Pre-Visit Covid Guidance

Whilst open the safety of our staff, volunteers and visitors will be our most important priority. In accordance with recommendations from government and North Devon Council guidelines we have adjusted our ways of working to ensure visitors experience the collections in a safe and welcoming way.

What to expect from a visit:

• We will be limiting entry times to the museum to 15 minutes slots . To ensure your time slot book online or by phone.
•  We advise visitors to the museum or tea-room to use the NHS Covid-19 app to register their visit with the Government’s Test and Trace programme.
• Face coverings are recommended throughout the museum (unless exempt) as in some displays social distancing and ventilation is limited.
• Navigation around the museum is now a one way system.
• Certain staff and volunteers will be wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• The lift will be for the use of visitors with mobility issues or pushchairs users. We will need to make special arrangements to modify the route for these visitors so please tell us in advance if you need to use the lift.
• Hand sanitiser stations are situated around the museum and gallery interactives are cleaned regularly.
• Social distancing guidance will be displayed throughout the museum.

How you can help:

• If you are not going to be able to turn up for a booked visit please let us know as soon as possible so we can make you slot available to others.
• We recommended visitors download and use the NHS Covid-19 track and trace app.
• Face coverings are not mandatory in the museum, however we do recommend you use them (unless exempt) as the museum has limited ventilation and space in certain displays.
• Please keep all prams, pushchairs and mobility aids with you and do not leave them in the museum foyer.
• Please read our guidance on arrival and follow the advice of our staff and volunteers.
• Be aware of social distancing when passing through the displays.
• Make use of the sanitiser stations and wash your hands thoroughly when using toilet facilities.
• Be considerate of other museum users and do not move into the next gallery until the previous visitors have exited.
• Please reschedule your museum visit if you are feeling unwell.

The ‘We’re Good To Go’ industry standard and supporting mark means businesses can demonstrate that they are adhering to the respective Government and public health guidance, have carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment and checked that they have the required processes in place.

FAQs

How do I book tickets?

Visitors can book tickets through our website, by phone or by going direct to the Art Tickets Website. Drop-ins are still encouraged however there maybe a short delay in entry to the museum.

Why do you have timed entry?

The safety of our volunteers and visitors is our main priority. Some of the museum displays have limited space and so we have timed slots to control the flow of visitors so that everyone can social distance.

Will I be able to just turn up on the day?

On the day visits are still possible however we recommend booking a time slot as you might have to wait or come back at a later time.

How long can I stay?

To provide a safe constant flow, we ask general visitors to spend 20 minutes in each gallery. Visitors who need more time in specific displays must contact the museum to arrange a visit before or after our core opening hours.

Can I meet others at the museum?

If you are meeting family or friends at the museum we ask our visitors to arrive and enter the museum at the same time to control the flow of entries.

I need additional access, how should I book a visit?

Visitors that require additional access such as wheelchair users or the visually impaired should contact the museum to discuss their needs and to receive advice on the best times to book.

Is Bromley’s Tearoom open?

Bromley’s tearoom is open with limited capacity and visitors can visit the tearoom during their visit. Alternatively the tearoom can be accessed from the museum side door opposite the Albert Clock.

Can I visit the museum shop?

All visitors are free to look around the museum shop.

Will I be able to pay with cash?

We do accept cash however we recommend making any payments, where possible, using a contactless card.

Will everything in the museum displays be open?

All of the displays and interactives are open, please remember to sanitise your hands before and after touching interactives.

Can I bring things in for identification or book a research visit?

Please email us or phone the museum to talk to curatorial staff. If object identification is required please check our events for our annual free Finds Day.

Will there be something for the kids to do?

A new family quiz has been designed, these are available from the welcome desk on arrival.

Can I book a group/school visit?

The museum is currently accepting school/group bookings from September onwards. Schools must contact the museum learning and access officer to arrange visits outside of core opening hours.