Accessibility

Everybody has different needs, and we pride ourselves in being accessible for the majority of our visitors.

At Moor Road - Our Headquarters and main visitor attraction area

The Main Car Park

  • Most of the car park is surfaced with limestone chippings
  • There is an asphalt surface near the Engine House which has 3 bays marked for disabled parking
  • There is level access to the Engine House via a paved ramp to the front
  • The front door is kept open when the building is open to the public

The Engine House

  • There is level access throughout the ground floor
  • There are lifts to the first floor
  • There is a larger adapted toilet with appropriate handrails and a baby changing unit (Please note that this facility does not fully meet the “Changing Places” standard as the building was built before the standard existed)
  • Breastfeeding is permitted within the building, and appropriate publicity is displayed to make this clear
  • The cafe area has separate tables and chairs, and high chairs are also available
  • Our staff are trained to assist visitors where they can

The Display Hall and Platform

  • There is level access throughout the display hall, although there are steps to access locomotive cabs
  • There are benches within the display hall
  • There is level access to the platform area via a shallow paved ramp
  • The platform has a smooth asphalt surface and a strip of tactile paving along the edge of the platform
  • There are benches along the platform, including some under cover in the platform shelter

On The Trains - Getting from here to there

Our Passenger Coaches

  •  A wheelchair ramp is carried on the train and our Guards are trained in it’s use
  • Two of our passenger coaches can accommodate motorised wheelchairs
  • One coach has a balcony area which can accommodate a non-motorised wheelchair

Special Trains

  • Some special events may use goods brake vans which cannot accommodate wheelchairs

At Park Halt - Our destination station

The Station

  • The station platform has a smooth surface with a strip of tactile paving along the edge of the platform
  • There are some benches along the platform
  • There is level access to and from the platform

Middleton Park

  • There are footpaths from our station which lead into Middleton Park
  • Access to the paths are on the level, however it is a long slope that leads up to the main park area
  • The condition of the footpaths vary considerably, but this is outside of the control of Middleton Railway

Quiet Mornings

As part of our commitment to be accessible to all, in 2026 we are trialling ‘Quiet mornings’

The aim is to make our venue calmer and less overwhelming for our visitors who may have sensory sensitivities.

To this end:

  • We will be lowering the light levels in our shop, cafe and museum.
  • We will be turning off any music or other audio experiences.
  • Our PA system will only be used in an emergency situation.
  • The locomotive horn will only be used where legally required.
  • Our volunteers will be asked to limit their movements.
  • Display signs advising other customers to be considerate during the quiet times.

 

The Quiet Mornings will be on the 2nd Saturday of each month when we are running services, from opening (10am) until 11.45am.

This gives our guests the opportunity to ride our line twice should they wish.

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