to our suitability for those with access needs but aims to accurately describe the facilities and services that we offer all our visitors.

February 2021

• Address: Banbury Road, Gaydon, Warwickshire, CV35 0BJ
• t: 01926 895300
• e: enquiries@britishmotormuseum.co.uk
• w: britishmotormuseum.co.uk.

Introduction

The British Motor Museum hosts the world’s largest collection of historic British motor cars, as well as an internationally renowned Archive. Situated on a large site in rural Warwickshire and housed in a modern ‘Art Deco-style building the Museum tells the story of the people, places, and products that made the British motor industry famous. More than 150 cars are displayed, along with video presentations, reconstructions, and interactive exhibits. The main displays are located on one floor, with lift access to a smaller mezzanine gallery.

In addition to the Museum, there is a separate building, the Collections Centre, which is an accessible store containing well over 200 cars from the reserve collection of the Museum and the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust. Admission to the Collections Centre is included in the standard Museum admission and accessible from 11 am to 5 pm each day.

Visitors should allow 3-4 hours for a visit. The Museum runs a regular program of holiday activities for families and children as well as a very busy calendar of larger events and activities held in the arenas outside the Museum. Full details of these activities can be found on the museum website: www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk.

The Museum has a café serving snacks and meals and on sunny days, visitors can enjoy a picnic outside while children can let off steam in the outdoor play area.

If you have any queries or require any assistance, please call 01926 895300 or email enquiries@britishmotormuseum.co.uk.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Pre-arrival

• For full details of how to reach the Museum please see the ‘Getting Here’ section of our website. For Sat Nav users, the postcode of the Museum is CV35 OBJ. Alternatively, put in ‘British Motor Museum’ as a point of interest.
• The nearest railway stations are Leamington (10 miles), Warwick (10 miles) and Banbury (11 miles). Taxi services are available from these stations.
• The bus stops at the top of the Museum site and there is a walk of approximately 400 metres along a sloped tarmac footpath to the Museum entrance. Please check the timetable for times: https://bustimes.org/services/77a-fenny-compton-gaydon-lighthorne-heath-leamin-2.

Car Parking and Arrival

• The Museum is situated in a rural location, in the middle of a 30-acre site off the main B4100 road close to Junction 12 of the M40. Tarmac footpaths link the various parts of the site and dedicated pedestrian crossings are provided across access roads.
• There are 6 accessible (Blue Badge) car parking spaces next to the main entrance of the Museum. These are signposted and are accessed by driving past the pedestrian entrance of the Museum and turning immediately right. If you have any concerns or problems with parking, please call 01926 895300 and our staff will be happy to assist.
• A dropping-off point is also provided opposite the main entrance to the Museum – access is level with no dropped curbs.
• There is ample FREE car parking on site in a dedicated car park opposite the Museum entrance. The car park is tarmac and is approximately 50 meters from the main entrance, accessible by a slightly inclined tarmac path with no steps or kerbs. The entrance is signposted, and a line of flags/banners marks the route.

Main Entrance, Reception, and Ticketing Area

• The main entrance of the Museum is situated on the ground floor.
• Access is step free and the floor is painted concrete.
• The Museum entrance has revolving doors – additional access for wheelchairs or visitors not wishing to use the main doors is available through the smaller door to the left of the main entrance measuring 1000mm, 39.5 inches wide. There is an access assistance doorbell to which Museum staff will respond.
• The Museum welcomes assistance dogs. Water bowls are available at the main entrance – please ask a member of staff for assistance.
• The ticket desk is well-lit with spotlights, there are currently Covid glass partitions for visitor and staff safety. There is a dropped counter for wheelchair users. The ticket desk has a hearing loop system for the deaf and hard of hearing.
• There is no background music at the ticket desk, but there may be background noise from the audio in the main Museum, other visitors, and the nearby Learning Spaces.
• Visitors are provided with a receipt and sticker as proof of purchase.
• Three wheelchairs are available for use at the Museum entrance. Visitors can either request a chair upon arrival or pre-book a chair by calling 01926 895300 or emailing enquiries@britishmotormuseum.co.uk.
• The Museum welcomes personal assistants for those visitors requiring them and offers free admission to one assistant per disabled visitor.
• At the ticket desk, visitors can access information in large print including a Museum map, and description of the displays.

