Published on | General
Having won the New Tourism Business Award in 2024, the team at the Lock-up set themselves the challenge of making this unique museum as accessible as possible to the public. No small task given the building’s listed status and distinctive style; how do you make a Victorian building, out of use since 2016, accessible to a range of visitors in 2026?
The first task was to reflect on our starting point; some cells have narrow doorways and steps, others have display cabinets full of written information, and many collection items are protected within glass cabinets. Whilst we already had some provisions such as an accessible entrance and lift, a slim wheelchair for visitor use, and a handling collection encouraging visitors to get hands on with history, we knew there was more to be done.
Thinking of our visitor journey, we started online, providing as much information as possible to those guests who like to feel prepared for their day out. A downloadable visual guide was added to our website, along with key access information; where disabled parking can be found nearby, our nearest changing places facility, and practical information about accessing the collection. There is also information on arranging specialist tours for groups who require British Sign Language, or guided visits for the visually impaired for which a handful of our volunteers are trained!
Upon arrival, our reception area now indicates all the access tools we have made available, including a digital rendering of our building and our popular SEN backpacks. To make what can be an overwhelming experience more palatable for younger SEN visitors, our Education and Engagement Officer created our Cookie the Cat SEND backpacks – full of engaging and sensory items to help children feel calm as they explore. Added to this is a pop up ‘quiet space’ tent, with even more toys to allow those who need it to take a break during their visit.
Within the museum itself visitors may also spot a handful of Widgit symbols; communication icons with clear supportive text that provide a visual representation of a concept – in our case, where key areas of the museum are and what to expect.
“Engaging and considered museum, with lots of interactivity and multi-sensory experiences including the unexpected… a commitment to continuous improvement.”
Already the museum felt more open and full of tools for visitors to make the most of their visit. When visited by a judge from the West Midlands Police Tourism Awards we received amazing feedback and our fingers were crossed for the awards! With stiff competition from The Box @ Fargo Village and the Royal Air Force Museum Midlands we knew that it would be a difficult decision for the judging panel.
The team are absolutely thrilled to have won the Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award, with judges commenting “what was particularly impressive was the tone of voice – welcoming, ‘can do’, and positive.”
“Thoroughly enjoyed my visit! Excellent provision of varied and multi-sensory exhibits which shows a strong commitment to giving everyone a welcoming and equitable visitor experience.”
The work doesn’t stop here though! As Gold winners at the West Midlands Tourism Awards our museum automatically progresses to the Visit England Awards for Excellence 2026 – offering us the opportunity to be recognised at a national level!
“Being recognised for everything we have done to make our venue accessible for everyone means a lot to us. It can sometimes feel like an uphill struggle with lots of obstacles you have to work around, but when you see what it means to people and how much they appreciate you going the extra mile, it makes it all worthwhile and it is just the best feeling.“
Heritage Manager Corinne Brazier
We are continuing to create new ways for visitors to access our collection, including a brand new audio tour – recorded by volunteers and staff of the museum who took the chance to share some of their favourite stories! With the English version set to launch by April 2026, we have been appealing to friends in and out of the force to help us create multiple versions in an array of languages for our diverse audience. The audio tour is set to offer additional information to compliment our displays, with visitors being guided by museum volunteer Phil Tucker, a retired officer who spent many years working in this fantastic building!
Click here to read more about the West Midlands Tourism Awards 2026.
