Mission Christmas and The Historic Dockyard Chatham wishes to be fully inclusive and we make every effort to ensure that we are accessible to as many visitors as possible.
This page will help explain provisions around the site and help you plan for your visit. If you have any specific requirements please do not hesitate to contact us prior to your visit and we will do our best to accommodate your requests. Please call us on 01634 823800 or email us at info@chdt.org.uk
We have worked with AccessAble to develop comprehensive guides to each of our gallery spaces. Mission Christmas will take place in our Command of the Oceans galleries and our dedicated guides give you the detailed information you need to work out if a space is going to be accessible to you.
Arrival
Parking
All parking for Mission Christmas is free of charge. We have designated parking spaces for visitors with accessibility requirements in our main car park within easy reach of the admission point. Please display your Blue Badge clearly.
If you are not a Blue Badge holder but require certain access needs, please contact us prior to your visit.
Admission
We understand that you may need an assistant to enjoy your visit. One personal assistant is permitted free entry if you are in receipt of Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment. If you need multiple personal assistants, prior arrangements must be made in advance and written evidence of this may be required.
ACCESS-ABLE GUIDE TO PARKING, ENTRANCE, TICKET OFFICE & SHOP
We have worked with AccessAble to create an access guide for getting around our historic estate.
When you click on the link below you will be taken to the AccessAble website.
GETTING AROUND
The Mission Christmas guided experience is fully accessible, with one section of the tour requiring access via staircase or lift.
Wheelchairs
You are welcome to bring any type of mobility vehicle but due to the nature of the historic building where Mission Christmas takes place and to comply with our evacuation procedures we are only able to facilitate one wheelchair user per tour.
Please advise us in advance if you require wheelchair access by calling 01634 823800 (phone lines are manned Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm).
This restriction is only applicable to the guided experience, it does not apply to the wider Christmas offer, including the Mess Deck restaurant and shop.
A limited number of manual wheelchairs are available for loan at the admissions point; if you require one of these, please book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Assistance Dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome. If you are planning on bringing an assistance dog, please do let us know in advance so we can update your booking accordingly.
ACCESS-ABLE GUIDE TO GETTING AROUND
We have worked with AccessAble to create an access guide to getting around the site.
When you click on the link below you will be taken to the AccessAble website.
CHANGING PLACES AND ACCESSIBLE TOILETS
We are Changing Places registered and you are welcome to use the facility.
We can make our Changing Places toilet available to our Mission Christmas visitors, but please be aware that this the opposite end of the Dockyard to the experience and might be best accessed by car. Please feel free to call us before your visit for more information.
During the Mission Christmas experience, there are accessible toilets located at the following locations:
Outdoor Play Area
Mess Deck
ACCESS-ABLE GUIDE TO CHANGING PLACES & ACCESSIBLE TOILETS
We have worked with AccessAble to create an access guide to our Changing Places facility and accessible toilets.
When you click on the link below you will be taken to the AccessAble website.
EATING & DRINKING
The Mess Deck restaurant will be open for Mission Christmas and has level access from the entrance or ramp from Museum Square.
ACCESS-ABLE GUIDE TO THE MESS DECK RESTAURANT
We have worked with AccessAble to create an access guide to the Mess Deck Restaurant. This guide gives you the detailed information you need to work out if this space is going to be accessible to you.
When you click on the link below you will be taken to the AccessAble website.
GALLERIES
Mission Christmas will take visitors through our Command of the Oceans galleries, including Hearts of Oak. The show has been specially adapted for Christmas.
ACCESS-ABLE GUIDE TO COMMAND OF THE OCEANS
We have worked with AccessAble to create access guides to Command of the Oceans. This guide gives you the detailed information you need to work out if this space is going to be accessible to you.
When you click on the link below you will be taken to the AccessAble website.
ACCESS-ABLE GUIDE TO HEARTS OF OAK
We have worked with AccessAble to create access guides to Hearts of Oak. This guide gives you the detailed information you need to work out if this space is going to be accessible to you.
When you click on the link below you will be taken to the AccessAble website.
Hidden Disabilities
We recognise hidden disabilities, and our staff are trained to acknowledge Sunflower lanyards as a discreet sign that you or someone in your group may appreciate additional assistance or support. However a Sunflower lanyard is not required – our team is always available to provide help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to them for any additional assistance you may need.
LIGHTING AND NOISE
Some parts of the Mission Christmas experience can get a little noisy and involve audience participation. There are background noises and sound effects in some areas. Additionally, please note that there are varying light levels throughout the experience, with some areas featuring low light levels and others showcasing bright lights, such as the beautiful light tunnel, which may be disorienting for some. For children with noise anxiety, we have a small supply of ear defenders that can be borrowed for the experience.
Sensory Support Backpacks
Our Sensory Support Backpacks are designed to help those with special educational needs make the most of their visit to Mission Christmas.
The complimentary backpacks are filled with resources to help make your visit a little bit easier. Families or individuals can pick one up when you arrive, simply ask the team upon arrival.
All we ask, is the backpack is returned at the end of your Mission Christmas experience. The backpacks are available to borrow on a first-come basis.
CARER OR PERSONAL ASSISTANCE TICKETS FAQS
We understand that some of our visitors have additional needs, and in instances where the adult is also their Carer or Personal Assistant, we offer complimentary tickets. These tickets are available on all tours across the experience.
All carer or personal assistance tickets are subject to receipt of individual supporting evidence.
Carer or personal assistance tickets need to be pre-booked via telephone. They cannot be booked online.
Please call us on 01634 823800 to make your reservation (phone lines are manned Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm).
You are limited to one carer ticket per booking.
We accept the following eligibility evidence:
Entitlement to Disability Living Allowance for children under 16 or DLA / Personal Independent Payments (PIP) for those aged 16 – 64, either in the form of a letter stating that the benefit has been awarded or the actual Allowance Book.
Attendance Allowance or Carers Allowance letter of award
Incapacity Benefit books or a letter notifying the recipient that the benefit has been awarded Incapacity Benefit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
A valid Blue Badge
In the case of visual impairment, a registration card known as the BD8 or a Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI)
A local authority registration document
Credibility’s Access Card with +1 symbol
Please note failure to provide evidence will result in the complimentary carer ticket being withdrawn.
All carer or personal assistance tickets must be booked in advance. If you arrive on the day of your visit without ticket for a carer or personal assistant, we will be unable to accommodate them.