Museum

• The Museum is housed in a large 1000m2 modern building and contains approximately 150 cars. The visitor enters the main displays from the introductory gallery into a large open space that is divided into a number of themed display areas, which includes Sports Cars, Design & Concepts, Land Rover, Jaguar, Motorsport, and Film & TV cars. Cars are grouped around display areas, with enough space to allow for wheelchair access.
• The main exhibition floor is painted concrete. Three areas (Design & Concepts, Jaguar, and Sports Cars) have cars displayed on a low plinth, marked by both a different paint colour and barriers.
• Each car has an information panel on a plinth at a wheelchair-accessible height, and six of the main areas also have a computer touch screen giving details about the cars and other materials. There are numerous video presentations around the Museum, some also use background music. Another historic material is displayed in showcases around the Museum.
• Seating is provided at regular intervals around the Museum.
• The whole Museum is well-lit using LED spotlights. There are several places where light levels are lower; in the Making British Cars section under the mezzanine floor, the reconstruction of William Morris’ office, the Motoring Cinema, and Automobilia.

Museum: Exhibition Hall Displays

The Motoring Cinema
The Motoring Cinema is situated close to the Museum entrance and shows historic movie footage from the Museum collection, with different films being featured throughout the day. The cinema is accessed by two glass doors; staff at the pay desk will be happy to assist if required. The cinema has original 1930s seats but there is ample room for wheelchairs. Light levels are low in the cinema and care may need to be taken entering and exiting the exhibit.

John Carter’s Garage
John Carter’s Garage, situated close to the main entrance shows what a 1930’s garage looked like complete with original fixtures and fittings. This display does have an audio commentary.

William Morris’ Office
There is a very slight change of 2cm (1 inch) in level as you step in to the Office. The Office is fully accessible and has low light levels but visitors can operate buttons to illuminate particular features in the Office.

Mezzanine Floor Gallery
In the Museum is a mezzanine level used as a gallery for temporary exhibitions. The floor is concrete, and the area is lit by LED spotlights. This is accessible by a staircase in the Museum of 20 steps and a lift, which can be found in the main Museum near the base of the staircase. There are audio announcements in the lift. The width of the lift doors is 800mm, 31.5 inches and the dimensions of the lift are 1100 x 1400mm, 43 x 55 inches. The exit doors on the Mezzanine level are offset and are in a different position from the entry doors on the Museum level. This need for maneuvering, combined with the size of the lift means that it is not accessible to larger wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

Making British Cars
Under the mezzanine floor of the Museum is an exhibition telling the story of the British motor industry; the displays run historically from 1890 to the present with graphic panels, exhibition showcases, and video presentations. The flooring in this space is carpeted and lit by LED spotlights.

‘Under the skin’
There is a small interactive area ‘Under the Skin’ containing exhibits demonstrating how cars work. This area also has a ‘Jump in’ car.

The Time Road
Running around the outside of the main Museum displays is the Time Road, which tells the story of the motor car from 1890 to 2000 and some of the world events and personalities that have characterised each era. The Time Road contains cars displayed on period road surfaces including clay, gravel, wood, and tarmac. Care may need to be taken to access these vehicles as some of the surfaces are uneven. The cars are arranged in two rows and can be viewed from the main gallery. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be used with care between the cars in some areas but if assistance is required, staff would be pleased to help.

Automobilia
This room is our small artifact store with public access. The route around the store is 1.2m wide for a wheelchair and assistant. The light levels are low in the display cases, to aid conservation; there are torches available at the entrance to the store.

Exhibition Gallery
At the far side of the Museum exhibition hall, the Exhibition Gallery is a space for further temporary exhibitions. Access to the Exhibition Gallery is a flat floor and the floor itself is painted concrete. The principal lighting for the area is LED spotlights. Each individual temporary exhibition is designed with accessibility and all audiences in mind.

Rotunda Display
At the back of the Museum and accessible through three sets of large glass doors are further displays featuring the history of the RAF Gaydon site, part of which the museum is built on, and the development of small British cars in the 1920s and 1930s.

These Rotunda displays also lead to the Museum toilets, and via escalators or lift, to the café situated on the first floor. This area is well-lit by LED spotlights and has a non-slip laminate floor.

Guided Tours
Guided tours of both the Museum and the Collections Centre, each lasting approximately 45 minutes, are given by staff or volunteers. Museum tours are at 11 am and 2 pm each day, and Collections Centre tours are at 12 pm and 3 pm each day. In addition, costumed interpreters provide further mini-tours and presentations around the museum. Family tours are also available in the holidays at 1.30 pm. Access tours including touch tours are available to book in advance by phoning 01926 649649 or by request on the day subject to a member of staff is available.

Public Toilets
Toilets are provided on the ground floor close to the Museum displays and on the first floor, close to the Museum café. Accessible toilets are available on all floors.

