Accessibility
We’re working towards being a fully accessible gallery. Today you’ll find step-free access across all floors, large-print guides, sensory bags and all our staff are trained in delivering audio-descriptive tours.
We’re also committed to making our website accessible to everyone and we aim to meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards. If you experience any issues with our website, please contact us with details of the problem and the page URL. We’ll do our best to help.
How to contact us
To help plan your visit or to discuss your individual needs, please contact us: access@turnercontemporary.org | +44 (0)1843 233 000 (operated daily 10am–5pm)
Public transport
Rail is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to travel and a great alternative to driving. We encourage our visitors to travel by rail where possible.
Southeastern is part of Passenger Assist, a national scheme that helps people with access needs travel on its network. See the Southeastern website for more details.
Taxis
Taxis are available, however pre-booking is essential.
- Central Cars | +44(0)1843 601601 | bookings@centralcarsthanet.co.uk
- Thanet Cars | +44(0)1843 333333 | info@thanetcars.com
Wheelchair-accessible vehicles can be booked via:
- A2B Cars Thanet | +44(0)1843 263263 | a2bcarsthanet@yahoo.com
Parking
The nearest car park, operated by Smart Parking, is a 2-minute walk from the gallery entrance, with 24/7 access, 2 EV charging points, disabled bays for blue badge holders and parking for motorcycles available.
Please allow five minutes walking time from to and from your car, paying for parking accordingly.
To access the car park drive onto Rendezvous and the entrance is on the left as you face the RNLI lifeboat station.
Postcode: CT9 1HG
what3words’ link: https://w3w.co/bunny.rent.wooden
The car parking tariff applies 24 hours a day, Monday–Sunday. The duration of your stay will be calculated by ANPR cameras, from point of entry to point of exit. There is no concession for blue badge holders.
The car park is owned by Kent County Council who fund the gallery. It is operated by Smart Parking who can be contacted at https://www.smartparking.com/uk with any queries regarding tariffs or payment issues.
Access station
Our access station, located next to the lift on the ground floor, includes large print wall texts, a gallery map, ear defenders, stools and wheelchairs to make your visit to the gallery more accessible.
Feel free to borrow these items during your visit and return after use.
Wheelchair and physical access
Turner is wheelchair accessible, with step-free access and a lift serving both floors. An access ramp is located to the right of the entrance steps, please look for appropriate signage.
Wheelchairs of different sizes are located in the Access Station. Feel free to use them during your visit and speak to a member of staff if you require assistance. To pre-book a wheelchair, please contact the gallery.
A variety of seating is available throughout the Gallery. If you would like to use a portable stool, please ask a member of staff when you arrive.
Some merchandise in the shop is located on high shelves. Please ask a member of staff if you require assistance. There is a lowered section at the welcome desk.
To get in touch about your access needs, please contact us at: access@turnercontemporary.org | +44(0)1843 233 000 | (operated daily 10am–5pm)
Auditory access
Where possible, all films are subtitled.
Transcripts of films and audio works on display at the gallery are available for visitors. Please ask a member of staff if you would like to use one.
A hearing loop system is in place at our retail and café counters.
Tour guide systems are available to enhance sound during tours.
To join one of our BSL (British Sign Language) tours, please book via What's on.
Visual access
Large print versions of the exhibition text and magnifying sheets are available. Please ask a member of staff if you would like to use them.
Free highlight tours take place on Fridays (11:30am – 12:00pm) during gallery opening hours. Meet in the Sunley Gallery (on the ground floor) if you would like to join us.
Our staff are trained in delivering audio descriptive tours. If you would like more information about booking an audio described tour please get in touch with us:
access@turnercontemporary.org | +44(0)1843 233 000 | (operated daily 10am–5pm)
The lighting throughout the gallery changes depending on the exhibition. Please contact us before your visit or talk to a member of staff for more information.
Audio versions of the exhibition text can be found on our free digital guide on the Bloomberg Connects app. For more information and to download the app click here.
Sensory access
Due to the nature of contemporary art, sometimes the content of the exhibition can be distressing or inappropriate for some audiences.
Signs will be placed at the entrance of a gallery containing adult content, flashing lights, loud noises, strong scents and smoke effects.
Ear defenders are available on request.
Our Foyle Rooms can be used as a quiet space if they are not in use. Please ask a member of staff if you would like to use one.
During our Quiet Hours, we make small changes to the gallery and exhibitions to make it a more comfortable environment for people with additional needs. To find out more or to book your free ticket please click here
Please contact us before your visit if you would like more information on the exhibition content:
access@turnercontemporary.org | +44(0)1843 233 000 | (operated daily 10am–5pm)
Assistance animals
Working guide, hearing and assistance dogs are welcome at the gallery.
They should be appropriately trained, supervised, and kept with you at all times. Where possible, dog owners should bring their Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK) identification book and animals should wear the appropriate tabards or harness, but this is not a requirement for entry.
If you plan to visit with an assistance animal other than an assistance dog, please get in touch with us:
access@turnercontemporary.org | +44(0)1843 233 000 | (operated daily 10am–5pm)
Toilets and changing (Ground Floor)
Located on the ground floor are accessible toilets, male and female toilets, gender neutral single cubical toilets and baby change facilities. There is a gender neutral, accessible toilet located within the café.
The doors may be heavy for some visitors. If you need assistance, please ask a member of staff and they will be happy to help.
The closest Changing Places toilet is located at Thanet Gateway Plus, CT9 1RE
Please ask a member of staff for directions.
Tours and Relaxed Hours
We offer free tours for all visitors throughout each exhibition.
- BSL (British Sign Language) tours
- Highlight tours
- Family highlight tours
To find out what tours are coming up, please click here
Our free digital guide takes you behind the scenes, with exclusive content from artists, curators, and more. Use the app to plan your visit and explore our exhibitions. Afterwards, dive deeper into your favourite works at home–or anywhere, anytime!
Search for Turner Contemporary to start planning your visit. When you arrive, look out for QR codes next to selected artworks to access exclusive content. And don’t forget to bring your headphones!
Find out more
During our Relaxed Hours, we make small changes to the gallery and exhibitions to make it a more comfortable environment for people with additional needs. To find out more or to book your free ticket please click here.
Please contact us directly for more information about tours or for assistance with booking:
access@turnercontemporary.org | +44(0)1843 233 000 | (operated daily 10am–5pm)
