Visual Story: what to expect when visiting Hexham Old Gaol

Download a PDF version of Hexham Old Gaol's visual story (PDF, 975 KB)

1. What to expect at Hexham Old Gaol
2. Arriving at Hexham Old Gaol
3. Borrowing ear defenders
4. Exploring the museum
5. Seeing the dungeon
6. Using the stairs
7. The first floor
8. The second floor
9. The activity room
10. Help us improve Hexham Old Gaol's visual story

I am going to visit Hexham Old Gaol. 

There is lots to see and do but I don't have to do it all in one visit.

Hexham Old Gaol is a very old building that was built as a prison. 

Now, it is a museum. 

I will find out about crime and punishment in Northumberland hundreds of years ago.

That sounds scary but it is a safe place to relax and explore and have fun with my family and friends.

When I arrive, I will see an open door.

This is the entrance.

I can go up the steps in front of me, or use the ramp on my left.

When I am inside, I will see a desk.

This where I will buy my ticket for the museum.

A member of staff will always be at this desk during my visit.

There are ear defenders which I can borrow.

There is audio in some areas of the museum, and it can also be quite noisy when it is busy.

There are information boards in most of the rooms.

If I need the information in large print or another language, I can ask for a copy at the desk.

There are models of people in some of the rooms, but they do not move.

I can see the dungeon by pressing the ‘D’ button in the lift.

I do not leave the lift in the dungeon and the doors will not open.

I will hear some audio when I am in the dungeon.

This lasts for 90 seconds and then the lift will take me to the ground floor.

I can use the stairs to the upper floors if I need to.

A member of staff can show me where they are.

Some of the steps are very old, so they are uneven in places.

The stone floors may be uneven and the building may be quite cold.

I will hear the model of Sir Robert Carey start talking when I arrive on the first floor.

The audio lasts for two and a half minutes.

There is an outfit I can try on and a mirror to see myself.

On the second floor, I will see models of a family.

I can learn more by pressing the three buttons next to them and listening to their stories.

There is an activity room on the top floor.

There are dressing up clothes which I can try on here.

There is a mirror, too.

We hope this visual story is useful.

If after your visit you feel we have missed any important sensory information, please email us and let us know: info@hexhamoldgaol.org.uk