Accessibility
Accessibility at Glusburn Institute
We want everyone to be able to enjoy our venue and events. This page describes our facilities and services as accurately as possible so you can plan your visit with confidence. We don’t make assumptions about what will or won’t work for you — if you have any questions at all, please get in touch and we’ll do our best to help.
☎ 01535 630 223 ✉ info@gicac.org.uk
We welcome feedback on our accessibility information at any time — it helps us keep improving.
- Level access and automatic doors at the main entrance
- Lift serving all floors
- Accessible toilets on the ground and first floor
- Wheelchair-accessible spaces in the Auditorium
- Free Access Scheme membership with companion tickets
- Assistance dogs welcome throughout the venue
- Two accessible parking spaces close to the building
- Free WiFi throughout
Our characterful old building has developed over the years, resulting in a mix of sections and entrances — we're always happy to help you find your way around. The main entrance, on the ground floor, has level access and automatic doors. Depending on which space you're visiting, you may use a different entrance; clear directional signage guides you both outside and inside.
Our venue spans three levels — ground, upper ground, and first floor — connected by a lift that holds two wheelchairs and their companions.
You're welcome to visit during opening times to get a feel for the general areas. If you'd like to see inside a specific space beforehand, just let us know and we'll arrange it. ***Link here to Matterport for pre-visit look round***
Studio (ground floor)
Level access from the front entrance lobby. A ramped emergency exit leads to the car park.
Baths Hall (upper ground floor)
Reached via steps from the front entrance, or step-free via the lift from the main lobby.
Main Hall / Auditorium (first floor)
Reached via the main staircase or the lift. The staircase has shallow steps and handrails on both sides. A Disabled Refuge Call System is fitted in the emergency refuge area next to the Auditorium fire escape. Seating is removable, so we can adapt the layout for different needs.
Balcony (part of the Auditorium)
Open during seated shows and events. Reached only by a steep, narrow staircase with a single handrail — there is no lift access to the Balcony.
Chapel (first floor, rear of building)
Has its own entrance from Institute Street (an unmade road, on the opposite side of the building from the car park), reached via a wide staircase with handrails on both sides. Also reachable step-free via the lift from the main lobby.
Meeting Room (first floor)
Reached via the main staircase or the lift, plus three further steps into the room.
Box Office and Reception (ground floor)
Level access from the main lobby.
- Ground floor foyer: 3 single, self-contained toilets, including 1 accessible toilet with baby change
- Upper ground floor, Baths Hall: 1 gender neutral
- Upper ground floor, lift foyer: 1 accessible
- First floor, near the Main Hall: male (1 cubicle, 2 urinals), female (2 cubicles), 1 accessible
All taps, soap and paper towel dispensers are usable from a seated position, and hot/cold taps are colour-coded. Floors throughout are even, non-slip vinyl.
Seating is available in all rooms. Most chairs have backs but no armrests. Tables can be provided for most events and activities, except theatre-style audience seating.
- Lighting: All communal areas and rooms are evenly and well lit. Most corridors and toilets use automatic sensor lighting.
- Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the venue, and we'll provide a water bowl on request.
These can be left in the ground floor foyer.
Free guest WiFi is available throughout the venue.
We are a licensed premises. The bar serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and is open during audience events.
What is Our Access Scheme?
Our Access Scheme is free to join and designed for anyone with access needs, including those who need a companion, personal assistant, or carer with them.
What it offers:
- Book with confidence online — reserve wheelchair spaces, aisle seats, or any seating that suits you, anywhere in the auditorium. Wheelchair-accessible spaces are allocated at every performance.
- Tell us once — share your access requirements with us, and we’ll have everything ready for every future visit.
- Free companion tickets — if you need a personal assistant or carer with you due to a disability or long-term health condition (as defined by the Equality Act 2010), their ticket is free. Companions must be 16 or over, and by accepting a free ticket they agree to support you throughout your visit, including in an emergency.
Proof of eligibility: We accept CEA Cards, Access Cards, or other proof of disability.
We recommend calling or emailing our Box Office team when booking, so we can help you choose the best space for your needs — though online booking is available too.
