Partially accessible and very interesting living museum
5
5
Date of visit: October 2026
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: accessing toilets, dexterity or coordination and moving around.
I use or have experience of: assistance dog, changing places toilet, disabled toilet, wheelchair
Overall Rating
Excellent
We came here straight off the morning ferry into Larne. It was about a 40 minute drive. The weather was beautiful after a stormy week, so we were quite happy just to browse and enjoy being here. Note: They do not charge an entry fee for disabled people and a carer, so it was a free visit. This reflects the fact that access is not perfect.
Disabled Access In and Around
Average
This is a living museum that reflects the past. Many areas are cobbled and there are hardly any dropped kerbs. I used a manual wheelchair with freewheel and had hubby with me, who helped a lot with steep slopes and kerbs. Many of the houses and shops have level entry but this is often narrow - just enough for a manual wheelchair to get in. Some properties have steps and many have upstairs areas that are not accessible. It always makes me laugh that the shop is completely accessible! There is even a dropped kerb to the shop. The cafe was accessible too, with plenty of space and room to move around.
Accessible facilities: Seating at regular intervals, Step-free access to most areas
Parking & Transport
Good
I travelled to this place by personal vehicle
We arrived by motorhome and parked (at their instruction) in a large coach bay. I love it when they allow this, as it gives us space to park without blocking others and space to unload my wheelchair.
Accessible facilities: Dedicated on-site parking
Accessible Toilets
Excellent
There were several accessible toilets around the site and one changing places, which was really clean and well equipped. The only thing it didn't have was a mirror, which I would find helpful for catheterising.
Facilities: Accessible toilet, Changing Places toilet
Staff
Excellent
All staff were helpful and friendly! Throughout the museum, there were people in period costume, doing demonstrations and they were happy to chat about their work.
Additional Information
On a pleasant day, when it is nice to be outdoors, this is a really good day out. I suspect I would have felt completely different if the weather had been inclement though.
