A charming slice of nostalgia (Victorians to 1950s) suitable for some people with mobility difficulties
4
4
Date of visit: September 2018
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Good
3 floors ( 2 of which only accessible by stairs) packed full with nostalgic everyday items from the Victorian period to the 1950s. This quirky family run attraction has lots of vintage memorabilia including on the ground floor a life size replica of a Victorian street, with 15 shops full of authentic retro items. For older people it will evoke childhood memories and children it shows how life was like in years gone by, in a fun and engaging display. If it wasn't for the limited accessibility I would have given this attraction 5 stars as its display is fun and very original.
Disabled Access In and Around
Average
The entrance is step free from the pavement. Only the ground floor is wheelchair accessible. There is a special reduced rate for disabled visitors only accessing Victorian street on the ground floor. The Victorian street is fascinating, looking in the windows and seeing the wide range of items on display and is well worth visiting. However, there are cobblestones on the Victorian street. On the first floor are period rooms and on the second floor are wartime displays, including the trenches which have low level lighting, vintage amusement arcade games, 1950s displays and a station themed café. The upper floors are accessible by stairs. The staircases have a handrail on one side and the steps are not steep. I use a crutch and found it manageable. One thing to be aware of is that to access the first floor you go up a flight of stairs, the 1st floor has quite a narrow corridor and at the end there are stairs to return you to the ground floor. To access the second floor you have to use a separate staircase and climb 2 flights of stairs. The 2nd floor is more spacious and there is also a café with seating. The café is the only place where you can sit in the entire museum. Guide dogs are permitted.
Parking & Transport
Excellent
Bygones is located in Babbacombe, which is just outside of Torquay. The nearest train station is Torquay. At time of writing (October 2018) the number 22 and 32 buses stop very nearby and have step free access. There is a car park about 2 minutes walk away, sorry I didn't use it so I don't know the details, but I did notice an accessible toilet at the car park.
Accessible Toilets
0There were toilets but I did not use them, I don't know if they are accessible. There is an accessible toilet in the nearby car park about 2 minutes walk away.
Staff
Excellent
Staff were very friendly and welcoming.
Additional Information
Despite the access limitations this made for a lovely, quirky, unique and fun day out and well worth visiting. The collection started as a hobby and has turned into a family fun attraction. If you enjoy history or retro items you will really love this place. It's also entirely indoors so perfect for rainy days.
