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Chinatown

West End, London , W1D 5QA

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Access Guide

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Overview

  • This Access Guide gives access information for Chinatown and the surrounding streets.
    The changing nature of the West End may mean that the on-street conditions are different to the description in this Access Guide.
    This Access Guide was undertaken in November 2022.
  • There is a separate Access Guide for Leicester Square, Leicester Square Gardens and the surrounding streets which are located to the south of Chinatown.
    Piccadilly Circus, Regent Street, Carnaby, Bond Street and Oxford Circus are all covered in separate Access Guides.
  • Most of the streets within Chinatown are pedestrianised zones, however delivery vehicles are permitted within restricted times. These vary slightly depending on the street.
    The main streets can become very busy at peak times due to external seating, signage and high footfall.
    Peak times are from 12:00 until around 19:00, and peak months are July, October and December/January.
    Depending on the nature of the street, pedestrianised or not, the pathways consist of asphalt, stone/granite pavers or block paving.
  • There can be a lot of noise from the al-fresco dining areas and open doors of some businesses, depending on how congested the area is.
    There are TfL Legible London wayfinding signs in various locations to the north of Chinatown, along Shaftesbury Avenue and at the Cambridge Circus junction, as well as on Newport Court and within Leicester Square, to the south of the surveyed area.
  • There is no fixed seating available throughout most of Chinatown, however there are many restaurants and bars with external seating areas.
    Not all of these are enclosed by barriers, and so pedestrians should take care when navigating the area.
  • The main ways to get to Chinatown include; tube, bus or taxi.
    The nearest tube station is Leicester Square, with access points located on Charing Cross Road and Cranbourn Street, or Piccadilly Circus, with an access point on Coventry Street.
    The access to these stations are via steps only.
    Green Park is the nearby step-free station.
    The nearest bus stops are located on Charing Cross Road (stops J and M) or on Shaftesbury Avenue (stops P, W and K).
    The nearest taxi ranks are located on Wardour Street, Whitcomb Street, Gerrard Place and Charing Cross Road.
  • Parking in the area is very limited and visitors are encouraged to use public transport.
    The only available on-street Blue Badge parking in the surveyed area is located on Rupert Street, close to the junction with Coventry Street.
    The nearest available public car parks are Q-Park – Chinatown (new tab) and Q-Park – Leicester Square (new tab), both of which have Blue Badge parking bays.
  • There are no public accessible toilets available in Chinatown.
    None of the restaurants within Chinatown have an accessible toilet advertised, however, there are accessible toilets in fully accessible venues just outside Chinatown, for example at 100 Wardour Street and at McDonald’s Leicester Square.
    There are male and female public standard toilets located at the north-east and north-west corners of Leicester Square Gardens to the south of Chinatown. These have stepped access.
    For detailed information about the public standard toilets please click here (new tab)
    There are accessible toilets, standard toilets and baby change facilities available within Q-Park - Chinatown.
  • To view the Access Guide for Leicester Square please click here (new tab)..

