Useful Information
Due to the nature of our historical buildings, physical access to Maidstone’s Museums is somewhat limited. We have implemented improvements advised by the V&A, and further improvements were made during the redevelopment of our West Wing, which now includes ramped access. Our East Wing Development will ensure greater access to our collections, buildings and improved facilities such as disabled toilets, so please stay in touch with our developments and always give us your feedback to help us improve access for you.
Virtual access to our collections is available through our collections web pages and audio tour podcasts. If you would like to view certain artefacts, an appointment can be made with any of our keepers who are happy to bring the objects out into an accessible area for you. Please use our Contact Us page to make an appointment.
Disabled Parking
We have disabled parking spaces at all our museums. At Maidstone Museum parking is at the rear of the building. Wheelchair users will need to journey through Brenchley Gardens, down a slight gradient to the ramped access at the front of the building. Prior booking is essential as the spaces are also used for deliveries. Please call 01622 602838 to arrange a suitable time to reserve your space. See our How to Find Us page in the useful information section for directions.
Visual Assistance
All assistance dogs are welcome in the Museum. Please contact us if you require information in audio or Braille.
We have torches and magnifying sheets available to borrow at reception. A refundable deposit of £2 will be requested by reception staff.
Handling Objects
Our events include ‘Hands On Stations’ where you can handle artefacts and specimens from our collections, with staff and volunteers on hand to discuss the objects. Please contact us to find out when the next event is. If you are interested in viewing certain artefacts an appointment can be made with any of our keepers who are happy to bring the objects out into an accessible area for you. Please use our Contact Us page to make an appointment.
Hard of Hearing Groups
All assistance dogs are welcome in the Museum. Tours for groups and schools using their own interpreter can be booked through Fiona Woolley, Interpretation Manager. Tel 01622 602850 or email fionawoolley@maidstone.gov.uk
Wheelchair and Buggy Access
We have full wheelchair and buggy access to the Queens Own Royal West Kent Regimental Museum. There is currently no wheelchair access to the toilets or baby changing facilities. Our new East Wing development will provide disabled toilets. The nearest disabled toilets are situated near to the ‘Suits You’ shop in Fremlin Walk. Our Stewards can direct you there. Please download our Ground Floor and First Floor maps to help plan your visit.
We currently have space for 6 buggies in a secure room, and a further 6 may be stored in reception. Once the east wing opens there will be a new buggy store close to reception. We do request that you carry your valuables with you.
Baby Changing
From November 2011 there will be baby changing facilities available in the disabled toilets on the ground and first floor. Until then, baby changing facilities are available in the ladies toilets. Our Stewards will temporarily close the toilets to ladies so that gentleman can change their babies.
Parent and Child Parking
The nearest parent and child parking is in the Chequers Centre car park. See our How to Find Us page for directions.
