Local success stories

• The museum has partnered with AccessAble to provide an access guide for the whole site, not just the gallery spaces themselves. This is reviewed by the team yearly on a thorough walkthrough to check for any changes.
• The museum and house are part of the Bloomberg Connects app scheme which enhances the exhibitions with digital resources.
• Free hire of SEND backpacks for visitors with additional needs.
• Hearing loop facility
• Ramps for entrances with stairs
• Staff have been trained in various accessibility training programmes
• Provide rest seats throughout and detail exactly the type of seats these are (e.g. with armrests or without)

Visit Quex House & Gardens and Powell-Cotton Musuem website

• All gallery spaces have step-free access, with a lift serving both floors.
• A dedicated ‘Access Station’ is available with large print wall texts, a gallery map, ear defenders, stools, and a variety of wheelchairs all available to borrow.
• British Sign Language tours are offered.
• Turner is part of the Bloomberg Connects app scheme — audio versions of the exhibition text can be found in the app. Ipads can be borrowed for this purpose
• Relaxed Sessions for people who prefer to visit the gallery when it is less crowded, including neurodivergent visitors, people with sensory differences, anxiety, and learning disabilities.
• During these sessions:
  • Toilet hand dryers are switched off
  • Additional staff are on hand to support your visit
  • A ‘calm space’ is available in the ground-floor Foyle Rooms

Visit Turner Contemporary’s website

A wooden boardwalk covers part of the beach, to allow access from the Harbour car park as the bay is otherwise accessible by many concrete steps. In 2023, the boardwalk was improved, with significant changes made to the width so passing each other is easier. This not only makes access onto the beach better, but also allows wheelchair users to see more of the beach. It allows a firmer and more stable standing than sand for people with mobility impairments. This also helps families with prams. 

New Boardwalks to follow! In January 2026, Thanet District Council announced that both Margate and Ramsgate Main Sands will soon feature accessible beach boardwalks, which means more of our coastline can be accessed. Watch this space for updates!

Visit Thanet’s website

Margate Pride as an organisation has accessibility and inclusivity at its core. Their mission is centred around removing barriers in all aspects of their operations- not just the festival itself. Margate Pride are also exemplary in their marketing of accessibility at their events- providing clear information on their channels ahead of the date.

Some specific examples include:

• Encouraging and platforming disabled artists during their 2025 Margate Pride Gallery Exhibition, by carrying out an open call.
• Providing funding of wheelchair and mobility scooter hire for disabled people who want to take part in the Pride Parade.
• Hiring accessible facilities for their events- e.g. ‘Revolootion’ — a toilet unit fitted with a lift to allow easy access inside the pod, a height adjustable changing table, toilet with grab rails, motorised hoist, hot water, heat, and plenty of space for users and their carers to move around.
• Quiet spaces and wellbeing areas where possible during festival events and partnering with local venues to create auxiliary safe and calm spaces- e.g. Margate Library,
• Dedicated queer welfare security team Safe Only Ltd present at Dreamland Pride events.

Visit Margate Pride’s website