Accessible Britain

025 Stockwood Discovery Centre, Bedfordshire
Address: London Road, Luton LU1 4LX Web: www.stockwooddiscoverycentre.com Tel: 01582 548600
Hours: Daily Mar–Oct 10am–5pm; Nov–Feb 10am–4pm Dates: closed 25–26 Dec, 1 Jan Entry: free;
occasional paid-for events
THE SOUTHEAST
Luton may not be the first place that springs to mind when planning a day out, but the
Stockwood Discovery Centre – on the edge of town, just off the M1 – is a very good
reason to come here.
The museum’s wide-ranging collection – concentrating chiefly on the Luton area
– takes in social history, local crafts, archaeology and geology. Highlights include a
hoard of Roman gold coins, a rare medieval bronze jug and the UK’s largest collection
of horse-drawn carriages, all engagingly and accessibly presented. Outside, the large
grounds – originally the estate of Stockwood House, a now-demolished eighteenthcentury
residence – house a series of inviting themed gardens, including the Sensory
Garden, which has a tactile trail incorporating textured paving and plants to touch,
a sound trail with wind chimes, and a fragrant zone, with plants such as lavender,
roses and witch hazel. Look out, too, for the Improvement Garden, graced by six
striking sculptures by the renowned artist Ian Hamilton Finlay – this is one of the few
permanent displays of his work outside Scotland.
Accessibility is good throughout the site. The large car park has six disabled spaces,
from where a broad asphalt path leads to the museum’s step-free entrance. Inside, all
the displays are on the ground floor, with level access; manual wheelchairs and powered
scooters can be borrowed at reception (best to phone ahead). The hand-held audiovisual
guides include a BSL option, and the two videos screened in the galleries also feature
BSL interpreters and subtitles. Most of the garden areas are wheelchair accessible, with
alternative ways to reach anywhere that has steps, although there are a few tricky corners
for wheelchairs and scooters in the Period Garden. Parts of the expansive lawn could
be difficult for wheelchairs in wet weather. There are spacious accessible toilets in the
Learning Centre, discovery galleries and opposite the café.
FOOD & DRINK aa The fully accessible on-site café, entered via automatic doors, serves
hot and cold food and drink at reasonable prices, with a beautifully displayed cake table
taking centre stage.
026 Thomley Activity Centre, Buckinghamshire
Address: Menmarsh Road, Worminghall HP18 9JZ Web: www.thomley.org.uk Tel: 01844 338380
Hours: Tue–Sat & school holiday Mon 10am–3.30pm; advance booking necessary Dates: closed Sun &
Mon; some days reserved for specific groups, call or visit website to check Entry: The centre fundraises to
subsidise costs and asks visitors for a contribution towards their visit.
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