Ground Floor Toilets

• The first set of ground-floor toilets are accessed from the main Museum through a set of doors and are located behind the escalators – a distance of approximately 30 meters. These doors are not automated, and assistance may be required – a doorbell is provided for this purpose next to the center set of doors.

• The accessible toilet is unisex and the floor leading to the toilet is level.

• The door to the accessible toilet opens outwards to the left, the opening is 850mm, 33.5 inches wide.

• There is clear space for a wheelchair on the right-hand side when facing the WC measuring 1300mm, 51 inches wide.

• The height of the WC is 480mm, 19 inches from the floor to the top of the seat.

• There are horizontal grab rails to the right-hand side of the WC and on the back of the door. Vertical grab rails are located to the
  left-hand side of the WC.

• The sink has lever taps.

• Visitors can alert Museum staff when they need assistance by using the red alarm cord located to the left-hand side of the WC.

• The accessible WC is well-lit by overhead LED lighting.

• The floor is laid with non-slip laminate.

Ground Floor Toilets (Exhibition Gallery)

• The second set of ground floor toilets is located a distance of approximately 10 meters from the main Exhibition Hall, along a corridor accessed from the Exhibition Gallery through a door. This door opening is 930mm, 36.5 inches wide. It is not automated and assistance may be required.
• The accessible toilet is unisex and the floor leading to the toilet is level.
• The door to the accessible toilet opens outwards to the left, the opening is 920mm, 36 inches wide.
• There is clear space for a wheelchair on the right-hand side when facing the WC measuring 1400mm, 55 inches wide.
• The height of the WC is 480mm, 19 inches from the floor to the top of the seat.
• There are horizontal grab rails to the right-hand side of the WC and on the back of the door. Vertical grab rails are located to the left-hand side of the WC.
• The sink has lever taps.
• Visitors can alert Museum staff when they need assistance by using the red alarm cord located to the left-hand side of the WC.
• The accessible WC is well-lit by overhead LED lighting.
• The floor is laid with non-slip laminate.

First Floor Toilets

• The first-floor toilets are situated very close to the Museum café. Two accessible toilets are provided, each with a red cord emergency call system fitted, and the floor leading to the toilets is level.
• The door to the accessible toilet opens outwards to the right, the opening is 850mm, 33.5 inches wide.
• There is clear space for a wheelchair on the left-hand side when facing the WC measuring 800mm, 31.5 inches wide.
• The height of the WC is 450mm, 17.5 inches from the floor to the top of the seat.
• There are horizontal grab rails on the back of the door and to the left-hand side of the WC and vertical grab rails to the right-hand side of the WC and next to the sink.
• The sink has lever taps.
• Visitors can alert Museum staff when they need assistance by using the red alarm cord located to the left-hand side of the WC.
• The accessible WC is well-lit by overhead LED lighting.
• The floor is laid with non-slip laminate.

Catering

• The café is located on the first floor of the Museum close to the Conference Centre reception area.
• Visitors can access the café from the Museum by using either a set of escalators situated in the rotunda displays or a fully accessible lift in the same area.
• The lift to the first floor is situated at the back of the rotunda displays behind the escalators on the ground floor and has glass see-through panels all around. It also has audio announcements.
• Once on the first floor, the café is a 10-meter walk and is accessible through a set of glass double doors almost opposite the lift. The doors measure 1550mm, 61 inches wide.
• The café has level access and there are no ramps anywhere in the facility.
• There is a large seating area consisting of approximately 90 places. The tables are wooden with wooden chairs without arms. The table height is 750mm, 29.5 inches.
• There are menus on the tables, please go to the till to order your food and it will be brought to your table. A sample menu can be found on the website https://www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/plan-your-visit/eating. In addition to a vegetarian and vegan option, the café also provides a full gluten-free menu, approved by Coeliac UK.

Gift Shop

• The gift shop is situated next to the Museum ticket desk and is a modern well-lit space.
• The layout is level throughout, with stock displayed on shelving units at the back of the shop and ‘island’ units and glass showcases in the middle.
• The counter is low, enabling wheelchair access and the space shares the hearing loop used by the pay desk. Trained staff can also give assistance where required. There is no background music at the counter, but there may be background noise from audio in the main Museum, other visitors and the nearby Learning Spaces.

The Collections Centre

• The Collections Centre is an accessible storage facility containing the reserve collections of the Museum and the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust. Situated in a separate building 50 meters from the main Museum, only visitors with valid Museum admission can access the Collections Centre.

• The Collections Centre is accessible by a tarmac path with a very slight gradient and is signposted from the main Museum. The building sits next to a large pond and although fencing is provided, visitors
  need to take care of the area if walking in front of the building.

