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Accessing our facilities

We are free to visit and open to everyone, providing a warm welcome to visitors of all ages, including children and family groups.

An Accessibility Guide and Visual Story is in development – we will provide a link to the PDF when the guides are complete. These guides will be created following consultation with relevant groups, and with photography of all areas.

The Story welcomes everyone and strives to be accessible to all. 

  • There are lifts to every level. 
  • We have accessible toilets on both the ground floor and the first floor. 
  • There is flat access to all public areas.
  • Assistance dogs are welcome at The Story.
  • Wheelchairs are available to borrow – to reserve a standard size self-propelling wheelchair, please contact info@thestorydurham.org at least 48 hours in advance of your visit. 
Large group of people of men and women sitting on the grass. There's a large, light tent in the background.
A photo of the original building: It is a Georgian-style, grand, rectangular structure with light stone and red brick accents, featuring numerous large, white-framed windows and evenly spaced chimneys. It has a prominent cornice and vertical pilasters, set against a grassy lawn.
  • An induction loop system is available in most rooms including ceremony, events and appointment rooms. 
  • There is a changing places facility available for use. 
  • The Story is a breastfeeding friendly venue, with baby change facilities on the ground floor. 
  • Nappies are available in an emergency situation, please speak to a member of staff for details.
  • Fixed seating is located throughout the exhibition.

Ground Floor

Shop

Located in the main entrance foyer.

Exhibitions

Open plan design situated on the ground floor and visible from the main entrance.

Facilities

There are male and female public toilets and an accessible toilet.

A large banner with a black and white images and text. The top heading says "Celebrating and commemorating".
A black-and-white photo of three women standing in front of what is possibly a coffee counter.

Café

Located in the northeast corner of the ground floor exhibition area with a range of seating overlooking the grounds. This unique space offers freshly prepared food and drinks alongside great views into the historic manor house grounds. Our lunch offer is constantly changing, but you’ll always find a selection of cold sandwiches, soup and savoury scones. Whenever possible we use locally sourced produce and ingredients. We cater for vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements, and offer indoor and outside seating. We offer a great range of drinks, from freshly brewed coffee and Brew Tea Company tea to apple juice. Whatever refreshment you chose, it is a great companion to a delicious cake. The café is open every day 10:00 – 16:00.

Ceremony rooms

These rooms are accessed via a corridor past the main public staircase. These rooms are usually open to guests and participants only – so access will be provided by The Story team. If you are here for a ceremony and unsure where to go, please ask a member of staff at reception.

First Floor

A photo showing a directory that provides details on where areas such as the reception, shop, café, and exhibition can be found in the building.

Registration waiting room

If you have an appointment to see a registrar, please go to the waiting room on the first floor. You can self-check in via a tablet just outside the waiting room or online via your smart phone or device. When ready, a registrar will collect you from the waiting room and take you through to a private office for your appointment.

Search and Discover

The digital research forum, providing free access to The Story collections search, as well as range of other databases like ancestry and newspaper archives.

Collections Room

The secure collections room is situated past a secure glass door. Here you can access original collections items. Keep an eye on our Collections pages for booking appointments in the future.

Certificate Issue

If you require a new certificate, or services relating to records of births, marriages and deaths, this can be found at certificate issue to the left of Search and Discover.

Facilities

There is one accessible toilet on this floor.

Photo of a woman's profile flipping through a book. The woman wears glasses, has short grey hair, and is dressed in a black long-sleeve top

Second Floor

The student is seated at the table, carefully examining an illustration in front of him.

Learning Studio

A multipurpose space used for group visits and events. Please check our What’s on page to see a list of upcoming talks and events. There is lift access to our dedicated learning space.