Access guide: Tours at Conference 2026

Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT. This entry is based on the AccessAble guide to the Great Hall Block.

Wheelchair access: Mostly

• Step-free via the Domes and Semi-Circle entrances and the lifts. The front entrance has 5 steps.
• The B Block lift does not give level access to the whole first floor (9 deep steps beyond it).
• The Great Hall stage is reached by a platform lift (90 cm door, 108 x 140 cm).

Getting there and parking

• Train: University station is 600 m (about 8 minutes) across campus, with extended sections at a gradient.
• Bus: buses 1A and 51 stop on Edgbaston Park Road opposite the University’s main entrance, about 350 m on a generally level route. Buses 1A and 76 on Aston Webb Boulevard, and the 48, X20, X21 and X22 to University station, are each about 650 m with sections at a gradient.
• Blue Badge holders can park on campus and must use the intercom to Security at the barriers. There are two nearby car parks, neither needing advance booking:
  • Lower Ground car park: 8 clearly marked bays (240 x 380 cm); the nearest is 6 m from the Lower Ground entrance.
  • Ground-floor car park (Domes and Semi-Circle West): 2 bays (240 x 500 cm) with faded markings; the nearest is 10 m from the entrance.
• There is no designated drop-off point.

Entrances

• The front entrance has 5 steps with no handrails or tactile paving, and heavy pull doors. It is not step-free.
• Step-free access is through the internal entrances from the Domes and Semi-Circle: double push doors, 150 cm wide, which may be difficult to open. Similar entrances are on the lower ground and first floors.
• Reception has a high desk (110 cm or more) with no low section. A portable hearing loop is available and staff are trained to use it.

Getting around

• There is step-free access throughout via lifts. The B Block lift is the main lift for the whole building: 95 cm door, 145 x 95 cm interior, 600 kg limit. It has an audible announcer, visual floor indicator and tactile markings but no Braille. Its highest button is 130 cm from the floor.
• On the first floor, the lift does not give level access to the whole floor: there are 9 deep steps beyond it.
• The Great Hall stage has 7 deep steps without handrails. A platform lift to the right of the stage (90 cm door, 108 x 140 cm, 400 kg) bypasses them, and staff do not need to be notified.
• Signage is limited in the foyer and along routes. Some corridor flooring is shiny and may cause glare. Lighting is good, contrast between walls and floors is high, and there is no background music.

Toilets

• Accessible toilets are within the lower ground floor male toilets (left-hand transfer) and female toilets (right-hand transfer), and there is a unisex accessible toilet on the lower ground floor near the car park entrance.
• The male-side toilet is 150 x 220 cm with a 150 x 150 cm turning space. The door opens outwards, may be hard to open and has a sliding bolt. There is no emergency alarm, but there is a flashing fire beacon. The female-side toilet has no grab rail on the transfer side.

Communication and sensory

• A fixed hearing loop is installed in the building (the reception loop is portable).

Lower Ground Floor, Muirhead Tower (building R21), Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT. AccessAble surveyed Muirhead Tower as a whole, not the library itself, so the building details below apply to the route in.

Wheelchair access: Yes

• Muirhead Tower is step-free via lifts at the main and rear entrances (the main entrance has 15 or more steps).
• The library is on the lower ground floor and has wheelchair access by lift.

Getting there and parking

• The library says parking on campus is very limited and recommends public transport. University station and the bus stops are about a 10-minute walk away.
• Muirhead Tower car park (rear, sheltered, 210 cm height limit): 6 Blue Badge bays, clearly marked, the nearest 3 m from the rear entrance lift. Blue Badge holders must use the intercom to Security at campus barriers.
• Ashley Building car park (Ring Road North): 4 Blue Badge bays (270 x 500 cm), with a sloped route and poor signage. The nearest bay is 86 m from the main entrance.
• There is no designated drop-off point.

Entrances

• The main entrance has 15 or more steps with handrails on both sides, plus a heavy revolving door. Step-free access is by a lift to the left of the main entrance (140 x 170 cm, 100 cm door, 1000 kg), which serves the lower ground and ground floors.
• The rear entrance is also step-free by lift (110 x 150 cm, 90 cm door, with a hearing loop).
• The library states there is wheelchair access, with a lift on the side of the tower and a separate internal lift from the foyer down to the library.
• Entrance doors are automatic, 100 cm wide, operated by push pad.

