Bankfield Museum

( 1887)

My recent visit to Bankfield Museum which has been open since 1887. It was a great day out, I got to see and learn so much by just being on the first floor as unfortunately the second floor has a lot of steps and is not wheelchair accessible unless you can transfer yourself to another chair (described below). We was greeted at the back door where the disabled entrance is, by Phil a member of staff and he was really helpful and gave me as much information to his knowledge. I did have a good conversation with him about the accessibility around the museum. The staff were really helpful and it was very much appreciated.
Opening Times

1. Car Park

The disabled car park is around the back of the building clearly signed and there is a couple of disabled parking bays. It is free parking just kindly display your disabled badge clearly.

Main front door

Parking sign

2. Entry

The entry fee is free but they do have a donation box inside for anyone who would like to donate.

Free Entry

Main Entrance (front)

3. Disabled Access

The disabled access is at the back of the building which has a ramp leading up to the accessible door. The door does have an assistant alarm and somebody will come to let you in just be very careful because the door swings open outwards and if you go back you could fall down them stairs as there isn't enough room. "To be safe ring the bell and stay on the ramp area".

Disabled access at the back

4. Disabled Toilets

There are 2 disabled toilets in the museum. They are both wheelchair accessible. They do have aids and adaptions to it as shown in the pictures.

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

5. Cafe

There is a small cafe in the reception desk area which you can get a Hot/cold drinks and snacks only. It is a bit pricey, but a lovely area to have a cuppa by a big old fireplace.

Seating area

6. First Floor

The first floor is accessible to get around there are 3 rooms which are small. The vintage toys room and the chapel area are tight for a wheel chair user but it is fine for others. You can see from outside the room just cant get close up. The third room is open but has a few steps going down into it so not good for wheelchair users. Despite all this there was so many interesting things to see so I would say it is worth going to.

Chapel Area

Vintage Toy Room

7. Second floor

There is access for people with limited mobility and struggle with stairs. They have a chair climber for the people who can transfer themselves to that chair. You will need to ring up and book in advance (it's free) if this is needed by anyone, the staff will be more than happy to help you. It is no good for wheelchair users who can not transfer.

I did speak to Phil about this and he told me that they have tried to install a lift inside the museum but it didn't work out so they tried to install a lift from the outside but that also failed as it is a listed building. The 2 floors are not level for the lifts to stop on the second floor as it has been built. So to be fare they did try.

Stairs to the top floor

C-Max Stair Climber Chair

Location:

Bankfield Museum,
Akroyd Park,
Boothtown Rd,
Halifax,
HX3 6HG.

Email: museums@calderdale.gov.uk

Tel: 01422 352334

By Aisha Mir

Wheelchair Accessible Yorkshire