Accessibility Information

South Shields Museum celebrates the rich heritage of South Tyneside and the people who shaped it. South Shields Museum is located in South Shields town centre on the pedestrianised part of Ocean Road. The museum is spread over two floors. On the ground floor we have exhibition displays, a shop and café. On the first floor is our art gallery which holds regular exhibitions and bookable meeting/learning rooms.  

Entrance to the museum is free.

The museum doesn't have a car park, however there is street parking available on Ocean Road after the Anderson Street junction. Alternatively there is a public multi-storey car park off Anderson Street. Ensure you follow signs for South Shields town centre and then the A183 towards the seafront to find the areas to park.

Coaches and taxis can drop off in the layby on Anderson Street or at nearby Mile End Road.

Nearby car parks Denmark Centre Car Park, NE33 2LR (pay car park)

Our staff can lead tours on request providing there is staff availability. The tours last between forty-five minutes and an hour and are in spoken English. You will need to book in advance by calling (0191) 211 5599 or email info@southshieldsmuseum.org.uk. 

There is no public telephone available. Please approach staff at reception to order taxis or if you need to make an urgent phone call and they will assist you.  

If there is a fire alarm it will give an audible bell warning and visual flashing lights. The lifts cannot be used in the event of a fire. If you will need assistance to exit the building in the event of a fire alarm please tell a member of staff. 

There are toilets on the first floor as well as standard accessible toilets on the ground floor to the left of the staircase and on the first floor beside the lift. Both accessible toilets have baby changing facilities. 

The nearest Changing Places toilet is in ASDA, South Shields, Coronation Street, South Shields, NE33 1AZ. 

Breastfeeding is welcomed throughout the museum.

Our Cafe, The Victorian Pantry serves both hot and cold food and drinks and can be found on the ground floor of the museum. 

We have a gift shop in the reception area selling books, souvenirs, small toys and South Shields merchandise. 

All information panels and signs are in written English with a font size of no less than 14 points. 

Visitors enter and exit the museum via the museum shop. To access and to exit the museum there is a small flight of stairs or a lift. 

The museum is spread over two floors. 

On the ground floor there are exhibition displays, a shop and café.
On the first floor is our art gallery which holds regular exhibitions and bookable meeting/learning rooms. 

Lifts and stairs provide access to the ground and first floors. The lift has a voice announcer.

All floors have level access and are predominately a carpet surface. 

You can view a virtual tour of South Shields Museum before you visit.

Padded benches and chairs with backs and arms are situated throughout the museum. 

A wheelchair is available for visitor use. Please ask a member of staff at the Welcome Desk who will be able to assist. 

Induction points are fitted in the Tales of South Tyneside and Changing Faces galleries and induction loops fitted in the exhibition gallery, meeting room and learning room. A counter loop is fitted in the shop. 

We welcome assistance dogs.
A bowl of water can be provided, please ask a member of staff. 

The audio visual displays in Tales of South Tyneside and Changing Faces are captioned.
Some displays include BSL. 

The South Tyneside SEND It Youth Forum have designed, created and distributed Sensory Backpacks to cultural venues across South Tyneside. The backpack contains resources that can calm, entertain, and soothe visitors who may find coming to the museum a little overwhelming. Contents of the backpack include: Noise cancelling headphones, a sea animal toy, a light up fan, pop it, Lego, a stress ball and theraputty.

We have two Sensory Backpacks available to lend from the museum reception desk.
A form of ID must be used as a deposit to loan a backpack. 

All staff attend training including customer care, diversity and disability awareness. They are here to help you enjoy the time you spend in our venues. 

If there is anything that we can do to make your visit more enjoyable please contact us, we will be happy to assist you.