Related West End Venues

Getting Here

  • By Bus View
    • There are 2 bus stops located along Charing Cross Road between Cranbourn Street and Cambridge Circus (stops J and M).
      There are also 3 bus stops located on Shaftesbury Avenue between Cambridge Circus and Piccadilly Circus (stops P, W and K). Bus routes 24, 29 and 176 travel along Charing Cross Road.
      It is also served by night bus routes N5, N20, N29, N41 and N279.
      Bus routes 14, 19 and 38 travel along Shaftesbury Avenue.
      It is also served by night bus routes N19 and N38.
      All London buses have ramped access and dedicated spaces for wheelchair users.
    • For more information on TfL: London Buses please click here (opens new tab).
  • By Underground View
    • The nearest underground station is Leicester Square (stepped) or Green Park (step-free).
    • Green Park is the nearest step-free station, within 0.6 miles of Chinatown.
      Green Park is served by the Jubilee, Piccadilly and Victoria lines.
      The accessible entrance to Green Park can be accessed via the park at the rear of the station building.
      Leicester Square Station is served by the Piccadilly and Northern Line Services.
      Piccadilly Circus Station is served by the Piccadilly and Bakerloo Line Services. Both stations are accessed via steps only.
      Leicester Square Underground Station is located on Charing Cross Road at the north-east corner of Leicester Square.
      There are a total of 4 access points/exits for the station.
      2 of the access points/exits are located on the east side of Charing Cross Road, 1 on the west side of Charing Cross Road, and the other located on the north side of Cranbourn Street.
      Access to and from Chinatown from the access point on the west side of Charing Cross Road does not involve a road crossing.
      Access to and from Chinatown from the access points/exits on the east side of Charing Cross Road and Cranbourn Street involves a busy road crossing.
    • For more information on TfL undergound please click here (opens new tab).
  • By Train View
  • By Road View
    • The roads within Chinatown are mostly pedestrianised, and are only used by loading vehicles during restricted hours.
      Charing Cross Road (A400) is located parallel to Chinatown between Cranbourn Street and Cambridge Circus.
      Charing Cross Road connects with Strand (A4) at its southern end.
      Charing Cross Road (A400) connects with Shaftesbury Avenue (A401) at Cambridge Circus which leads to Piccadilly Circus (A501) at its western end and New Oxford Street (A40) at its eastern end.
      Chiantown is in the Central London Congestion Charge Zone (charges apply Monday - Friday 07:00 -18:00).
      It is also in the Ultra Low Emission Zone (charges apply at all times for non-compliant vehicles).
    • For more information on London Traffic Information please click here (opens new tab).
    • Parking in the area is very limited and visitors are encouraged to use public transport.
      The nearest underground car park (Q-Park Chinatown) is located to the northern side of Newport Place.
      This is accessed by taking the turning onto Gerrard Place from Shaftesbury Avenue, and then a left turning towards the entrance to the north of Newport Place.
      There are 3 Blue Badge bays within this car park.
      The car park has lift access.
      There is an additional car park nearby, Q-Park Leicester Square, which is located off Whitcomb Street.
      There are 3 Blue Badge bays within this car park.
    • For more information on Blue Badge Scheme Parking in London please click here (opens new tab).
    • For more information on Q-Park Chinatown please click here (opens new tab).
    • For more information on Q-Park Leicester Square please click here (opens new tab).
    • London taxis can be hailed in any location or summoned by phone.
      There is a taxi rank on Wardour Street, Gerrard Place and on the west side of Charing Cross Road, between The Bear and Staff Pub and Barclays.
  • By River View
  • By Air View
    • The nearest airports to central London are London City Airport, London Gatwick and London Heathrow.
      London City Airport is connected to the centre by the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Bank or Tower Gateway, with interchanges to the rail and underground network at Canning Town and Stratford.
      From Gatwick Airport there are fast trains connecting to London Bridge Station.
      Heathrow Airport is connected by fast trains to Paddington Station and is also on the Piccadilly underground line.
    • For more information on travelling to London by air please click here (opens new tab).
  • Useful Links View

On Street Parking (Rupert Street)

  • There is a/are clearly signed and/or marked on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
  • The on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) is/are located on Gerrard Street.
  • The dimensions of the on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 200cm x 660cm (6ft 7in x 21ft 8in).
  • There are not parking charges for the on street Blue Badge parking bay(s).
  • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • Free parking for Blue Badge holders is for for a maximum of 4 hours, with no return within 1 hour only.
  • On Street Blue Badge Parking View
    • The Blue Badge bay is raised to be level with the pavement, however, if leaving the vehicle on the road-side, there is an 11cm high kerb and one-way traffic onto Rupert Street from Coventry Street.

