Accessibility Information
Accessing our Georgian Townhouse:
We are based in a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse and therefore we regrettably do not have a lift. The entrance has a step to the front door, then a second step to the entrance – however we have a ramp available and our greeter at the front door will be happy to help!
The Exhibition is on the ground floor. There are four steps leading to the standard entrance to the Exhibition, however it can also be accessed in reverse via a ramp. Our talk room (where one of our actors will begin your visit by preforming a 20-minute talk about Jane Austen’s life) is on the first floor - this is up 2 flights of stairs of around 10 steps each, so unfortunately this part of the experience is not accessible for wheelchair users.
Seating is available throughout the Exhibition.
Private Accessible Tours:
We can offer private accessible tours for walk-in visitors on the day, subject to the availability of our actors at the time of your arrival.
Our staff on the front desk will be able to assist you with further information.
These tours will include the introductory talk about Jane Austen’s life, downstairs in the main exhibition. Where the Exhibition can be accessed in reverse for wheelchair users.
Accessing the Regency Tea Room:
The Regency Tea Room is on the second floor, a further 2 flights of stairs from the entrance, so unfortunately this part of the experience is not accessible for wheelchair users.
Toilets:
Our toilets are in the basement which is one flight of stairs (around 10 steps) below the main Exhibition and Gift Shop.
A baby changing facility is available in the ladies bathroom.
Assistance Dogs:
Registered assistance dogs are welcome in the Jane Austen Centre and Regency Tea Room. We recommend that assistance dogs wear a jacket or lead slip to identify them as working.
All assistance dog’s must be kept on the lead at all times and be under strict control.
Our staff reserve the right to ask visitors to remove their dog from the Exhibition if it is deemed not to be behaving appropriately. Arrangements will then be made for the visitor to return without their dog.
Please contact contactus@janeausten.co.uk for more information.
Assistance Tickets:
We offer a free access companion ticket which can be purchased in the Gift Shop with one full price ticket. These tickets cannot be pre-booked.
Just show your proof of need such as PIP Letter, Blue Badge, Sunflower Pass etc. or your national equivalent if you are visiting from outside of the UK.
If you are booking tickets online, please book for everyone who is visiting except the carer. We will admit everyone together and never refuse a carer ticket.
If you require a free access companion ticket, please call, or email our team:
01225 443 000 or contactus@janeausten.co.uk
Visitors with hearing impairments:
English subtitles are provided for all videos featured throughout the Exhibition. Additionally, the transcript for our introductory talk is available in the Gift Shop upon request.
Luggage:
To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all our guests, we are unable to store luggage and large items on our premises. We request visitors to make alternative arrangements for their belongings before arriving.
For convenience, please consider utilising nearby luggage storage services or inquire with your accommodation provider about their storage options.
If you require more information, please email contactus@janeausten.co.uk
Pushchairs:
We are based in a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse and therefore we regrettably do not have a lift. The entrance has a step to the front door, then a second step to the entrance – however we have a ramp available and our greeter at the front door will be happy to help!
Due to the layout of our Georgian town house, you may find it challenging to carry pushchairs up and down the stairs. If you are visiting with young children, we recommend using baby carriers.
Pushchairs can be left just inside the main entrance during your visit, space permitting.