Visit the SEND at NMMS page for Visual Guide, Sensory Backpacks information and more!
Relaxed Mornings: every 1st Saturday of the month we will have “relaxed mornings” aimed to support visitors with additional support needs. These mornings will offer a quieter experience with exhibit sounds turned off where possible.
Preparing for your Visit
We answer enquiries by phone (0131 663 7519) and e-mail (reception@nationalminingmuseum.com). Please get in touch if you have questions that aren’t answered here.
We are located on the A7 in Newtongrange.
The nearest bus stop is right outside our gates. There are cobbles for a small part of the path to the front entrance.
The Borders Railway service runs from Edinburgh Waverley to Tweedbank and stops at Newtongrange Station. From Newtongrange Station an accessible pathway, signposted National Mining Museum Scotland, leads visitors to the museum. There are cobbles for a small part of the path to the front entrance.
The museum has 2 manual wheelchairs which can be booked either in advance of your visit or on arrival at reception.
Arrival and Car Parking Facilities
There is a large FREE car park on site with disabled visitor spaces and a ramp leading to the main reception area.
There is a drop-off zone directly outside the main doors of the museum.
Main Entrance, Reception, Gift Shop & Cafe
There is level access at the main reception.
The double entrance doors are automatic in operation and have an opening width of 1.7 metres.
The reception area is well lit.
There is a low level counter at reception.
There is level access from the main reception to the gift shop, café and toilets.
The gift shop and café have low level counters.
Public Areas – Toilets and Facilities
Baby changing facilities are available in the disabled visitors’ toilets on the ground floor in the Cafe.
Disabled visitors’ toilets are available in the café area on the ground floor and the 2nd floor behind the lamp room.
The disabled visitors’ toilets are purpose-built unisex facilities.
An emergency alarm is provided in the toilets.
Doors open outwards.
All taps are easy to use and do not require an ability to grip.
A coat hook and low level mirror are provided.
Public Areas – Physical Access
Access between floors is by stairs and by lifts.
Stair cases all have handrails both sides.
The lifts are large enough for most power operated wheelchairs.
A hearing loop system is in use through the exhibition floors.
All public parts of the museum are fully wheelchair accessible with the exception of the Winding Engine House.
The layout is spacious and there is ample room for wheelchairs throughout the public areas.
Foldable/portable walking stick seats are available on request. Please ask a member of staff who will be happy to help.
Public Areas – Additional
Red flashing beacons light up when the fire alarm sounds.
Guide and assistance dogs are welcome
Outdoor facilities
Picnic tables at the front of the museum are fully accessible.
Children’s play area is accessible to wheelchair users.
Conference & Meeting Space (The Power House)
The museum holds conferences, weddings and special events in the Power House.
The Power House is accessible from the main reception area via a ramp.
This page will be updated soon with further information. If you have feedback that could help use improve our services, please get in touch on 0131 663 7519 or by email at reception@nationalminingmuseum.com.
Ipads – Communication
Ipads are available from the Museum reception to borrow to help with communication. The Ipads have PECS and other access apps installed.
Please check our FAQ’s here for further information
Both our Site Map and Sensory Map are available as digital downloads (PDF) and can be located below:
Supporters & Accreditations
