We aim to provide a friendly, accessible environment for all our visitors and the widest possible access to our buildings, exhibitions and collections.

Entry to the museum is free of charge for carers.

Situated on the outskirts of Leeds, Thwaite Watermill is approximately 3 miles from Leeds city centre.

Access to Thwaite Watermill is via Thwaite Lane, off the A639 or ½ a mile from Junction 7 of the M621. Thwaite Lane is about 0.5 miles long with a hill up to the bridge about 300 yards along it.

Entrances

The entrance door to the visitor centre and shop is a push door and has a wide clearing space.

Disabled parking bays and drop off points are available directly outside the entrance. A member of staff will meet you at the entrance gate when you arrive. Please note that this is a cobbled pathway.

There is additional, unmarked parking along Thwaite Lane, about 100 yards from the entrance to Thwaite Watermill.

A large proportion of Thwaite Watermill is fully accessible. Some things to note are that:

• there is ramped access to the Mill’s dipping pond
• as the Watermill is situated on the Aire and Calder Navigation the grounds can get very wet and boggy

Guide and assistance dogs are welcome and we can provide dog bowls on request.

A large proportion of Thwaite Watermill is fully accessible.

Some things to note are that:

• there is an external single chair lift to the entrance of the Mill Manager’s House
• wheelchair access to the upper floor display areas of the building is via a lift. The lift has capacity for one manual wheelchair on any journey and the turning space on the upper floor is very limited
• seating is available in most spaces and in the grounds
• there is ramped access to the Mill’s dipping pond
• as the Watermill is situated on the Aire and Calder Navigation the grounds can get very wet and boggy

There is an accessible toilet in the visitor centre. Facilities in the accessible toilets include emergency alarms and fire alarm with a flashing light. These toilets are not RADAR key operated.

There are baby changing facilities in the accessible toilet in the visitor centre.

Tailored handling sessions or tours on a specific interest area can be organised for groups.

If a member or members of your group require specific access provision, please contact us ahead of your visit.

Thwaite Watermill is a member of the Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme (VAQAS). The VAQAS is a scheme which ensures high quality experiences at tourist attractions, including a commitment to respect the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 by making reasonable adjustments to improve service for disabled people.

If you need more information before your visit, please contact us: