The Sill, National Landscape Discovery Centre
4.5
4.5
Date of visit: March 2018
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Excellent
The Sill is the National Landscape Discovery Centre at Once Brewed, near Hadrian’s Wall. Opened last year, The Sill has a permanent exhibition about the landscape and our relationship with it as well as temporary exhibitions - the current one is about Dark Skies and preventing light pollution. It is very interactive but I think they could have incorporated a little bit more detail into the landscape exhibition without spoiling the child-friendliness. The whole place has been designed with accessibility in mind: automatic doors, a lift with audio announcements and Braille signs, accessible loos, even a changing-places area with shower. There are plenty of seats, the reception desk had a lowered section and staff were really helpful. Outside there are plenty of Blue Badge spaces as well as bike racks and a bus stop outside. There is information about all the accessibility features on their website. The café, which specialises in local produce, is on the first floor, accessible by lift and is light and airy with great views over the countryside. We just had a sandwich, which was great and very generous, but I can’t comment comprehensively on the menu, however it did all look good! There is a path from ground level right up to the garden roof and you can also access it from the café. There is a hard surface, but it was rather juddery so I didn’t fancy venturing too far on it but the views even from this level were good. From the roof they must be fabulous!
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
Easy access throughout the building. Automatic doors, lift, ramp to roof garden. Tables in café suitable for wheelchair-users.
Parking & Transport
Excellent
Clearly marked bays near entrance.
Accessible Toilets
Excellent
Accessible loo on each floor. Changing places space with shower and hoist and changing table. Detailed descriptions on website.
Staff
Excellent
Very helpful about explaining accessibility features.
Additional Information
Well worth a visit - for the exhibitions and the café!
