Facilities for families
Exhibitions
The Gallery’s displays are designed to be fun for families visiting with children and there are a number of hands-on interactive exhibits. When you arrive at the Gallery, don’t forget to pick up the Family Trail at the front desk.
Events
Create, play and explore together through the Gallery’s programme of activities, events and workshops created with fun and families in mind.
Mini Morris
Monthly craft and play sessions for under-5’s and their adults. Each month has a different theme relating to the main William Morris collection or visiting exhibitions. Sessions are held in the Learning Studio on the second floor of the Gallery.
When you arrive you will have time to play and meet other families. Sessions are artist led encouraging opportunities to make and create. All sessions end with a song or a story and a snack to take away.
Activities are suitable for children aged 2+
Morning Session 1: 10.00 – 11.00
Morning Session 2: 11.45 – 12.45
Both sessions are drop-in with spaces allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Family Days
Be inspired by the collection and exhibitions and create together. The Gallery offers a broad and varied programme for everyone to enjoy.
Most family events are drop-in, with occasional timed workshop sessions if the activity requires this. Activities are generally appropriate for children aged 5+, younger visitors are also very welcome.
Visit the What’s on page for details of upcoming Mini Morris, Family Days and other events.
Donations are welcome and will help the Gallery to keep the programme free and accessible to all.
Morris Explorer satchels
For younger visitors and SEND families, Morris Explorer Satchels have been created to help provide fun and interactive ways to explore William Morris Gallery. Inspired by William Morris’s satchel (which you can see on display at the Gallery), they include a sensory map, a visual story, and Visual Vocabulary cards that you can also download before your arrival. All of these are designed to help build confidence in families before and during your visit. 6 bags available at a time from our Front Desk. No age limit. Read more on our Access page.
Eating and Drinking
Deeney’s Cafe at the Gallery accommodates children, with access to high chairs and children’s meals.
Other facilities
Baby changing facilities are available.
You are most welcome to bring your buggy and wheel it around the exhibition spaces (there is a lift to the first and second floors). Please note that the Gallery does not have a buggy park. There is an area allocated to buggy storage, offered on a first come, first served basis.
Lockers
Lockers are available for storing coats and other belongings during your visit. There are no facilities for large luggage.
Food and drink
Visit Deeney’s Café for a selection of food and drink. If the weather is nice you may like to picnic in Lloyd Park. Please note food and drink cannot be taken into the exhibition spaces.
Parking
See the Gallery’s Access page for details of Blue Badge parking. There is no other parking at the Gallery and parking in the local area is very limited. It is therefore advisable to come by public transport if at all possible. The Gallery is situated within a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ). There is a small pay and display car park on Bedford Road, adjacent to the Gallery. However this is often busy.
Access
For visitors with access needs, the Access page contains further details of our provision of assistance before and during your visit.