Accessibility Guide

At Magna Science Adventure Centre, we want everyone to have an enjoyable visit and learn about science, technology, and the history of steelmaking. There is plenty to see and do at Magna.

Here is some more information about Magna’s accessibility to help you plan your visit:

Main Building

Magna Science Adventure Centre is set in the former Templeborough steelworks in South Yorkshire. It is a vast building, a third of a mile long and 150 feet high.

Magna is a coats-on experience. Please wear clothes suitable for outside temperatures.

The building is a bit dark and quite noisy. Some pairs of ear defenders are available to borrow for a £10 refundable deposit. We also have 4 sensory packs available to borrow, which include a pair of ear defenders and a few sensory toys, for a £20 refundable deposit. Please enquire at our main reception.

All visitor areas of Magna are accessible via lifts and walkways. Children using lifts need to be supervised by an adult. The lift lobby on Fire Pavilion level has 2 sets of neon flasks with electrical spark effects. These are triggered by movement and can be noisy.

Cochlear Implants: Electrostatic fields can affect cochlear implants. There are low electrostatic fields in our Fire level lift lobby. If you are concerned that this may affect you, please contact Magna in advance of your visit so we can plan appropriately.

We currently have glass doors at a variety of points around the building. If you need assistance with these, please ask a member of staff. The spectacular Big Melt Show re-creates the story of the steelworks. You can watch this from the walkway leading to the Fire Pavilion. The show contains narration, loud noises, strobe lights, spark, and flame effects. If you would like to avoid the Big Melt Show, it runs on the hour and lasts for 12 minutes.

Pavilions

Four pavilions house over 100 hands-on exhibits themed on Air, Earth, Fire and Water, where you can discover science, technology and the region’s
industrial heritage.

Magna is currently working on a programme of refurbishment in the pavilions. If you would like more information about what to expect on your visit, please
ask a member of staff on arrival.

The Water Pavilion has a wet play discovery area! Please be aware that some floor areas can get wet. The main entrance to Water has rain effects running automatically for 30 seconds every 5 minutes. If you want to avoid this, wait until the rain stops, or enter the pavilion through the exit door at the bottom of the ramp.

Sci-Tek and Aqua-Tek

Designed to let children learn through play, Sci-Tek and Aqua-Tek are our outdoor play areas. Both are available to anyone who has paid full admission to Magna Science Adventure Centre, or has a Many Magna Returns Annual Pass.

Aqua-Tek is a splash park open weekends and holidays from May Spring Bank to the end of the summer holidays.

There are toilets and changing facilities in our outdoor area. We also have a Changing Places facility in the main entrance area.

Education Bookings

We have lots of SEND groups visiting Magna, however we understand every group has their own specific needs. We advise you to come for a free teacher pre-visit.

Please let the bookings team know if anyone in your group has reduced mobility and cannot use the stairs. We can then schedule any workshops in the best room for your group.

We can deliver our workshops for any school visiting with SEND groups. Please contact our education team to find out how we can manage workshops for
your group.

If you would like more information to prepare your group, please watch this video: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIKI2nW5hvs)

Please visit our website to find out more about education group visits: (https://www.visitmagna.co.uk/education/)

Corporate Events

Please visit our website to see our event spaces: (https://www.mymagnaevent.co.uk/)

121 Carers

An official carer will be admitted free of charge when accompanying a full paying child or adult (one free entry carer ticket per child or adult. Normal admission charges apply to any additional carers).

Carers do not need to book in advance. Tickets can be purchased on the day and should provide ID from Care Home/Employers, DLA or PIP letter that states that you are in receipt of a Carer’s Allowance, or the middle or highest rate of Disability Living Allowance, or Personal Independence Payment.

Changing Places and Accessible Toilets

We have accessible toilet facilities.

We have disabled toilets and baby changing facilities:

Red Hall/Refuel Café
Earth Pavilion
Sci-Tek outdoor play area

We have a Changing Places facility in our Red Hall that can be accessed using a RADAR key. This includes:

Height adjustable bed (adult-sized)
Ceiling track hoist – you will ned to provide your own sling for the hoist
Height adjustable basin and mirror
Centrally placed toilet
Portable privacy screen

This facility can be used on your visit, or for anyone needing it. It is accessible without paying for Magna admission. Please ask a member of staff if you require assistance.
(https://www.changing-places.org/find?toilet=2213)

Assistance Dogs

We allow assistance/guide dogs.

Due to the busy nature and cold environment of Magna, we do not allow access with any other animals.

Parking

Parking is free. We have spaces for over two hundred cars including disabled parking.

Disabled car parking spaces are located near the front entrance.

Pedestrian access is available from Sheffield Road.

Click here for more information on how to get here: (https://www.visitmagna.co.uk/getting-here/)

First Aid

Trained first aiders are on site during the day.

We have first aid kits available in all areas inside and outside the building.

Defibrillator: We have 2 defibrillators on site. One is located at our main reception desk. One is in the Big Hall. Both have adult pads.

Quiet Areas

If you require a quiet area for any reason during your visit (for example: for prayer, breast feeding, sensory overstimulation etc), please ask a member of staff for assistance and we will find a space for you.