Accessible entrance needs a map, but staff went above and beyond
3.5
3.5
Date of visit: April 2025
I have experience of challenges around: hearing and moving around.
Overall Rating
Good
St Margaret’s House has a main entrance with stairs, so if you’re a wheelchair user, you’ll need to go the long way round. I really struggled to locate the accessible entrance and ended up calling the front desk at least five times. They told me it was through the car park — but with no signage and there being doors for many other buildings as well, that was much easier said than done. Eventually, the manager came out to find me (panting; it was a hot day!), and I really appreciated the effort. I wish I’d taken photos to help others find the route, but for reference: go all the way to the back of the large car park, then look to the left for a small door that's usually propped open. Once inside, the gallery itself was great. Bright, step-free, and accessible by lift.
Disabled Access In and Around
Average
The accessible entrance is extremely difficult to find, especially with no signage in the car park and unhelpful directions from Google Maps. I definitely have a poor sense of direction, but even so — clearer signage would make a big difference. Once inside, the access is better. There’s a lift up to the gallery space (a bit tight, but manageable), and everything is step-free and well-lit.
Parking & Transport
Good
There aren’t great public transport links to the accessible entrance, it’s about a 15–20 minute walk from most bus stops. But since the entrance is located at the car park, I imagine parking would be quite good if you're arriving by car.
Staff
Excellent
The manager was brilliant. I’d reached the point of calling a taxi to leave after getting so lost, but he phoned me back, asked where I was, and came out to meet me. That made all the difference, and I left St Margaret's House much happier than I entered. Thank you!
