A bit about us

From modest beginnings in the late 1940s at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Professor Sir Ludwig Guttmann encouraged wounded veterans to play sport as an aid to rehabilitation from spinal injury. This led to local competitions, to the Stoke Mandeville Games, and to the Paralympic Games which today attracts national and international public support and interest.

Widely acknowledged as the birthplace of the Paralympic movement, the Heritage Centre at Stoke Mandeville Stadium will celebrate and explore this unique status. The interactive displays include:

• The life and work of Professor Sir Ludwig Guttmann
• Key milestones in the journey from the 1948 Stoke Mandeville Games to the present day Paralympic Games
• The development of wheelchair sports
• Paralympic ceremonies

Last year, in 2022, the National Paralympic Heritage Centre celebrated 10 years since the London 2012 Paralympic Games. These Games sparked a catalyst for change for the Paralympic Movement. At the Heritage Centre, you can view a collection of key artefacts from London 2012 and learn about its impact in transforming public attitudes towards disability. 

Visitor Information:

• Free Admission
• Open daily for the general public
• School and group bookings available
• Audio and BSL Tours available

Please visit our website for more information about accessibility and family activities. 

Accessibility

For visitors with visual impairments

Glass doors and full-height windows have contrast markings.

We have display information in audio, braille, BSL and large print.

Interpretation is also available in Widgit and we can tailor visits to needs.

We have sensory needs tools.

For visitors with mobility impairments

The main entrance has level access.

There is level access from the main entrance to:

• Sports Stadium reception desk.
• Entry is FreeSports Stadium toilets.
• The building that the National Paralympic Heritage Centre is based in.
• Stoke Mandeville Stadium Cafe.

For visitors with hearing impairments

The fire alarm has flashing lights.

We have a hearing loop in The Sports Stadium entrance reception area and in the Heritage Centre for the Dr Guttmann display area.

All staff have disability awareness training. 

For neurodiverse visitors

We have a concessionary rate for disabled visitors.

We have a complimentary ticket policy for personal assistants.

There is a public toilet for disabled visitors.

All staff have disability awareness training.

We have emergency evacuation procedures for disabled visitors. 

View full accessibility guide

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