Summary
We aim to provide a good experience to all of our visitors. Most of our site is accessible with disabled parking and toilet facilities, however, we regret that we are unable to accommodate wheelchair users in the mine for safety reasons.
If you have any requests or need assistance during your visit please ask one of our volunteers and we will do our best to accommodate you. A wheelchair is available onsite to borrow if required.
Parking
Blue Badge holders are welcome to park in the area directly in front of the Heritage Centre.
Toilets
We have a separate disabled lavatory in the Heritage Centre.
Reception Area, Lamp Room and Café
The reception area, Lamp Room and Café are all on one level, with plenty of room to allow wheelchair users access.
We do not have an inductive loop system.
While we don’t have a lowered section of counter at either the café or the reception, there is a lower display cabinet adjacent to the reception desk that can be used.
Museum
There is a short ramp down from the Reception Area into the museum, from that point on the museum is all on one level.
Mine Tours
We regret that we are unable to accommodate wheelchair users in the mine for safety reasons, due to the nature of the mine. While we have made every effort to make the mine accessible to as many people as possible we have to make the welfare of our visitors our top priority.
If you wish to discuss whether a mine tour would be suitable for you or a person that you are planning to bring, please do get in touch.
We are also unable to take any children under 5 years of age into the mine.
Battery operated equipment, such as personal electronics, and smoking related items are not allowed underground due to mining regulations. This requirement does not apply to certain battery-powered medical aids such as Hearing Aids, please notify us of any such items.
Surface Gallery
We now have a surface mining exhibit that is more accessible to people with restricted mobility who otherwise would not be able to enjoy the underground tour. It is a short section of “underground” roadway with real mining artifacts. It’s been made as authentic as possible and the main structure is a training gallery from Kellingley Colliery. It available to view on request at weekends, we don’t charge but donations are welcomed.
Rear Yard (including the Blacksmith)
The rear yard is unsurfaced, but level.
Events area
Some special events utilise areas of the site not normally open to the public. Most of the site has level access but on unsurfaced pathways which allow wheelchair users to reach most parts of the site.
Railway
The AVLR is operated by the Moseley Railway Trust and detailed accessibility information is available on www.avlr.org.uk. In summary, there is a ramp up to the station platform and tickets are purchased from the station shop which has a small step up to it’s entrance. A ramp is available to assist wheelchair users in boarding the train, which can accommodate two wheel chair users at a time.