General Accessibility (Charing Cross Road)

  • Paths and Pavements View
    • Charing Cross Road was surveyed from Cranbourn Street to the Cambridge Circus junction with Shaftesbury Avenue.
      The pavements are step-free, apart from minor level changes on either side of the junction with Little Newport Street, where the kerbs are not flush with the road (photograph 4).
      The surface of the pavements consists of flagstone/ stone slabs and asphalt.
      The path has a couple of slight slopes on the eastern side by access points.
      At the time of survey, the western side of the pavement had ongoing building works and scaffolding (November 2022).
    • The road has two-way traffic and it can become busy for both pedestrians and traffic at peak times.
      There are 2 signal-controlled crossings by Cranbourn Street and Litchfield Street, and an uncontrolled crossing by Great Newport Street/Newport Court.
      The Cambridge Circus junction is controlled and has 5 crossing points.
  • Street Furniture and Features View
    • There is no public seating/resting areas along Charing Cross Road.
      The lampposts and bins are placed to one side, so the pavement is suitably wide.
    • The majority of businesses along this part of Charing Cross Road do not have step-free entrances (photograph 8).
  • Maps and Signage View
    • There are TfL Legible London signs on the eastern side of Charing Cross Road at the Cambridge Circus junction.
      There is also a sign on the junction between Newport Court and Charing Cross Road.
      Circles on the TfL maps indicate the area within a 5 or 6 minute walk of the sign location.
      They are also orientated in the direction of travel.
  • Public Transport View
    • The nearest bus stops are located on Charing Cross Road (stops J on the eastern side and M on the western side).
      Bus Stop J is sheltered and has a perching bench.
    • The nearest taxi ranks are located on Wardour Street, Whitcomb Street or Charing Cross Road.
      The taxi rank located on the west side of Charing Cross Road, between Cranbourn Street and Irving Street, is outside the survey area.
    • The nearest underground station is Leicester Square, with an access point on the western side of the pavement by Cranbourn Street.
      The nearest step-free station is Green Park to the west.

Charing Cross Road - West Side (Leicester Square Underground Access Point)

  • There is an access point into Leicester Square Underground Station located on the west side of Charing Cross Road, between Cranbourn Street and Little Newport Street.
  • There is step-free access along Charing Cross Road between Leicester Square and this access point.
  • There is stepped access at the access point down to the station.
  • Charing Cross Road is not pedestrianised.
  • The pavement surface consists of flagstone paving.
  • There is a very slight slope along the length of Charing Cross Road.

Main Pedestrian Crossing(s) (Junction - Charing Cross Road with Cranbourn Street)

  • There are 3 crossing points at this junction.
    All 3 crossings have dropped kerbs and grey tactile paving on both sides.
  • The Charing Cross Road crossing point on the south side of the junction has a central island.
    The central island is flush with the road and is not marked with tactile paving.
    The crossing is intended to be crossed in 1 phase.
  • The road surface at all 3 crossings consists of coloured buff tarmac which contrasts with the grey road.
  • There is two-way traffic on Charing Cross Road.
    There is one-way traffic westbound on Cranbourn Street.
    There is written floor signage to indicate the direction of traffic at all 3 crossings.

Main Pedestrian Crossing(s) (Junction - Charing Cross Road with Litchfield Street)

  • There is 1 crossing point at this junction.
    The crossing has dropped kerbs which are flush with the road.
    There is tactile paving on both sides which is a buff colour.
    The dropped kerb has a steep slope.
  • The crossing point does not have a central reservation, so pedestrians cross in 1 phase.
  • The road surface at the crossing consists of a coloured buff tarmac which contrasts with the road.
    The road has a steep camber, raising to its highest point in the middle.
  • There is two-way traffic on Charing Cross Road.
    The road may be very busy at peak times.
    This is no written floor signage at the crossing.

