National Maritime Museum

The National Maritime Museum in Greenwich is one of the world’s leading maritime museums, offering an extensive and interactive journey through Britain’s naval history. Set within the historic Greenwich World Heritage Site, the museum combines impressive collections with a strong commitment to accessibility, ensuring visitors of all abilities can enjoy the experience.

Getting to the museum is straightforward, with on-site parking available including six dedicated disabled bays. Blue Badge holders can park free of charge, and the car park is located approximately 150 metres from the entrance. From there, level access leads directly into the museum, making arrival easy for visitors with mobility needs.

Inside, the museum is designed to be fully accessible across its multiple floors and galleries. There are three lifts providing access to the main first and second floor spaces, along with an additional lift serving the Special Exhibition gallery in the Sammy Ofer Wing. Outside, a platform lift allows access to the colonnades, ensuring even external areas are inclusive. The floors throughout the museum are level, with ramps in place wherever there is a change in height, and exhibits are positioned to be easily viewed from a seated position.

Visitors who require mobility support can borrow manual wheelchairs free of charge from the Park Entrance Information Desk, making it easier to explore the large site. All cafés and gift shops within the museum are also wheelchair accessible, ensuring a seamless experience throughout your visit.

The museum offers excellent facilities for disabled visitors, including accessible toilets and a fully equipped Changing Places toilet located next to the shop in the Sammy Ofer Wing. This facility includes a ceiling hoist, height-adjustable changing bench and washbasin, peninsular toilet, grab rails, emergency alarm, privacy screen, and additional supportive features designed for complex care needs.

For visitors with sensory requirements, the museum provides a range of thoughtful resources. Sensory backpacks are available, along with a sensory map highlighting areas that may be loud, bright, or busy. Ear defenders can be borrowed from the information desk, and several quieter spaces are available throughout the museum, including the Voyagers Gallery, Forgotten Fighters Gallery, and My Greenwich area. If a dedicated quiet room is needed, staff are available to assist.

The museum is also well equipped for visitors who are D/deaf or hard of hearing. Hearing loops are installed at all information desks and key points across the site, and some staff members are trained to British Sign Language Level 1, offering additional support where needed.

Visitors with visual impairments will find tactile displays throughout the museum, helping to create a more interactive and inclusive experience. Assistance dogs, including guide and hearing dogs, are welcome in all areas of the museum, and water bowls are available outside the Parkside Café.

Carers are supported through a free companion ticket policy, which applies to both general admission and special exhibitions. Visitors simply need to provide appropriate documentation, such as DLA or PIP paperwork, a carer ID, or a doctor’s letter confirming the need for assistance.

Overall, the National Maritime Museum offers a highly accessible and inclusive environment, combining world-class exhibits with carefully considered facilities. Whether you’re exploring maritime history, enjoying interactive displays, or visiting with family, it provides a comfortable and welcoming experience for all.