Family Visit
2.5
2.5
Date of visit: October 2024
I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, moving around and understanding.
Overall Rating
Average
Visited as a family, two of us with disabilities using Access Cards and wearing sunflower lanyards. We had to queue outside the venue in the rain for 5mins after our booked time. This was crowded with a big group. No acknowledgement was made of our sunflower lanyards or that we had booked disabled tickets with a carer. When we did get inside there wasn’t anyone to ask about the sensory packs they have. We then felt rushed around the glass floor area as they were pushing us onto the ride to make way for the next group coming down. We didn’t get a chance to look at the interactive screens. The ride was good and easy to use, very smooth. The artefact area afterwards was crowded and noisy and you can only exit through the gift shop which can be busy. When raised with a staff member about feeling rushed through and not able to fully enjoy everything we were told that that is why tickets are valid for 12mths. This is ok if you live close by but not if you are on holiday as entry has to be pre-booked time slots and they are taken up quickly.
Disabled Access In and Around
Average
Underground so steps or there is a ramp style lift. The ride you need to wait for a disabled pod to come around and a member of the technical team has to be present to put the wheelchair on. Only one wheelchair allowed in the venue at anyone time. No seating to use for being able to take a rest.
Parking & Transport
Poor
No parking or disabled drop-off points. Closest parking is around 5min walk in Castle Car Park which has an unlimited stay time for blue badge holders.
Staff
Poor
As I was ambient my disabilities appear hidden. I believe this meant that I wasn’t offered any of the assistance that they boast about on their website. I was very disappointed if honest, especially with the way my carer was dismissed when saying we felt rushed and pushed to keep moving.