Getting around

• The building is step-free throughout. Some corridor doors are opened manually. Signage is clear. Some flooring is shiny. There is no building-wide hearing system. No background music.

Toilets

• There is a unisex accessible toilet on every floor; the one surveyed is behind the Starbucks on the ground floor, 26 m from the main entrance. It is 250 x 300 cm with a full turning space and a 180 cm left-hand transfer space. The door is heavy and the emergency cord was out of reach when surveyed.

Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT. This entry draws on the AccessAble guide and the library’s own page.

Wheelchair access: Yes

• Step-free throughout the building. The front entrance has a ramp beside 11 steps, and lifts serve every floor.
• The accessible library barrier is 90 cm wide. A Changing Places toilet is on the ground floor.

Getting there and parking

• Buses 1A and 51 stop on Edgbaston Park Road opposite the University’s main entrance, about 200 m from the building. Trains run to University station from Birmingham New Street about six times an hour.
• Blue Badge parking is at the rear: 2 clearly marked bays (310 x 480 cm), the nearest 100 m from the main entrance. The route is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance because of slopes. Further bays beside the building were out of use during building work at the time of the survey. There is no designated drop-off point.

Entrances

• The front entrance has a ramp (slight gradient, level landing, no handrails) to the left of 11 steps (handrails both sides, tactile paving). Doors are automatic and 113 cm wide; the second set is push-pad operated (buttons at 86 cm on entry and 97 cm on exit). There is also a revolving door.
• Reception is 15 m ahead, with a high desk and a low section (no knee recess). A portable hearing loop is available, and staff are trained.
• Library barriers are 54 cm wide; the accessible barrier is 90 cm.

Getting around

• The building is step-free throughout. The main lift (left of the barriers, 118 cm door, 137 x 196 cm) has a mirror, audible announcer and hearing enhancement, but no Braille or tactile markings. A second lift serves the Research Reserve (90 cm door, 105 x 140 cm, with Braille).
• Some corridor doors are manual and some flooring is shiny. Signage is clear, contrast is high, lighting is medium to good, and there is no background music.
• There are four assistive technology booths (ground to third floors, 90 cm doors), booked through Library Services on 0121 414 5828; the library describes these as for students with agreed adjustments. Height-adjustable desks are on floors 0 to 3. Books in Braille and large print are available, and large-text keyboards, rollerball mice and adjustable furniture can be provided.

Toilets

• A Changing Places facility is on the ground floor in the Wolfson Room, about 55 m from the entrance (4 x 3 m, overhead hoist, adjustable bench, privacy screen; no shower). A radar key is needed and can be collected from library reception.
• Accessible toilets are on the ground floor and each upper floor, in the library lounge, in the café area and in the Research Reserve. At survey, several emergency pull cords were out of reach or not fully working, so please mention this to staff.

Aston Webb Building, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT. 0121 414 7294.

Wheelchair access: Yes

• The museum states it is fully accessible to wheelchair users. The Ring Side Road entrance is step-free and a platform lift links the levels (89 cm door, 151 x 102 cm).
• The accessible toilet has no 150 x 150 cm turning space, and its transfer space was partly blocked by a bin when surveyed.

Getting there and parking

• University station is 600 m (about 8 minutes) across campus, with sections at a gradient. Bus information is the same as for the Aston Webb Building above.
• Blue Badge parking: 8 bays at the Lower Ground car park (6 m from the entrance) and 2 at the ground-floor car park (10 m). Blue Badge holders must use the intercom at campus barriers. There is no designated drop-off point.

Entrances

• The museum entrance on Ring Side Road is step-free, with an automatic push-pad door (106 cm) and a second door (83 cm) held open. Avoid the route through the main Aston Webb Building, which involves a flight of stairs.
• The reception desk is 77 to 109 cm high, with a lower section at 80 cm. There is no hearing loop.

Getting around

• Levels are linked by a platform lift in the centre of the museum (89 cm door, 151 x 102 cm, 410 kg). Its controls are below 90 cm, and it has no visual floor indicator or audible announcer, but it has Braille and tactile markings.
• Lighting varies. Flooring in corridors can be shiny. There is no background music.