Main Pedestrian Crossing(s) (Junction - Cambridge Circus - Charing Cross Road with Shaftesbury Avenue)

  • There are 5 crossing points at this junction.
    All 5 crossing points have dropped kerbs which are flush with the road surface.
    There is buff or grey tactile paving at the crossings.
    Some of the crossing points have slight or steep slopes whilst others are level.
  • There are 4 crossings across the north/south side of Charing Cross Road and the west/east side of Shaftesbury Avenue.
    There is also a diagonal crossing across the centre of Cambridge Circus.
    There are no central reservations as pedestrians cross in 1 phase.
  • The road surface at all 5 crossings consists of coloured buff tarmac which contrasts with the grey road.
  • There is two-way traffic on Charing Cross Road.
    There is two-way traffic on Shaftesbury Avenue.
    This is no written floor signage at any of the crossings.

General Accessibility (Shaftesbury Avenue)

  • Paths and Pavements View
    • The pavements are step-free and all of the uncontrolled and controlled crossings have dropped kerbs or pavements which are flush with the road.
      The surface of the pavements consists of stone slabs, block paving and glass block paving.
      Some of the pavements by the frontages of the private businesses have broken up and are uneven.
      There are a couple of block-paved loading bays which are raised to pavement level.
      Outside off-peak restricted loading hours, these can be used by pedestrians to combat congestion.
    • There is two-way traffic along Shaftesbury Avenue.
      The pavements and roads can become congested at peak times.
      There are 3 signal-controlled crossings over Shaftesbury Avenue, as well as an uncontrolled crossing by Gerrard Place and the controlled crossing at Cambridge Circus.
      The uncontrolled crossing has a central reservation without tactile paving as the road may be too busy to cross in 1 phase.
      There are 5 side streets with uncontrolled crossings and 2 controlled ones (on both sides).
  • Street Furniture and Features View
    • There are no public seating/resting areas along Shaftesbury Avenue.
      There are various mixed recycling bins, lampposts and signage placed to the sides of the pavements
      Due to their substantial width, these do not restrict access to under 150cm.
      There are various modern and traditional phone boxes along the street, however many are not functional.
      There are some businesses who have external seating placed on the pavement.
      Some of these do not have barriers, so pedestrians should take care of possible obstructions.
    • There is a mixture of stepped and step-free access to businesses along Shaftesbury Avenue.
  • Maps and Signage View
    • There are 4 TfL Legible London signage on the northern side by junctions, with one on the southern side of the road.
  • Public Transport View
    • There are 3 bus stops (P, W and K) along Shaftesbury Avenue, 2 on the southern side and 1 on the northern side.
      Only Bus Stop W is sheltered and has perching seats.
    • The nearest taxi ranks are located on Wardour Street, Whitcomb Street and Gerrard Place.
    • The nearest tube stations are Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square (from Charing Cross Road). The nearest step-free station is Green Park.

Main Pedestrian Crossing(s) (Junction - Shaftesbury Avenue with Dean/Macclesfield Street)

  • There is 1 crossing point at this junction.
    The crossing point has dropped kerbs which are flush with the road surface.
    There is grey tactile paving at the crossings which does not contrast with the paving.
    The crossing points have slight slopes.
  • The crossing point is located on the western side of the junction with Dean Street and Macclesfield Street.
    From the eastern side of the junctions, pedestrians use the uncontrolled crossings over the side streets to access it.
    These uncontrolled crossings do not have tactile paving (photographs 3-5).
    There is no central reservation as pedestrians cross in 1 phase.
  • The road surface at the crossings consists of tarmac, with painted squares on either side of the crossing area.
  • There is two-way traffic on Shaftesbury Avenue.
    This is no written floor signage at the crossing.

