Accessibility

We look forward to welcoming you to Ordsall Hall.

Ordsall Hall is committed to improving the experiences of visitors with a diverse range of needs. Inclusive and accessible features can be found on our website and throughout our spaces, but we are aware that more needs to be done and we welcome feedback from visitors with lived experience to help us improve our service. Please contact us with your feedback on 0161 686 7440 or email ordsall.hall@scll.co.uk

To help plan your visit: 

Our website has the accessibility software Recite Me embedded, which has a toolbar with a range of options to aid access. This includes a screen reader, options to change the colour and font size and many other features.

If you would like to know more about what to expect when you visit us please have a look at our social story.

If you require further information please call 0161 686 7440 or email ordsall.hall@scll.co.uk

Parking:

• We have five accessible parking spaces for blue badge holders 100 metres from the museum entrance (subject to parking charges)

Access around the building and facilities

• Our ground floor has step free access and we have 2 lifts to enable access to the upper levels
• Only one space does not have lift access, this is the Coat of Arms room. There are eleven steps to get to this room from the Great Chamber. You can explore it virtually here

D/deaf and hard of hearing:

• Hearing Induction Loop at Reception
• Portable Hearing Induction Loop system available for tours/talks if booked in advance, please email ordsall.hall@scll.co.uk
• Staff trained in D/deaf awareness
• BSL interpretation on our Introductory film – which can be watched on site
• A digital tour in BSL

Blind and visual impairments:

• Large print guide at reception
• Braille guide at reception
• 3D map of the area in our Frederick Shields Gallery, audio soundscapes and a film introducing the Hall
• An audio described digital tour

Ordsall Hall is in the shape of the letter L, and has three floors in total. All floors can be accessed via a lift, except for the Coat of Arms Room, which is a reading room. If you would prefer to use the lift during your visit, please let a member of staff know when you arrive and they will assist you.

The Hall also has uneven flooring and some low beams. There are two challenging spiral staircases, one in the reception area leading to the Frederick Shields Gallery, and the other in the West Wing leading to the Attic. Please go up the spiral staircase in the reception area on the right side, using the rail as a guide, and go down on the left side, to avoid the narrow parts of the steps. On the spiral staircase in the West Wing up to the Attic, please go up on the left side and down on the right side. Between the Great Hall and the Star Chamber, there are also 4 stone steps leading to and from a lower level. You can be taken around the side of the building for step-free access between these rooms. If you require this, please let a member of staff know on arrival and they will assist you.

Assistance dogs: 

• We welcome individuals with an assistance dog and can provide water should your dog get thirsty

Toilets: 

• 4 accessible toilets with emergency pull cords

Neurodiversity

Sensory:

• We have child and adult sized ear defenders which you can borrow upon arrival
• The Kitchen and Star Chamber have audio soundscapes which, while not very loud, can be turned off for periods of time if needed. Just ask a member of the team

Quieter times:

In term time we have school bookings, so it is usually quieter on a weekday after 2pm, however do please contact the museum in advance of your visit on 0161 686 7440 or email ordsall.hall@scll.co.uk so that you can be advised when a quieter time to visit will be.

Choosing boards:

We have some non-verbal choosing boards which you can borrow on arrival.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities:

A visit to our museum is a multi-sensory experience, visitors can touch, smell and feel the history of the Hall. Borrow one of our Sensory Bags to help you feel comfortable in the building.

You can engage with activities across the building such as:

• Grinding and smelling spices in the kitchen
• Setting the table with replica food in the Great Hall
• Dressing up in velvets and silks in the Great Chamber
• Climbing into our replica string and hay bed in the bedroom