Hull History Centre aims to be accessible and welcoming to all. If you have any questions about accessing our building, or if you have any requirements which would make it easier for you to visit us, please contact us.
Parking
The History Centre short stay car park has 51 spaces including 4 disabled parking spaces. There is step-free access from the car park into the History Centre.
Blue Badge holders may park for free in the car park and at nearby parking meters. Please see Hull City Council's Disabled Badge Parking for full information.
In the building
All public areas in the History Centre are on the ground floor. There are no steps but there is a gentle slope upwards from the main entrance into the arcade.
All of our public spaces are arranged to allow wheelchairs and users with mobility aids to move around freely. There is a variety of seating available.
The doors from the street into the arcade, and from the arcade into the library, are automatic. The door from the library into the searchroom is manual. Staff are always on hand should you need any assistance.
Visiting with children
Babies and children are welcome in all public areas of the History Centre, although we ask that if they are in the searchroom they do not disturb other researchers. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
There is a children's area in the arcade with toys and activities, and children's books are available in the library area.
You are welcome to breastfeed your baby within the History Centre wherever you feel comfortable. If you would like a private space to do so, please ask a member of staff if there is a space available.
Toilets
All of our toilets are individual and gender-neutral.
An accessible toilet is available.
Baby changing facilities are available.
The nearest Changing Places toilets are in the Wilson Centre and the Guildhall.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome in all areas of the History Centre. There is a small park next to the Centre where dogs can be exercised.
No animals other than assistance dogs may be brought into the History Centre. This includes emotional support animals which are not trained assistance dogs.
Hearing loop
There is a hearing loop in the lecture theatre.
Lighting and temperature
The History Centre uses a combination of natural light and overhead LED lighting throughout the public areas. In the summer, the arcade can be very bright as the roof is translucent. The library and searchroom areas are less bright.
If there is an exhibition of original materials in the library, light levels may be kept lower than normal for preservation reasons.
The arcade can become very warm in summer and very cold in winter, due to its design. Please dress appropriately if you are planning to visit an exhibition or event in the arcade.
The lecture theatre and searchroom are air conditioned to provide a steady temperature. The searchroom is kept cool to help us preserve our collections of original documents, so you may wish to bring a cardigan or jumper with you.