• The main access doors are electric and are 1450mm, 57 inches wide.

• The main reception area contains 4 toilets including one accessible toilet.

• The accessible toilet is unisex and the floor leading to the toilet is level.

• The door to the accessible toilet opens outwards to the right, the opening is 850mm, 33.5 inches wide. There is clear space for a wheelchair on the right-hand side when facing the WC measuring 1300mm, 51 inches wide. The height of the WC is 480mm, 19 inches from the floor to the top of the seat. There are horizontal grab rails to the right-hand side of the WC and vertical grab rails to the left-hand side of the WC and next to the sink.

• The sink has lever taps.

• Visitors can alert Museum staff when they need assistance by using the red alarm cord located on the left-hand side of the WC. The accessible WC is well-lit by overhead LED lighting. The floor is laid with non-slip laminate.

• Visitors to the Collections Centre can see two vehicle storage areas; the ground floor area, containing the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust collection is accessible via corridor and door measuring 870mm, 34 inches wide.

• The first-floor store is accessible via stairs containing 22 steps and a lift. The width of the lift doors is 900mm, 35.5 inches and the dimensions of the lift are 1100 x 1400mm, 43 x 55 inches. The lift has an audio announcement. There is a mezzanine level enabling visitors to view the restoration workshop through a glass-screened balustrade.

• The Collections Centre is lit by LED spotlights throughout and the floor is concrete.

First floor of the Collections Centre

• In both areas, cars are parked much closer than they would be in the main Museum as the Collections Centre is a store as well as a public facility so not every car can be seen on every side. Each car is provided with a simple label, and staff or volunteers can provide additional information and interpretation.
• The Collections Centre is provided with its own independent fire system and staff and volunteers are trained to ensure the safe evacuation of visitors in the case of an emergency. Audio and visual warnings are provided and there is an emergency refuge area on the first floor.
• Seating is provided on both the ground and first-floor display areas of the Collections Centre.

Grounds

• The Museum is situated on a large site that includes three large tarmac car parks, grassed areas, and ponds. The ponds have some fencing, but care needs to be taken around them.
• In the main, most of the site has level access with clearly marked tarmac paths.
• A large grassed area beyond the southern car park contains a children’s play area that is accessible by a relatively steep path. The grass areas are undulating and uneven.
• A picnic area is provided outside the main Museum in the summer month with picnic benches. These benches are mostly accessible via tarmac paths. A number of other combined benches and tables are available around the perimeter of the building.
• Visitors need to be aware of traffic moving around the car parks and access roads. Clearly marked crossings and signage are provided.

Additional Information

• All staff is fully trained in emergency evacuation and fire procedures at the Museum.
• In the case of an emergency, staff will ensure that all visitors are safely evacuated from the building; both audio and visual alerts are provided in the event of a fire. An evacuation chair is provided on the first floor of the mezzanine.
• The Museum is provided with clear signage of a number of types. In the Museum, large-size font signs guide visitors to facilities such as toilets, and these include pictograms.
• There is no dedicated area for the charging of mobility scooters, but this can be arranged if required, please ask at the pay desk.
• With the exception of assistance dogs, we regret that pets are not permitted anywhere in the Museum. Dogs are, however, permitted on the grounds but must be kept on a lead not exceeding 3 meters. Owners are required to clear up after their pets and dispose of any waste in a sealed bag.
• The Museum holds a full program of events during the summer months. A number of these events are very busy, attracting both large numbers of visitors and historic vehicles. The Museum and site remain fully accessible during these events, but visitors should be aware that different parking arrangements may be in place and some of the facilities described in this statement may be crowded. If you are planning to visit on an event day it may be wise to contact the Museum in advance.
• The Museum has an ongoing Disability Awareness training program for staff and also works with local disabled groups and advisors to monitor and improve its facilities. The staff welcomes feedback from visitors, so please share your experience with them.

Contact Information

• Address: British Motor Museum, Banbury Road, Gaydon, Warwickshire, CV35 0BJ
  If using a Sat Nav for directions, we recommend you enter the British Motor Museum as a point of interest rather than using the postcode.

• Telephone: 01926 895300

• Email:enquiries@britishmotormuseum.co.uk

• Website:www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk

• Grid Reference: SP355546 ///goad.website.apart

• Hours of Operation: 10.00 – 17.00
  The last admission to the Collections Centre is at 16.30
  Closed over the Christmas and New Year period – please see the website for exact dates.

References

• British Motor Museum | Home
• British Motor Museum | Home
• British Motor Museum | Home
• 77A - Leamington - Kineton - Banbury – Stagecoach Midlands – bustimes.org
• Food and Drink

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