Accessibility Information
Accessibility Information for The Jane Austen Centre
We are located in a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse, so, regrettably we do not have a lift. There is a step to the front door and a second step to the entrance. However we do provide a ramp, and our greeter at the front door will be more than happy to assist!
Our Exhibition is on the ground floor. You will find four steps leading to the standard entrance to the Exhibition, you can also access it via a ramp in the reverse direction. The talk room, where one of our actors will begin your visit with a 20-minute talk about Jane Austen’s life, is on the first floor. To reach it, you will need to climb two flights of stairs, each with about ten steps. Unfortunately this part of the Exhibition is not accessible for wheelchair users.
Additionally, we have seating available throughout the Exhibition.
Private Accessible Tours
We offer private accessible tours for walk-in visitors on the day. This is depending on our actors' availability at your arrival time.
These tours include the introductory talk about Jane Austen’s life, held downstairs in the main Exhibition, which is accessible for wheelchair users.
Our front desk staff can provide you with further information and answer any questions you may have.
Access to The Regency Tea Room
The Regency Tea Room is on the second floor, which is up two additional flights of stairs from the entrance, so unfortunately, this part of the experience is not accessible for wheelchair users.
Access to the Toilets
Our toilets are in the basement, one flight of stairs (around ten steps) below the main Exhibition and the Gift Shop.
A baby changing facility is available in the ladies' toilets.
Assistance Dogs
Registered assistance dogs are welcome at The Jane Austen Centre and Regency Tea Room. We recommend that assistance dogs wear a jacket or lead slip for identification at working dogs.
Please keep assistance dogs on a lead and under strict control at a times.
Our staff may ask visitors to remove their dog from the Exhibition if its behaviour is disruptive. We will then make arrangements for the visitor to return without their dog.
For more information, please contact us at contactus@janeausten.co.uk
Assistance Tickets
We offer a free access companion ticket, which you can purchase from the Gift Shop with any full price ticket. Unfortunately these tickets are not available for pre-booking.
Simply show your proof of need, such as PIP Letter, Blue Badge, Sunflower Pass, or a national equivalent if you are visiting from outside of the UK.
If you are booking tickets online, please include everyone in your booking except the carer. We will admit your group together and will always honour a carer ticket.
For a free access companion ticket, please call us on 01225 443 000 or email our team at contactus@janeausten.co.uk
Visitors with hearing impairments
All videos featured throughout the exhibition include English subtitles. Additionally, a transcript of our introductory talk is available in the Gift Shop.
A portable hearing loop system is available in our introductory talk room. Please ask a member of staff to have it turned on for you. If you require further assistance, our staff will be more than happy to help.
Luggage
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all our visitors, we cannot store luggage or large items on our premises due to limited storage space. We kindly ask that you make alternative arrangements for your belongings before arriving.
For convenience, consider using nearby luggage storage services or inquire with your accommodation provider about storage options.
For more information or assistance, please email us at contactus@janeausten.co.uk
Pushchairs
Due to the layout of our Georgian townhouse, you may find it challenging to carry pushchairs up and down the stairs. Although we do have a ramp available at the main entrance, we recommend using baby carriers.
You are welcome to leave pushchairs which just inside the main entrance during your visit, as space allows.