Toilets

• An accessible toilet is at the rear right of the lower ground floor, 33 m from the entrance (136 x 211 cm; right-hand transfer, 68 cm, partly obstructed by a bin). The door is a bi-fold that may be difficult to open, and the emergency cord was out of reach at survey. There is no turning space of 150 x 150 cm.

Communication and sensory

• Exhibits are not audio described; there is no Braille signage and no touch tours. Tactile signage depends on the exhibition.

Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT. This entry is based on the AccessAble guide to the Arts Building.

Wheelchair access: Mostly

• Step-free via the accessible entrance behind reception, with lifts between floors.
• The main lecture theatre has wheelchair spaces at the back but no step-free access to the speaker’s area.
• Some platform lifts are small (the fourth-floor lift is 70 x 70 cm).

Getting there and parking

• The building has no parking of its own. Ashley Building car park (Ring Road North) has 4 clearly marked Blue Badge bays (270 x 500 cm); the nearest is 86 m from the main entrance, by a sloped route that is not clearly signposted. There is no drop-off point. Public transport details are as for the Muirhead Tower entry above.

Entrances

• The main entrance has a ramp with a slight gradient and 4 shallow steps with tactile paving. Doors are automatic and 130 cm wide, and there is also a revolving door.
• The accessible entrance is just behind the reception desk: a ramp with handrails on both sides, and an automatic single door 85 cm wide.
• Reception is 4 m from the main entrance. The desk is high, with a low section (no knee recess). It was not staffed at the time of the survey and there is no hearing system.

Getting around

• Most of the building is step-free. The standard lift (80 cm door, 105 x 110 cm) has a hearing loop, audible announcer and Braille. Platform lifts bridge level changes to the main lecture theatre (80 x 125 cm), Lecture Rooms 5 to 7 (85 x 105 cm) and the fourth floor (70 x 70 cm, controls at 130 cm).
• Lecture rooms: the main lecture theatre has wheelchair spaces at the back, but no step-free access to the speaker’s area. Lecture Rooms 1 to 4 have wheelchair spaces at the front, step-free speaker areas and a hearing system.
• The Mason Lounge (ground floor) has heavy double doors (154 cm) and moveable furniture, with tables from 64 to 105 cm.
• Corridor doors are manual, some flooring is shiny, signage is clear, and there is no background music.

Toilets

• An accessible toilet with baby changing is on the ground floor, 10 m from the main entrance, along the corridor to the right (175 x 220 cm; left-hand transfer, 103 cm). It has no 150 x 150 cm turning space and the flush is not on the transfer side.

58 Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham B15 2RT. 0121 414 3003, winterbourne@contacts.bham.ac.uk.

Wheelchair access: Partly

• House: mostly flat, with a ramped entrance and a platform lift (880 mm door, 1020 x 1350 mm). Some rooms have narrow doors, and mobility scooters cannot be used inside.
• Garden: about 60% has good gravel paths; the rest is uneven or stepped.
• Tearoom, shop and accessible toilet are reachable without steps.

Getting there and parking

• Train: University station is about 15 minutes’ walk through campus on mainly pedestrianised paths, though campus signage is limited. There is no taxi rank at the station.
• Bus: the X21 and X22 stop less than 5 minutes from the entrance. Part of Edgbaston Park Road has a pavement on one side only, so take care crossing.
• Parking is free. The main car park has 34 spaces. In front of the house there are 13 spaces, including 3 Blue Badge bays (two with wheelchair transfer space).

Entrances

• The main entrance has a level outer door and an inner door with a ramp (910 mm wide). A doorbell calls staff if the inner door is hard to open. Reception is opposite, with an accessible-height desk.
• Going from the terrace into the house involves a step; wheelchair users can enter along the ground floor corridor with staff or volunteer help.

Getting around

• The house is largely flat and mostly carpeted. A platform lift serves the upper floor (doorways 780 mm, lift door 880 mm, interior 1020 x 1350 mm). Some rooms have narrow doors, so larger wheelchairs should check the access statement. Mobility scooters cannot be used inside the house.
• The garden is not level. About 60% has good or compact gravel paths, with a suggested wheelchair route on the site map; steps are marked, and can be avoided by heading left towards the walled garden. There are single benches but no picnic benches.
• Two mobility scooters and one manual wheelchair can be borrowed for the garden; ask at reception.
• The tearoom is on the ground floor, reached by ramp from the terrace (doors 840 to 950 mm), with movable chairs and large print menus. The shop and second-hand bookshop have level access from the walled garden.