Main Pedestrian Crossing(s) (Junction - Shaftesbury Avenue with Wardour Street)

  • There are 4 crossing points at this junction.
    There are 2 controlled crossings either side of Wardour Street on Shaftesbury Avenue.
    There are also 2 controlled crossing points across Wardour Street to the north and south of Shaftesbury Avenue.
    The crossing points have dropped kerbs which are flush with the road surface.
    There is grey tactile paving on the crossings across Shaftesbury and buff tactile paving across the side roads. Neither contrast with the paving.
    Some of the crossing points have slight slopes.
  • The 4 crossings are not synchronised.
    There are no central reservations as pedestrians cross in 1 phase.
  • The road surface on 3 of the crossings consists of tarmac, with painted squares on either side of the crossing area.
    The road surface on the southern side of Wardour Street is block paved.
  • There is two-way traffic on Charing Cross Road.
    There is one-way traffic off Shaftesbury Avenue on the northern side of Wardour Street.
    There is one-way traffic onto Shaftesbury Avenue on the southern side.
    This is written floor signage at crossings over the side roads, but not over the main road.

Main Pedestrian Crossing(s) (Junction - Shaftesbury Avenue with Rupert Street)

  • There are 4 crossing points at this junction.
    There are 2 controlled crossings either side of Rupert Street on Shaftesbury Avenue.
    There are also 2 controlled crossing points across Rupert Street to the north and south of Shaftesbury Avenue (photographs 4 and 5). The crossing points have dropped kerbs which are flush with the road surface.
    There is buff tactile paving on all the crossings, however not all contrast with the paving.
    There is paving by the crossing on the northern side of Shaftesbury Avenue which may appear like steps for those with visual impairments (photograph 3).
    Some of the crossing points have slight slopes.
  • The 4 crossings are not synchronised.
    There are no central reservations as pedestrians cross in 1 phase.
  • The road surface of the crossings across Shaftesbury Avenue consists of tarmac, with painted squares on either side of the crossing area.
    The road surface on the northern side of Rupert Street is block paved and the southern side consists of a coloured buff tarmac which contrasts with the grey road.
  • There is two-way traffic on Charing Cross Road.
    There is one-way traffic off Shaftesbury Avenue on the northern side of Rupert Street.
    There is one-way traffic onto Shaftesbury Avenue on the southern side.
    This is written floor signage at crossings over the side roads, but not over the main road.

General Accessibility (Gerrard Place)

  • Paths and Pavements View
    • Gerrard Place is located on the southern side of Shaftesbury Avenue.
      The short street connects with Gerrard Street and Newport Place at its southern end.
      There are kerbs on either side of an access point on the eastern side and a 40cm wide level area by an access point on the western side.
      Therefore, there is no accessible step-free access to the streets to the south from the pavements (photographs 4-6).
      The surface of the pavements consists of asphalt.
      The road surface is block paved towards the junction with Gerrard Street.
      The signage and the road surface denote the start of the pedestrian zone.
    • There is two-way traffic to access the entrance to Q-Park Chinatown to the north of Newport Place.
      The crossing at the junction with Shaftesbury Avenue is uncontrolled.
  • Street Furniture and Features View
    • There is no public seating along Gerrard Place as it acts as a through-road to the main pedestrianised streets.
      There is minimal signage or other obstructions on the pavements.
    • There are 2 business entrances, one which is stepped and one which is step-free.
  • Maps and Signage View
    • There is no signage on Gerrard Place, with the nearest TfL Legible London sign located on Newport Court.
  • Public Transport View
    • The nearest bus stops are on Shaftesbury Avenue (P and W).
      Bus Stop W is sheltered and has perching benches.
    • The nearest taxi ranks are located on Wardour, Whitcomb Street or Charing Cross Road.
      There is a marked rank on Gerrard Place, however, this is often not occupied compared to the other areas with higher footfall.
    • The nearest underground station is Leicester Square with an access point on the western side of Charing Cross Road, by Cranbourn Street.
      The nearest step-free station is Green Park to the west.

