Visitor accessibility
We hope everyone who visits Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings enjoys their experience.
For detailed accessibility information please look at the sections below. This includes detail on accessible parking, assistance dogs, entrances and facilities. We also have sections for blind and partially sighted and deaf and hard of hearing visitors, and information on relaxed sessions.
If there is anything we can do to help your day run more smoothly, please contact us in advance and we will do our best to help.
Accessible parking
There are four accessible parking spaces in the main visitor car park. The spaces are a three-minute walk from the entrance to The Mill up a slight incline.
Follow the ‘P’ signs for parking. The accessible parking spaces are marked.
There are also four accessible parking spaces available next to the Apprentice House.
These spaces are on the same level as the Main Mill and are slightly nearer. Access is via the mini-roundabout on the A5191, opposite Sultan Road. The accessible parking spaces are marked.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome everywhere at Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings including inside The Mill exhibition and office spaces.
Blind and partially sighted visitors
There is step-free access to The Mill exhibition.
Large print guides which support exhibition content are available in The Mill exhibition.
Magnifying glasses are also available upon entry to The Mill exhibition.
There are manifestations on door glass to make it more visible.
Deaf and hard of hearing visitors
There is a built-in hearing loop at the Café counter and in the Kiln waiting area for commercial tenants.
There is a hearing loop in the Shop and the ticket desk.
Relaxed sessions
If you would prefer to visit at a quieter time, we run relaxed sessions on the first Saturday of each month from 3pm to 4pm. These are for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit, including visitors living with autism, dementia and learning difficulties and/or sensory needs, and their families, friends, companions or carers
The Mill exhibition capacity is reduced to allow for a calmer environment, audio is lowered and our team is able to provide a more informal and responsive service to support you as best as possible.
These sessions are bookable online.
Entry is free for companions and carers.
Staff training
All staff and volunteers have had Disability Awareness and Inclusion training.
There are emergency evacuation procedures in place for disabled visitors. The Mill exhibition, Shop, Turned Wood Café and accessible toilet are all on the ground floor and there are visual fire alarms in addition to the sound-based alarm. Please follow guidance from our team.
Step-free access
There is step-free access from the car parks and from the road to the main entrance. The step-free route is clearly marked with signs featuring a wheelchair symbol which lead you to the step-free accessible entrance and exits.
From the main entrance there is step-free access to:
- The Mill
- Turned Wood Café
- The Shop and ticket desk
- Toilets
Please see below section for accessibility of Guided tours.
Guided tours
Behind-the-Scenes tour
This is a walking tour with access to the upper floors of the Main Mill (not the Jubilee Tower).
The tour route includes access to the upper floors which are not normally available for the public to visit. Tour groups are taken to the upper floors in the lift or stairs, then the tour group descend an original staircase for guided access to the Cross Mill. For members of the group who have accessibility needs or limited mobility descent will be offered in the lift.
However, the lift is currently out of order due to faults in the computer control mechanisms. New parts have had to be made and are in the process of being installed. It is expected to be several weeks before it is working again. (At least 8 weeks from 19 April 2024). This means a Behind-the-Scenes tour currently involves walking up modern stairs to the upper floors (the number of floors accessed depends on people’s individual mobility with a maximum of 76 steps to the fourth floor).
After visiting the upstairs of the Main Mill, you will then be led down flights of old stairs and emerge on the ground floor of the Cross Mill. The stairs are original and can be worn in places (although there is a handrail) so will be inaccessible for visitors with limited mobility or balance. It is important that all groups take their time and use the handrail. The modern stairs or lift (when available) can be used as an alternative to descending the old stairs.
We will update on Facebook and Instagram and in our email communications once the lift is fixed. We look forward to the lift being in use again.
Jubilee Tower tour
This a walking tour with access to the Jubilee Tower on the eighth storey of Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings. Access to the eighth storey is by foot only after the fourth floor.
The lift would normally take people to the fourth floor; however, the lift is currently out of order due to faults in the control mechanism. New parts have had to be made and are in the process of being installed. It is expected to be several weeks before it is working again. (At least 8 weeks from 19 April 2024). This means a Jubilee Tower tour involves walking up 76 additional steps as well as the steps to the Jubilee Tower.
There are 76 steps to the fourth floor with the final three storeys of the route extending up a further 56 steep, narrow, wooden steps. This tour is only suitable for those able to walk up and down this number of steps and with a head for heights.
We will update on Facebook and Instagram and in our email communications once the lift is fixed. We look forward to the lift being in use again.
Sunflower lanyard
Staff and volunteers have been trained to recognise that people wearing a Sunflower Lanyard have a hidden disability and they are aware that individuals wearing one might require a little extra help, patience, or understanding.
Toilets
There are two accessible toilets and each is clearly sign posted.
One accessible toilet is located outside next to the Stables. The dimensions are 2200mm x 1500mm, the door is 870mm wide. The toilet has a hand dryer and is a right-hand transfer.
One accessible toilet is located inside on the ground floor and accessed through the café. The dimensions are 2200mm x 1780mm, the door is 1010mm wide. The toilet has a hand dryer and is a left-hand transfer.
All toilets are self-enclosed with the wash basin within the cubicle and are all gender neutral.
The nearest Changing Places toilets are located in Shrewsbury town centre. There are two Changing Places toilets. Location of toilet one. Location of toilet two.
Wheelchairs
There are two manual wheelchairs available for visitor use. Please speak to a member of staff upon your arrival.
