Access Compass guide
Audio description and touch tours at arts and heritage venues
Find audio-described performances, museum tours and touch tours, understand how they differ, and confirm booking, equipment, companions and orientation before visiting.
Published by Access Compass · How we research and check guides
Who it's for: everyone, Families, Parents & carers, Children & young people, Adults, Professionals
✓ Verified Last checked 19 Jul 2026. Always confirm details with the service before relying on them.
The road travelled
Where we came from
Blind and partially sighted visitors were often admitted to theatres, museums and heritage sites without access to visual action, objects, costumes, sets or spatial orientation. Physical entry did not produce an equal cultural experience.
Where we are now
VocalEyes lists audio-described performances and events around the UK, including touch tours and recorded guides. RNIB and specialist providers explain how description and tactile exploration can open up theatre, galleries and heritage, but provision remains tied to particular dates and venues.
Where we are heading
Progress means more frequent description, better regional touring, accessible digital guides, clear booking information and touch or orientation opportunities designed with blind people. Access should be planned with the production or exhibition, not added after tickets are sold.
People and campaigns that moved this forward
- Blind and partially sighted audiences — Established that meaningful cultural access includes visual information, orientation and opportunities to understand objects and spaces.
- VocalEyes — Provides audio description, training, venue support and a current UK listing of described performances and events.
- RNIB — Publishes practical information about arts access, audio description and touch tours.
- Describers, access teams and participating venues — Turn visual productions, collections and spaces into experiences blind visitors can choose and interpret for themselves.
Step by step
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Know the different access offers
Live audio description explains essential visual action during a performance. A recorded guide can describe a collection or site. A touch tour may let visitors explore sets, costumes, props, objects or tactile models before an event. One does not automatically include the others.
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Use a current specialist listing
VocalEyes lists audio-described performances and events at theatres, museums and heritage sites around the UK. Follow the listing to the venue for live ticket availability and final access arrangements.
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Book the access element as well as the ticket
Confirm whether description is available on the chosen date, how to reserve and collect a headset, whether a deposit or ID is requested, the touch-tour time and capacity, and where to meet the access team.
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Ask about orientation and independent arrival
Request accessible directions, staff meeting points, assistance-dog arrangements, lighting information, step-free routes and orientation to the auditorium, gallery or site. Confirm whether a companion can attend the tour and performance.
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Check the description method
Ask whether the description is live, recorded, app-based or built into an audio guide; whether you need your own phone and headphones; and what happens if venue equipment or connectivity fails.
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Give precise access feedback
Report inaudible equipment, missing visual information, inaccessible booking or a cancelled touch tour to the venue and specialist provider. Explain what prevented equal participation and what practical change would help next time.