General Accessibility (Gerrard Street)

  • Paths and Pavements View
    • Gerrard Street is one of the main pedestrianised streets within Chinatown, linking with Wardour Street to the west and Gerrard Place/ Newport Place to the east.
      Due to its pedestrianised nature, the areas to the sides of the street are occupied by external seating, signage and other obstructions.
      Pedestrians use the central block paved area.
    • There may be loading vehicles for businesses between 07:00 and 11:00, so pedestrians should take care during off-peak hours.
      There are large stone paving slabs to either side of the block-paved street.
      There are a few uneven areas of paving along its length.
      The area can become busy/congested during peak times.
  • Street Furniture and Features View
    • There is no public seating/resting areas along Charing Cross Road.
      There are many cafes and restaurants with external seating, placed to either side of the street.
      Some of the seating areas are not divided by barriers, so pedestrians should take care during peak hours.
      There are red bollards on either side of the street which are 80cm high and over 150cm apart with good colour contrast.
    • There are various open-top waste bins along the street.
      There are a few telephone boxes along the street, however most are not functional.
    • The majority of businesses along Gerrard Street have stepped access.
  • Maps and Signage View
    • There is no signage on Gerrard Street, with the nearest TfL Legible London sign located on Newport Court.
  • Public Transport View
    • The nearest bus stops are on Shaftesbury Avenue (P and W). Bus Stop W is sheltered and has perching benches.
    • The nearest taxi ranks are located on Wardour, Whitcomb Street or Charing Cross Road.
      There is a marked rank on Gerrard Place, however, this is often not occupied compared to the other areas with higher footfall.
    • The nearest underground station is either Piccadilly Circus or Leicester Square.
      Piccadilly Circus has an access point on Coventry Street, whilst Leicester Square has an access point on the western side of Charing Cross Road, by Cranbourn Street.
      The nearest step-free station is Green Park to the west.

General Accessibility (Macclesfield Street)

  • Paths and Pavements View
    • Macclesfield Street is a short part-pedestrianised street connecting Shaftesbury Avenue with Gerrard Street.
      The pavements leading to the Chinatown gate and signage denoting the pedestrianised area are step-free, however, there are 2 access points on either side of the street with kerbs that are not flush with the pavement, creating potential trip hazards (photographs 4 and 5).
      The surface of the pavements consists of stone slab paving and a small section of cobbles to one side of the eastern pavement.
      There is block paving where the pedestrian zone begins.
    • There is two-way traffic off/onto Shaftesbury Avenue, however no vehicles are allowed past the Chinatown gate.
      The crossing on the junction with Shaftesbury Avenue is uncontrolled.
  • Street Furniture and Features View
    • There is no public seating along Macclesfield Street as it acts as a through-road to the main pedestrianised streets.
      There are various signposts, lampposts, bins and trees along its length, but these do not obstruct the passage of pedestrians.
    • There are some businesses who may have external seating during peak months, however this was not the case at the time of survey (November 2022).
      The majority of businesses along Macclesfield Street have no step-free entrances.
  • Maps and Signage View
    • There is no signage on Macclesfield Street, with the nearest TfL Legible London sign located on Shaftesbury Avenue, by the junction with Wardour Street.
  • Public Transport View
    • The nearest bus stops are on Shaftesbury Avenue (P and W). Bus Stop W is sheltered and has perching benches.
    • The nearest taxi ranks are located on Wardour, Whitcomb Street or Charing Cross Road.
      There is a marked rank on Gerrard Place, however, this is often not occupied compared to the other areas with higher footfall.
    • The nearest underground station is either Piccadilly Circus or Leicester Square.
      Piccadilly Circus has an access point on Coventry Street, whilst Leicester Square has an access point on the western side of Charing Cross Road, by Cranbourn Street.
      The nearest step-free station is Green Park to the west.

