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So today I finally got around to checking out the disabled access at the Chelsea FC Museum like I’ve been meaning to. Figured I’d write it all down step by step since folks keep asking.
The Plan & Online Stuff
First thing this morning, I fired up the laptop and went hunting for info. Typed “Chelsea FC Museum disabled access” right into Google, you know how it is. Took a few clicks to find the actual accessibility page tucked away. Read through it twice – felt decent enough on paper. Said they had lifts, wheelchairs to borrow, and essential carers got free entry.
Big thing I noticed right away: You absolutely need to pre-book a slot online as a disabled visitor. No just showing up. No options for email or phone booking mentioned.
Booking Hassle
Clicked the big “Book Tickets” button. Got taken to the main ticketing site. Scrolled down like crazy looking for a disabled ticket option. Found this tiny text near the bottom saying “Accessible Tickets”. Clicked that. Had to create a whole new account just to book, which was annoying. Ticked the box saying I was bringing an essential carer. Had to upload my Blue Badge photo front and back as proof before they’d confirm my booking. Got an email with the tickets attached and a PDF called “Access Guide”.
Getting There & Parking
Decided to drive myself. Got to Stamford Bridge, pissing rain, which made it fun. Followed the signs towards the museum entrance. Saw a few disabled spots close to the entrance marked clearly – big win! Had my Blue Badge displayed properly. A staff member saw me pulling in and actually waited with an umbrella. Was nice, honestly. Helped me get the chair out without getting soaked.
Entry Experience
Wheeled myself to the entrance. Showed my pre-booked email tickets on my phone to the guard at the door. He scanned it and called inside, said “Access guest here”. Another staffer popped out almost instantly. Friendly bloke, asked if I needed help to the lift or with doorways. I told him I was alright on flat ground for now. He said just shout if anything.
Got inside the reception area. Small queue. Staff spotted me waiting and actually waved me forward to a separate counter. Checked my Blue Badge against the booking name on their tablet. Asked politely if I needed a manual wheelchair, which I declined. Offered again to help if stairs or ramps looked tricky later. Essential carer ticket just scanned alongside mine, no extra charge. Felt smooth.
Inside the Museum
The place wasn’t too packed thankfully. Ramps everywhere leading into different sections, clear signage. Lifts were visible and I saw big buttons, easy height. Found a few things worked well:
- Ground Floor: Mostly flat, plenty of room to wheel around trophies and displays. Glass cases were low enough to see into easily.
- Upstairs Galleries: Used the lift. Simple controls, door stayed open long enough.
- Seating: Benches scattered about, decent for rests.
BUT, found a big problem: One smaller lift connecting a mezzanine level was out of order. Just a sign slapped on it “Awaiting Repair”. No alternative ramp route offered on that specific part. Kinda blocked me seeing a whole section of club history memorabilia. Annoying. Told a passing staff member. She apologised loads but didn’t have a solution.
Wrapping Up
Spent a couple hours in there overall. Loo situation was alright – accessible one near the entrance was clean and functional. When leaving, a different staffer near the shop exit asked me if everything was okay access-wise. Mentioned the broken lift. He nodded like he knew, said they were “waiting on parts”. Shrugged, basically.
My takeaway: Staff are definitely trained well on engagement and being helpful upfront. Bookings are mandatory and proof-heavy. Most spaces physically work fine day-to-day except when something breaks. You gotta hope key equipment like the lifts isn’t busted on your visit day. Not perfect, but they tried harder than many places do. Anyway, hope this ramble helps if you’re thinking of going.