Accessibility
At Barley Hall we want to make sure that we deliver a welcoming and enjoyable environment for all visitors. Learn more about what accessibility options are available for your visit.
Access
Until the 1980s, Barley Hall was hidden under the relatively modern facade. Only when it was going to be destroyed was the amazing medieval structure discovered and its rich history uncovered.
The medieval building has been lovingly restored to its original splendour with stunning high ceilings, beautiful exposed timber frames, and possibly the only horn window in England. It has been decorated to replicate what it would have looked like as the Snawsell home around 1483 and boasts a magnificent Great Hall. Visitors to Barley Hall can make themselves at home and sit on the chairs and handle the objects and experience what it would have been like to live in Medieval England.
Barley Hall is a tactile, immersive experience where you can step back into time and experience life in a Medieval townhouse. We have several access constraints due to the historic nature of the building, but we do our best to extend a warm welcome to all disabled visitors.
Please find below information and resources that you might find useful.
View PDF Access Guide here (PDF, 2 MB)
View the Word version of the Access Guide here (.docx, 11 MB)
York Archaeology aims to continually improve our facilities and access. If you have any feedback on how we could improve our access offer then please email us at [email protected].
At a Glance
Due to the historic nature of the building, Barley Hall has steps and raised thresholds throughout the building. There is no lift but we have a temporary ramp into the Great Hall and the Steward’s Room. We have public toilets but neither are accessible toilets.
All staff have disability awareness and Autism Awareness training whilst some staff have BSL training.
Glass doors have contrast markings. We have interpretation available in level 1 Braille translation and in large print. Visual stories are available to download on our website and we have paper copies at our front desk.
We have a complimentary ticket policy for carers and personal assistants, and all tickets are valid for one year, allowing as many returns and re-entries as you like. Seating is available throughout the building, and we have sensory packs for you to use at our front desk.
Wheelchair access: Whilst most of Barley Hall can only be accessed via stairs, we do have an alternative entrance for wheelchair users that allows you to visit the Vestibule, Great Hall, Steward’s Room, and the Introduction Video. Because we can only show a limited amount of Barley Hall, wheelchair users can visit Barley Hall for free. Our admissions staff is positioned near the main door so they can assist you. You can also contact our Reservations team ([email protected] or 01904 615505) to prebook a time and we’ll be able to send you more information.
Recite Me
Recite Me is a web accessibility toolbar that allows website visitors to customise a site in a way that works best for them.
The toolbar can be used to provide text to speech functionality, fully customisable styling features, reading support aids and a translation tool with over 100 languages, including 35 text to speech voices.
You may find the Recite Me toolbar useful if you have dyslexia, visual impairments, autism, ADHD, epilepsy or hyperlexia.
The toolbar can be activated using the button labelled Accessibility and Language Tools in the top left of the page.
Service Animals
At York Archaeology, we’re committed to making our sites welcoming and accessible for everyone. We warmly welcome service, assistance, and emotional support dogs—including those in training—at all our attractions. If you’re visiting with a different type of assistance animal, please get in touch with our Reservations Team in advance so we can ensure the best possible experience for you and your companion.
To help keep everyone safe and comfortable, assistance animals should be clearly identifiable and well-behaved. We’re happy to provide water bowls on request, and outdoor toileting areas are available at all locations. If you have any questions about accessibility or would like to give feedback on your visit, we’d love to hear from you.
You can read our full Service Animal Guidelines here (PDF. 49KB)
Customer Care Support
We work to welcome all disabled people to our sites through a variety of training, feedback, and sector-led research. We are always keen to improve our offer, so if you have any suggestions, please email us at [email protected] .
Breastfeeding is welcome at all our sites, and we have plenty of seating for you to use.
Accessibility Equipment
We provide the following accessibility equipment free of charge to visitors:
- Ear defenders
- Large print guides
- Visual stories (PDF, 1 MB)
- Sensory packs containing various tactile and visual items, including fidget/fiddle objects
Barley Hall has seating in each room.
We also operate a traffic light sticker system at all our attractions:
- Red sticker = please do not approach me
- Yellow sticker = please answer my questions but let me approach first
- Green sticker = please approach and speak to me
You can pick up the sticker colour of your choice at the front desk.
Wheelchair Access
Parts of the downstairs area are wheelchair accessible, including the Vestibule, Great Hall, and Stewards Room.
Toilets
Our toilets are available for paying visitors only. Please note that they are not wheelchair accessible.
Disabled Parking
There is no designated disabled parking available
Signage and Wayfinding
Clear signage is in place to indicate raised thresholds and potential trip hazards. The venue is self-guided, but accessibility maps highlighting key sensory and access areas are available at the sensory board in the admissions area.
Braille and Large Print Guides
We provide large print and braille guides, as well as written guides in multiple languages.
Hearing Loop
Not available.
Lift Access
Due to the nature of the building, there is no lift access.
Changing Places Toilets
We do not have Changing Places toilets. The nearest facility is on Silver Street near Shambles Market.
Alarm Systems
- Audible Alarm: A loud alarm can be heard throughout the house.
- Visual Alarm: Flashing lights accompany the audible alarm.
Quiet Areas and Sensory Support
While we do not have designated quiet time periods, an access and sensory board is available in the admissions area. This includes ear defenders and a map of the house.
Accessible Equipment
Visitors can access a range of supportive equipment in the admissions area, including ear defenders, magnifying glasses, and maps. Sensory boxes are also available at the front desk.
Emergency Evacuation Procedures
In case of an emergency, staff are trained to help everyone evacuate quickly and efficiently, and have been given specific training to help disabled visitors evacuate.
Sensory Information
Barley Hall has been designed to be a tactile, immersive experience, so you can touch and interact with everything in the museum. The Hall is generally quiet and not too crowded, but if you do become overwhelmed, your ticket is valid for 12 months, so you can leave and return at any time you like.
Our quietest times are during the week, especially the morning. You can always contact our Reservations team at [email protected] or 01904 615505 to determine the best time for your visit