Open Monday–Saturday · 10am–4pm · last entry 3pm
Visit Support the house

Accessibility

Designed to welcome more people.

Our approach to digital accessibility, the limitations we know about, and how to ask for help or information in another format.

01

Our commitment

Access is part of the experience

The Merchant’s House Trust wants as many people as possible to use this website with confidence, regardless of device, technology or access need.

The website has been designed with WCAG 2.2 Level AA principles in mind. Accessibility is an ongoing responsibility, and improvements will continue as content and services change.

02

Current features

What has been built in

Readable and responsive

Layouts reflow across phones, tablets and desktops and support enlarged text.

Keyboard access

Skip links, visible focus and keyboard-operated navigation are included.

Clear structure

Semantic headings, landmarks, lists, links, buttons and labelled fields support assistive technology.

Motion preferences

Reduced-motion preferences are respected and essential content does not rely on animation.

  • Meaningful images have text alternatives; decorative images use empty alternatives.
  • Forms identify errors and connect guidance to the relevant fields.
  • Colour is not the only way important information is communicated.
  • Plain-language visitor information is separated from the detailed physical access guide.
03

Known limitations

Where more work is needed

Independent testing is still required

A full independent WCAG 2.2 AA audit with representative disabled users has not yet been completed. The Trust should complete this before launch and after material changes.

  • The external map may be less accessible than the surrounding page; a text address and directions link are provided.
  • External booking, donation and membership platforms are outside this site’s direct control.
  • Some historic images may need richer descriptions when used for detailed research rather than general illustration.
04

Report a problem

Feedback and alternative formats

If something prevents you from using the website, please tell us the page, the task you were trying to complete, your device or assistive technology, and what happened.

We will aim to provide the information another way and investigate the barrier. Reasonable requests for information in an alternative format are welcome.

05

Visiting a historic building

Physical access is covered separately

The Grade II* listed house has steps, narrow spaces and historic surfaces. Practical details about entrances, stairs, seating, facilities and alternative ways to experience the collection are provided in the dedicated access guide.

Read the physical access guide