Toilets

• A unisex accessible toilet with baby changing is at the house entrance (1500 x 2200 mm, left-hand transfer, 930 mm door, grab rails, assistance alarm, lever tap), plus an accessible baby change and feed room.

Communication and sensory

• Information panels use large type. Many items can be touched with care. Rooms are bright with natural light. Assistance dogs are welcome and water can be provided.

75 to 80 Vyse Street, Birmingham B18 6HA. 0121 348 8000 (9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday), hello@birminghammuseums.org.uk.

Wheelchair access: Yes, with a limit

• Step-free via the Branston Street entrance (the main entrance has 2 steps), with a lift to all floors.
• Some areas of the tour have limited accessibility and only one wheelchair can be accommodated at a time in the factory area upstairs. Please contact geraldine@museumsassociation.org when you book the tour to discuss your requirements and help plan your visit.

Getting there and parking

• There is no car park. Parking is on Vyse Street and nearby streets.

Entrances

• The main entrance has 2 steps and a handrail. Wheelchair users should use the Branston Street entrance, which is signed and has a buzzer to Reception.

Getting around

• A lift serves all floors. Seating is available on request.
• Owing to space limits in the factory area, only one wheelchair can be accommodated at a time.
• The Craft and Culture café bar has a few steps up, with a ramp that can be set up when needed. Some tables are wheelchair accessible.

Toilets

• Accessible toilets are within the museum. No Changing Places facility is listed.

Communication and sensory

• Guide and assistance dogs are welcome, with water provided. A 360° online tour lets you look around beforehand.

13 to 15 Fleet Street, Birmingham B3 1JP. 0121 233 4785.

Wheelchair access: Yes

• Step-free via the courtyard gates and ramp, with a lift to all levels.
• Some doorways are narrow; the narrowest is about 70 cm.
• Confirm the lift is working on your tour date.

Getting there and parking

• Two Blue Badge bays are on Fleet Street, to the right of the main entrance. The museum is about a 15-minute walk from New Street and Snow Hill stations.

Entrances

• Wheelchair users enter through the double gates into the courtyard, to the left of the main entrance. Coffin Works staff will guide you via the ramp into the shop, where you check in.
• An automatic door outside the lift opens to the courtyard (press the button from inside; it is triggered by motion sensor from outside).

Getting around

• A lift next to the shop serves all levels, with an emergency alarm. Some doorways are narrow because of the building’s age; the narrowest is 27.5 inches (about 70 cm).
• A hearing induction loop is at the reception desk.
• Folding seats (without backs) can be provided on request.
• Assistance dogs are welcome.

Toilets

• One accessible toilet on the ground floor, large enough to fit a hoist if you bring one. It has an emergency alarm, a flashing evacuation light and parent and child changing.
• The nearest Changing Places toilet is on the lower ground floor of the Library of Birmingham, about 0.2 miles (5 minutes) away. The library is closed on Sundays.

Communication and sensory

• A British Sign Language and subtitled digital guidebook is available on iPad as an alternative tour with BSL, subtitles and audio. Book ahead so the iPad is ready.
• Some audio is motion-triggered. The drop stamps make a loud bang and screeching sound; your guide will warn you before use.
• A relaxed tour for people with additional needs is available.

Things to check

• The venue’s website carried a notice of a lift closure on 16 September.

Argent Centre, 60 Frederick Street, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham B1 3HS. 0121 236 9834, accessibility@penmuseum.org.uk.

Wheelchair access: Yes, mostly

• The whole museum is on the ground floor, with ramps between rooms.
• Step-free via Gate B (the standard entrance has one step); ring the bell for staff.
• The museum describes itself as broadly accessible, so contact them about any specific needs.

Getting there and parking

• There is no on-site parking. Blue Badge holders can park free, without time limit, at on-street pay-and-display bays in the Jewellery Quarter. The nearest multi-storey is the Jewellery Quarter car park.
• Bus 101 from the city centre stops outside. Jewellery Quarter station (train and tram) is about 1,500 yards away.

