Skip to main content

.

Accessibility and inclusion

 

Everyone’s welcome at Poole Museum. We’re all about making sure every visitor feels right at home. Our recent transformation has been shaped by a big commitment to accessibility (as well as the sea) so everyone can enjoy what we have to offer, in their own way and at their own pace.

 

Poole Museum and Scaplen’s Court are very old buildings. Because they are old, there are some places where we can are only able to make limited improvements to accessibility.

 

Below, you’ll find handy access info to help plan your visit. And if you’ve got questions or need a hand, our friendly Visitor Experience team is here for you - before, during, and after your visit.

 

Alternatively, you can email us at hello@poolemuseum.org.uk or call us on 01202 128 888 and use Option 1.

Where we are

 

Poole Museum and Scaplen’s Court are located at the end of the High Street, close to Poole Quay.

 

The main entrance to Scaplen’s Court is on Sarum Street.

 

 

Travelling to us

 

We don’t have our own car park.


There are accessible parking bays nearby on Poole Quay, close to the Customs House and the marina.

 

These spaces are for Blue Badge holders.

 

You can park there for up to three hours, plenty of time to enjoy a visit and have a cup of tea.

 

There are also 16 accessible parking bays for Blue Badge holders in Quay visitors multi-storey car park, BH15 1SB, a short walk from the museum.

 

 

Arriving at the museum

 

There is a welcome desk in both Poole Museum and Scaplen’s Court.


Our Visitor Experience team and volunteers will greet you. They are ready with a smile - they love meeting new people!


You can spot them easily - they wear blue aprons and lanyards.


They are happy to help you get started.

 

We’re here to make your visit smooth, relaxed, and full of discovery.

 

 

Café

 

Our café, The Old Town Salt Pig cafe is on the ground floor of Scaplen's Court.

 

 

Induction loop

 

There is an induction loop at the Welcome Desk in Poole Museum and at the café counter in Scaplen’s Court.

 

 

Dogs and assistance animals

 

We love dogs, but only assistance dogs can come inside Poole Museum.

 

All dogs are welcome to visit Scaplen’s Court. We’re happy to provide a bowl of water for your furry friend. Just ask any of the team.

 

 

Getting around

 

Our Visitor Experience team and volunteers are on hand to help you navigate your way round the museum.

 

The upper floors of Poole Museum and Scaplen’s Court can be reached by lift.

 

All areas have step-free access routes and these clearly signed.

 

Some of the doorways in Scaplen’s Court are quite narrow.

 

 

Toilets and baby change

 

All our WCs are unisex. Each WC is self-contained with a toilet and sink.

 

Here is where you can find our WCs.

 

 

Poole Museum

Level 0

  1. WC
  2. Ambulant WC
  3. Accessible WC with baby changing facilities

 

Level 3

  1. WC
  2. WC
  3. Accessible WC

 

 

Scaplen’s Court

Ground Floor

  1. WC
  2. WC
  3. Accessible WC with baby changing facilities

 

The closest Changing Places toilet is at the Dolphin Centre, Poole.

 

 

Wheelchairs and scooters

 

There is an electric wheelchair and scooter charging point by the Welcome Desk in Poole Museum.

 

Our floors are uneven in places. Please take care where you see white markings on the floor.

 

The paving in Scaplen’s Court Garden is uneven in places.

 

If you're visiting Poole for the day and wish to hire a scooter or accessibility equipment in advance, local company Rapid Mobility may be able to help you.

 

 

Seating

 

Seating is provided throughout Poole Museum and Scaplen's Court. There is plenty of seating in the café in Scaplen’s Court.