Museum Of Somerset

The Museum of Somerset is a fantastic place to explore the rich history and culture of the region, offering a wide range of exhibits from ancient archaeology to modern displays. Set within the historic Taunton Castle, the museum combines heritage with thoughtful accessibility features, making it a welcoming destination for visitors with a variety of needs.

From the moment you arrive, the museum is designed to be easy to access. Although there is no on-site parking, the nearby Castle Hotel car park is located just a short distance from the entrance. From here, visitors benefit from level access leading towards the museum, along with a ramped entrance that ensures smooth entry into the building.

Inside, the ground floor galleries are fully step-free, allowing for easy navigation throughout the main exhibition spaces. A lift provides access to the first floor galleries, ensuring that visitors can explore the majority of the museum without difficulty. For areas such as the Discovery and Singing Galleries, a stair lift is available with support for wheelchair users, helping to extend access further across the site.

The museum experience itself has been carefully designed to be inclusive and engaging. Free audio guides are available, helping to bring the exhibits to life and provide additional context for visitors. Many displays include tactile elements, allowing visitors with visual impairments to interact more directly with the collections. These thoughtful touches make the museum more immersive and accessible to a wider audience.

For visitors who may benefit from additional sensory support, sensory backpacks are available to hire. These include items such as noise-cancelling headphones, fiddle toys, and a map of the museum, helping to create a more comfortable and manageable experience for those with sensory sensitivities.

There are seating areas located throughout the museum, providing opportunities to rest and take breaks when needed. Staff are also known for being welcoming and supportive, offering assistance wherever required to ensure visitors feel comfortable and confident during their visit.

Accessible toilet facilities are available on the ground floor. These are well equipped with features such as side transfer space, grab rails, a lever-style tap, disposal facilities, and an emergency alarm, ensuring they meet a wide range of accessibility needs.

Overall, the Museum of Somerset offers a well-balanced experience that combines fascinating historical content with strong accessibility provision. Whether you are interested in local heritage, interactive exhibits, or simply a relaxed and inclusive day out, the museum provides a supportive and enjoyable environment for all visitors.