Accessibility

We have worked with AccessAble to make finding out about our facilities easier before you visit. Surveyors from AccessAble visited our Centre in person and have created this detailed AccessAble Guide.

Plan your visit

Limited mobility/wheelchair users

• Level Access with lift between two floors and ramp at harbour.
• Fully accessible for wheelchair users and wheelchairs are available to borrow. Please let us know in advance of your visit and we will have the wheelchair ready for you. A walking aid is also available.
• Accessible parking is available to Blue Badge holders adjacent to the Centre and in the Seabird Centre car park (this car park is a 5 minute walk from the Centre, see our Plan Your Visit page).
• Accessible toilet facilities are available on the ground floor.
• Drop off points for mini-buses and coaches on Marine Parade.
• We work closely with Beach Wheelchairs for accessible outdoor access (Contact number for booking: 0300 111 2112).

Families

• We are breastfeeding friendly and will help with bottle warming.
• Highchairs available in the cafe.
• Baby changing facilities available in the Accessible toilet.

Enabling Accessibility

• We recognise the sunflower lanyard scheme - wearing one when you visit will let our team know that you might need some extra assistance or a little more time.
• We welcome assistance and guide dogs.
• We have a BSL signer in our team, please let us know in advance if you may need support during your visit.
• The Centre can be noisy and busy at times, especially during school holidays. If you are concerned about this please contact us and we can advise or organise quieter times.
• Hearing loop - we need to replace our system and are working towards this.

Carers

• Free admission to the Discovery Experience for carers or dedicated blind / hearing assistant, please bring documentation.

Sensory Bags

• Our sensory bags are designed for anyone with sensory sensitivities in order to make your visit as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
• The marine-themed bag and contents include: a cuddly toy, marine-themed story book, ear defenders, tactile model starfish, crocheted fidget toy, wooden 'fiddle-stick' fidget toy, emotion tags on a keyring, and a photo find sheet.
• The bags themselves are brightly coloured, easy to open, and made from 100% recycled polyester.
• The bags are free to use but a deposit of £20 must be paid (cash or card) at the Information Desk. Ear defenders can be hired on their own for a £5 returnable deposit and are available in child and adult size.
• These new resources were kindly funded by our Volunteer Group.

If you would like to provide any feedback on our accessibility we would welcome your comments. You can contact us on info@seabird.org, call 01620 890202 (Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm) or speak to a member of staff in the Centre.