Entrances

• The accessible entrance is through the double gates labelled Gate B, next to the reception door. Ring the bell for staff to open the gate. The standard entrance has one step.

Getting around

• The whole museum is on the ground floor, with ramps between rooms.

Toilets

• Two accessible toilet cubicles are in the courtyard, with an emergency cord system.
• The nearest Changing Places toilets are at the Library of Birmingham and the Utilita Arena, each about 0.4 miles (10 minutes) away.

Communication and sensory

• Demonstration machines are loud; the demonstrator will warn you first. A smaller-group or quieter demonstration can be arranged by emailing in advance.
• There is varied lighting in the museum.

25 Dollman Street, Nechells, Birmingham B7 4RQ. Run by Birmingham Museums. 0121 348 8000, hello@birminghammuseums.org.uk.

Wheelchair access: Yes

• Level access to all ground floor areas, including toilets, and a lift to the other levels.

• Wheelchair users can independently reach all parts of the store, including ramped roller rack platforms. Aisles suit all but the largest powerchairs for turning.

• Paths from the gate and between buildings are uneven in places.

Getting there and parking

• A minibus will be provided to take delegates to this venue. If you require wheelchair-accessible transport please email geraldine@museumsassociation.org and the MA will arrange this for you.

Entrance

The centre is on an industrial estate. Delegates will be taken to the venue by minibus; advance booking is essential.

Getting around

There is level access to all ground floor areas, including toilets, and lift access to the other levels. The building covers about 12,000 sq m over three levels. Floors are smooth concrete or linoleum inside, and concrete or tarmac outside.

• There are seating areas on the ground level. If you need seating and none is free, ask staff.

• Double-door lifts serve all floors.

• Wheelchair users can independently reach all parts of the store, including the roller rack platforms, which have ramped access.

• Aisles are wide enough for wheelchair users and, for all but the largest powerchairs, have room for a turning circle.

• Paths from the gate to the main entrance and between buildings are uneven in places, which may be a trip hazard for people who walk.

• Foldable stools (without backs) can be provided for rest breaks during the tour. There are also several benches and tables with seats in the stores.

Toilets

• Accessible toilets are on the ground level. No Changing Places facility is listed.

• Both buildings at the centre have wheelchair accessible toilets with right-hand transfer and moveable grab rails. Powerchair users may need to transfer from the front, as large chairs cannot sit alongside the toilet.

Communication and sensory

• Guide and assistance dogs are welcome, with water provided.

• Lighting is good in the stores, but please be aware that some areas are dimly lit to protect objects.

• Human remains and other sensitive collections (mainly medical collections using outdated terminology) are on site but will not be visible or highlighted during the tour. If you would rather not be in the room with the human remains collection for cultural reasons, tell a member of the museum team on the day.

Things to know

• There is nowhere on site to buy food or drink, so bring what you need. Anything other than water in a sports-cap bottle must be left in a locker before entering the stores.

The Lock-up, 40 Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham B4 6BJ. 0121 609 1700. A Victorian cell block with some limits on access.

Wheelchair access: Partly

• Step-free via the Coleridge Passage side entrance and a lift to all floors.
• Most cell doorways are only 660 mm wide, so many displays cannot be reached. Accessible areas are the far end of the first floor (900 mm doorway) and the basement forensics area (1020 mm).
• Landings narrow to 820 mm, and mobility scooters cannot be accommodated.

Getting there and parking

• There is no on-site parking and limited street parking nearby. Disabled parking information is on the Birmingham City Council website. The museum is a few minutes’ walk from Snow Hill station and close to the Upper Bull Street tram stop.

Entrances

• The main entrance has three steps. A level-access entrance is on the side of the building in Coleridge Passage: follow the signs and use the intercom for staff to let you in.
• Reception, near the main entrance, has an induction hearing loop.

