Accessibility

1. Our commitment

The Spitfire Visitor Centre is committed to providing an accessible, welcoming, and inclusive experience for all visitors. We aim to ensure that everyone can enjoy and engage with our exhibits, facilities, and visitor experiences regardless of age, disability, or access requirements.

We are continually working to improve accessibility across the Visitor Centre and will consider the needs of all visitors when developing our facilities, services, and visitor experiences, whilst preserving the atmosphere and structures of this Heritage building.

2. Access to the Visitor Centre

The Visitor Centre has been designed to support access for wheelchair users, visitors with mobility needs, families with pushchairs, and those requiring additional assistance.

The main hangar walkways have wide aisles allowing access for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Wheelchair users can access all of public areas within Hangar 42.
Lightweight mobility scooters can access most public areas of the Visitor Centre.
Some smaller side rooms, such as the NAAFI, may have limited space and access for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Seating areas are available throughout the Visitor Centre to allow visitors to take breaks during their visit.

Please note that larger mobility scooters cannot be accommodated inside the Visitor Centre, but can be parked securely outside the Hangar.

3. Wheelchair Access and Facilities

A dedicated wheelchair-accessible entrance has been included in the Reception. Visitors requiring this entrance should speak to a member of the Reception team on arrival, who will be happy to assist.

Our accessible toilet facilities include:

Grab rails and drop-down support rails.
Accessible hand-drying facilities.
Large waste bin facilities.
Sanitary and medical waste disposal facilities.
Baby changing table.

4. Car Parking and Arrival

Free car parking is available on site for visitors. Cars must be parked on the Tarmacked car park The approximate walking distance from the car park to Hangar Reception is 80 yards.

Visitors are encouraged to refer to the site map for details of parking locations and access routes. Follow the Spitfire trail on the ground, from the Car Park to main entrance.

If you require assistance on arrival, please speak to our Reception team.

5. Accessibility for Visitors with Impaired Vision

To support visitors with impaired vision, we provide a downloadable Smart Phone Audio Tour. We also have Volunteers on site who will be happy to assist and walk and talk through the exhibit areas.

Visitors can access the audio tour before their visit or request access details from the Visitor Centre, or download via our website.

Visitors wishing to listen to the tour before arrival can contact us at enquiries@spitfirevisitorcentre.co.uk to request an unlock key.
On arrival, visitors can ask the Reception team for the Audio Tour unlock key.
Visitors are advised to bring their own headphones to enjoy the audio tour while exploring the Visitor Centre.

We are committed to improving accessibility experiences and are currently fundraising for a new extension that will provide improved facilities for disabled visitors and families with young children.

6. Guide and Assistance Dogs

Assistance dogs are welcome inside the Visitor Centre.

For the comfort and safety of all visitors and the welfare of animals:

Pets are not permitted inside the Visitor Centre.
Assistance dogs must be clearly identifiable as working assistance animals.

Visitors should be aware that, due to the Visitor Centre’s location near an active apron and airfield, the hangar environment may occasionally experience sudden loud aircraft noise. Visitors with assistance dogs should consider this when planning their visi

7. Supporting an Inclusive Visitor Experience

The Spitfire Visitor Centre is committed to listening to visitor feedback and making reasonable improvements wherever possible. We aim to provide an environment where everyone can learn, explore, and enjoy the history and significance of the aircraft and exhibits on display.

We welcome feedback and Reviews from our visitors to help us continue improving accessibility across the Visitor Centre.