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.

It's worth noting that Scaplen's Court is an old building and the accessibility upgrades have all been made within the constraints of a Grade I listed building.

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.

Planning your visit

Where we are

Scaplen's Court is situated on the lower high-street near Poole Quay. The main entrance is on Sarum Street and provides step free access.

Travelling to Scaplen's Court and Garden

Heads up - Scaplen's Court doesn’t have its own parking, but there are a number of disabled bays just along Poole Quay near the Customs House and by the marina. They’re reserved for Blue Badge holders and you can park for up to three hours, plenty of time for a wander and a cuppa.

Arriving at Scaplen's Court

The shiny new Scaplen's Court entrance leads into a large welcome area and our new new cafe space.

It is a level entry, and our friendly Visitor Experience team will be there to greet you, wearing our new aprons and easy-to-spot lanyards, ready to help you get started.

In the cafe there is an induction loop if you need it. We’re here to make your visit smooth, relaxed, and full of discovery.

Assistant animals

Assistant animals are very welcome at Scaplen's Court. Your assistant animal should remain in your care and control throughout your visit. We can provide a drinking bowl for your animal; just ask one of our Visitor Experience assistants.

During your visit

Lifts

Scaplen’s Court now has a shiny new platform lift to help you explore more of the building. It stops at two levels on the first floor - because, well, that’s old buildings for you!

The lift can carry up to 400kg – perfect for wheelchairs and buggies. We're keen to test our new spaces to the public for the first time, and haven't added signs for the lift just yet, but our Visitor Experience team will be on hand to offer assistance as and when needed - they'll be wearing the lovely new blue Poole Museum aprons.

We’re keen to make history more accessible, one quirky floor at a time - although this will take time to get it right in our old building!

Toilets

All our toilets are gender neutral toilets and can be found on the ground floor of Scaplen's Court. There are two accessible toilets and one has baby changing facilities.

Wheelchairs and scooters

Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are welcome throughout Scaplen's Court. Please bear in mind that the building is old and some of our doorways are narrower than others, so you may have to wait while people come through the doors.

On the first floor, you will notice two contrast strips of white paint on the slope from the Rear Chamber to the Upper Garden Room. Please use caution when moving through these rooms, especially if you have a manual mobility wheelchair.

Our beautiful herb and physic garden is open for all to enjoy. Please note that the cobbled surfaces in the garden can be uneven, which may present challenges for some visitors.

Seating

There is seating in the cafe area and at various points through Scaplen's.

Travelling through Scaplen's Court

Our Visitor Experience Assistants will be on hand to help you navigate your way round Scaplen's Court.

It's worth noting that this is an historic building and some of the doorways are quite narrow. You may occasionally need to wait for others to pass, but our team will be happy to advise on the best route through the building.

Areas with particularly narrow doorways or steps include:

From the Garden Room to the Courtyard (includes a step)
From the Upper Hall to the Upper Chamber
From the Upper Chamber to the Rear Chamber
From the Long Chamber to the Upper Hall (includes a step)

We appreciate your patience as you explore this unique and atmospheric space.

Garden

Our beautiful herb and physic garden is open for all to enjoy. Please note that the cobbled surfaces in the garden can be uneven, which may present challenges for some visitors.