Getting around

• A lift (400 kg) serves all floors. It is reached from the stairwell opposite the Coleridge Passage entrance and is by the gift shop.
• Landings and stairwells have open metal grilles. Cell floors may not be level with landings, and the basement floor slopes slightly towards the centre.
• Landings can be as narrow as 820 mm. The average cell doorway is 660 mm, so many cells are not accessible to wheelchairs. There is an accessible display area at the far end of the first floor (900 mm doorway) and an accessible forensics area in the basement (1020 mm doorways). Mobility scooters cannot be accommodated.
• A manual wheelchair can be borrowed.

Toilets

• An accessible toilet is on the ground floor, near the central stairs.
• The nearest Changing Places toilets are at Birmingham Children’s Hospital (Whittall Street entrance), Birmingham New Street station and Bull Ring Grand Central.

Communication and sensory

• QR codes on each floor give a digital tour; tablets can be hired. Audio tours are also on the website and Spotify. Audio-descriptive and BSL tours can be arranged.
• The ground floor has a sound-scape and can get noisy; ear defenders are suggested. Relaxed visits, a sensory story photo walk-through and free SEND backpacks are available. Assistance animals are welcome.

1 Oozells Square, Brindleyplace, Birmingham B1 2HS. 0121 248 0708.

Wheelchair access: Yes

• Level access from the street and a lift to all facilities. Public doors are at least 750 mm wide.
• A wheelchair can be borrowed, and the reception and shop desks have knee space.

Getting there and parking

• The nearest tram stop is Brindleyplace on Broad Street, a 2-minute walk. New Street, Snow Hill and Moor Street stations are each within a 25-minute walk. There is a bicycle rack nearby, and Birmingham operates a Clean Air Zone. Blue Badge parking information was not on the pages consulted; check with the gallery or the AccessAble guide.

Entrances

• Level access from the street. All public doors are at least 750 mm wide.

Getting around

• A passenger lift with embossed controls serves all facilities. Reception and shop desks are at accessible heights with knee space for wheelchairs.
• A wheelchair is available to borrow. Evacuation chairs are available for emergencies. Lockers are available for heavy baggage.
• The café has level access and table service.

Toilets

• Fully accessible toilets are on the ground and first floors. Baby changing is on the ground floor. No Changing Places facility is listed.

Communication and sensory

• Guide and hearing dogs are welcome. Ikon is a member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme. QR codes provide digital interpretation of exhibitions.

497 Moseley Rd, Balsall Heath, Birmingham B12 9BX.

Wheelchair access: No

• The venue says it cannot offer a fully accessible route through the building.
• The tour is on a live construction site with uneven surfaces and narrow routes, and some areas are reached only by scaffold steps or ladders.
• Tell the venue your requirements before the tour.

Getting there and parking

• A minibus will be provided to take delegates to the venue.

Entrances and getting around

• The tour takes place on a live construction site. You may meet uneven surfaces and restricted or narrow routes.
• Some areas can only be reached by scaffold steps or ladders.
• The venue cannot offer a fully accessible route through all areas of the building.
• All members of the public must be supervised at all times.

Toilets

• Toilets are available on site. Wheelchair-accessible toilets and a Changing Places facility are not available.

Communication and sensory

• The tour is not suitable for anyone with a fear of heights, or for children under 16.

Things to check

• The venue will do its best to accommodate access requirements. If you have access requirements or questions, please email geraldine@museumsassociation.org early so that we can speak to the venue on your behalf.

Route: Jewellery Quarter
Meeting point: Chamberlain Clock, Warstone Lane in the Jewellery Quarter

This outdoor walking tour is accessible to wheelchair users. The route uses public pavements and streets in the Jewellery Quarter, so participants should expect some uneven or worn surfaces, raised or lowered footpaths, kerbs and dropped kerbs, street furniture and other typical urban obstructions.

The route is outdoors throughout and there is no shelter along the route, so please dress appropriately for November weather. Warm, waterproof clothing and suitable footwear are recommended.

Getting there and parking

By public transport: The nearest railway and tram stop is Jewellery Quarter station, on Vyse Street. The station is served by trains and the West Midlands Metro, with trams running between the Jewellery Quarter and Birmingham city centre. The Chamberlain Clock is approximately a short walk from the station. Buses also stop directly outside or close to the Chamberlain Clock, including services 8A, 8C and 101.

