Dylan Thomas Boathouse Accessibility Guide
This page sets out accessibility guidance and information to help you get the most out of your visit. Please let us know if there is any additional information that we can provide and we will be happy to update this guidance.
Entrance
The Dylan Thomas Boathouse is only accessible down a set of 40 steps from a gateway along the Wales Coastal Path. At the bottom of the steps is a pathway that slopes down through a small garden and leads to the front door. The Reception desk is on the right as you enter the building.
See our Sustainable Travel guide for more information on getting to Dylan Thomas Boathouse.
Quieter times to visit
The Boathouse is typically less busy during the last two hours before closing and on days with rain or overcast weather.
Weekends, school holidays, and event days are usually the busiest days. See our What's On page to check what events are happening before your visit.
The Boathouse tends to be a peaceful place to visit. However, if you need a quiet space at any time, we recommend the either the Parlour or the garden at the front of the house. Both are restful spaces with a calm atmosphere.
Staff will be happy to help at all times.
Assistance dogs
We welcome suitably trained assistance dogs. They must be under your control during your visit and remain on a lead and wear a relevant tabard or harness.
Where possible, dog owners should bring their Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK), Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) identification book. Your dog should wear an appropriate tabard or harness, but this is not a requirement for entry.
If your assistance dog is not registered with ADI, ADUK or IGDF, we reserve the right to deny entry to your dog if it does not appear to have been appropriately trained.
If you plan to visit with an assistance animal other than an assistance dog, please get in touch to discuss your request with us at info@cofgar.wales
Accessible toilets
The Boathouse does not have an accessible toilet onsite.
There are two Changing Places toilets in a small block outside the tearoom at the rear of the Boathouse. One of these includes a baby changing facility.
Accessibility aids
We are working on making large print guides available for all our galleries and exhibitions. Please let us know at least 3 days in advance of your visit if you would like a large print guide to the museum. We will then ensure that we have this ready for you at Reception.
All films playing on the digital table include subtitles.
We have three sets of child-sized ear defenders available for use. Please book these at least three clear days in advance of your visit at info@cofgar.wales
We have one portable induction hearing loop available for use at Reception. There is no need to book this device.
Gallery access
There is no lift onsite due to the small size of the building. Access to the upper and lower floors of the house are by steps only. The staircases are quite narrow and include 10 steps to the upper floor and 10 steps to the lower floor.
The layout of the Boathouse is below:
Ground Floor
Reception and Gift Shop
Parlour
Lower Floor
Tearoom
Terrace
Changing Places toilets
Upper Floor
Exhibition Room
Dylan's Story Gallery
Emergency evacuation
It's unlikely that an alarm will sound during your visit. If one does, please don't worry – just follow any instructions given by members of staff, who will guide you to the nearest safe exit.
Seating
There is seating available in most spaces inside and outside the Boathouse. All indoor spaces have seating, except for the Dylan's Story Gallery, and all outdoor spaces have seating.
You're welcome to use walking sticks or folding stools with seat attachments, provided they have rubber stoppers.