By car: There is parking in the Jewellery Quarter, including Jewellery Quarter Multi Storey on Vyse Street. Parking is also available at other car parks in the surrounding Jewellery Quarter. Please allow time to travel from the car park to the meeting point and check current parking and accessibility arrangements before travelling.

Accessible travel: Jewellery Quarter station has step-free access to its platforms. However, the station recently reported a lift outage, so wheelchair users should check the latest station accessibility information before travelling.

Toilets

Accessible toilets are available at Jewellery Quarter railway station, although opening hours are limited, so please check availability before relying on them.

Route: Birmingham city centre
Meeting point: TBC

This outdoor walking tour is accessible to wheelchair users. The route takes place on public pavements and streets in Birmingham city centre, where participants should expect the usual urban hazards, including uneven surfaces, raised or lowered footpaths, kerbs and dropped kerbs, street furniture, bollards and other obstructions. Busy areas may also mean that pavements and pedestrian spaces are crowded at times.

Some of the route is outdoors and there is no shelter, so please dress appropriately for November weather. Warm, waterproof clothing and suitable footwear are recommended.

Getting there and parking

By public transport: The closest train station is Birmingham New Street station.

Birmingham New Street is also within walking distance of Birmingham’s city-centre bus and tram network. The Bull Street Metro stop is a short walk from the city centre, while numerous bus services serve the surrounding streets.

By car: City-centre parking is available at a number of nearby car parks, including Car Park Birmingham New Street Station – Birmingham | APCOA, Grand Central Car Park and Edgbaston Street Car Park.

Accessible travel: Birmingham New Street station provides step-free access and accessible facilities.

Toilets

Birmingham New Street station has accessible toilets and a Changing Places facility. Accessible toilets are also available at the Bullring shopping centre.

Route: University of Birmingham Edgbaston Campus
Meeting point: Bottom of University Station steps

This outdoor walking tour is accessible to wheelchair users. The route takes place across the University of Birmingham’s Edgbaston campus and uses outdoor paths and pedestrian routes. Participants should expect uneven or worn surfaces, changes in level, raised or lowered footpaths, kerbs, street furniture and other obstructions. Surfaces may also become wet or slippery in poor weather.

The tour follows this route:

• Meet at the bottom of University Station steps
• Walk to Faraday, by Eduardo Paolozzi
• Heraldic Shields from Old Library, by an unknown maker
• The Mermaid Fountain, by William James Bloye
• Theme and Variation, by Peter Randall-Page
• End at Red Stack, by Shaikha Al-Mazrou

Although the meeting point is at the bottom of the University Station steps, wheelchair users can use the station’s step-free access. Please allow additional time to navigate the station and campus.

The route is outdoors throughout and there is no shelter along the route, so please dress appropriately for November weather. Warm, waterproof clothing and suitable footwear are recommended.

Getting there and parking

By public transport: The easiest way to reach the meeting point is by train to University station, which is directly connected to Birmingham New Street. The journey takes around seven to 10 minutes. The University of Birmingham campus is approximately a five-minute walk from the station.

Several bus services also serve the University campus, including 1, 1A, 48, 61, 63, 76, X20, X21 and X22.

By car: Visitor parking is available at the University’s North-East Multi-storey Car Park on Pritchatts Road (B15 2SA). Please note that the North-East Multi-storey Car Park does not have a lift, so wheelchair users may prefer to use accessible parking on the main campus.

Accessible travel: University station has step-free access to all platforms, lifts, accessible toilets and a Changing Places toilet. There is no station car park, but there is a drop-off/pick-up point.

Toilets

University railway station has step-free access and accessible toilets, as well as a Changing Places facility. Accessible toilets are also available in most campus buildings along the route.

All three of our walking tours take place outdoors and follow routes that are accessible to wheelchair users.

However, they take place on public streets, pavements and open spaces, so delegates should expect the usual features and hazards associated with an urban walking route. These may include uneven or worn surfaces, raised or lowered footpaths, kerbs and dropped kerbs, street furniture, bollards, changes in level, narrow sections and other obstructions. Conditions may also be affected by weather.

Please let the MA know in advance or inform the tour leader on the day if you have any particular access requirements.

As the tours take place in November, please dress appropriately for the weather. We recommend warm, waterproof clothing and suitable footwear. Pavements and paths may be wet or slippery in poor weather.