General Accessibility (Wardour Street)

  • Paths and Pavements View
    • Wardour Street is a part-pedestrianised street between Whitcomb Street/Coventry Street to the south and Shaftesbury Avenue to the north.
      The pavements consist of stone paving slabs or block paving.
      The pedestrianised area can become busy during peak times.
    • There is two-way traffic until the Chinatown gate, with red bollards, block paving and signage denoting the beginning of the pedestrianised zone.
      There are no loading vehicles allowed from 11:00 to 22:00.
      Pedestrians should take care during off-peak hours.
      There is one-way traffic towards Shaftesbury Avenue for loading vehicles. There are signal-controlled crossings at the northern and southern ends of the street.
  • Street Furniture and Features View
    • There is no public seating/resting areas along Wardour Street.
      There are many cafes and restaurants with external seating, placed to either side of the street.
      Some of the seating areas are not divided by barriers so pedestrians should take care during peak hours.
      There are red bollards on either side of the street which are 80cm high and over 150cm apart with good colour contrast.
      There no waste bins along the street, however there are various A-board signs along the sides of the pedestrianised zone.
    • The majority of business have stepped access, with only 1 having signage and a bell for assistance.
      The bell is 121cm high.
      Waxy’s Little Sister is located on the corner with Lisle Street.
  • Maps and Signage View
    • There is a TfL Legible London sign close to the junction with Coventry Street.
  • Public Transport View
    • The nearest bus stops are on Shaftesbury Avenue (K and W). Bus Stop W is sheltered and has perching benches.
    • The nearest taxi rank is located towards the southern end of Wardour Street.
    • The nearest underground station is Piccadilly Circus.
      Piccadilly Circus has an access point on Coventry Street.
      The nearest step-free station is Green Park to the west.

Main Pedestrian Crossing(s) (Junction - Coventry Street with Whitcomb Street and Wardour Street)

  • There are 3 crossing points at this junction; Coventry Street, Whitcomb Street and Wardour Street.
    Whitcomb Street and Wardour Street crossings connect with Leicester Square (Swiss Court).
    There are dropped kerbs with tactile paving on all sides of the road at this junction.
  • The road surface is tarmac throughout.
  • There is one-way traffic at the crossings on Whitcomb Street and Coventry Street, and two-way traffic on Wardour Street.
    The floor signage indicates the direction of traffic, however, the markings on the Wardour Street crossing should say 'Look Both Ways'.

General Accessibility (Lisle Street)

  • Paths and Pavements View
    • Lisle Street is one the main pedestrianised streets within Chinatown, linking with Wardour Street to the west and Little Newport Street to the east.
      Lisle Street connects with Leicester Street, Leicester Place and Leicester Court on the southern side.
      The length of the street is step-free.
      The pavements are flush with the road.
      There may be loading vehicles for businesses between 00:00 and 11:00, so pedestrians should take care during off-peak hours.
      The loading vehicles travel one-way towards Wardour Street.
    • The area can become busy during peak times.
      The surface of the pavements consists of stone paving, with the central area consisting of block paving.
      The road surface is uneven in places.
  • Street Furniture and Features View
    • There are red bollards with good colour contrast to the sides of the street.
      They are 80cm high and are over 150cm apart.
      They divide the narrow pavement from the main pedestrianised area.
      Due to its pedestrianised nature, some areas to the sides of the street are occupied by external seating or signage.
      Most pedestrians use the central block paved area.
      There is no public seating/ resting areas along Lisle Street, but there are benches fixed to the planters on Leicester Street and Leicester Place.
    • The majority of businesses have stepped entrances.
      There are waste disposal bins along the length of Lisle Street.
  • Maps and Signage View
    • There is no signage on Lisle Street, with the nearest TfL Legible London sign located on Newport Court.
  • Public Transport View
    • The nearest bus stops are located on Charing Cross Road ( J on the eastern side and M on the western side).
      Bus Stop J is sheltered and has a perching bench.
    • The nearest taxi ranks are located on the southern side of Wardour Street.
    • The nearest underground station is Piccadilly Circus.
      Piccadilly Circus has an access point on Coventry Street.
      The nearest step-free station is Green Park to the west.

General Accessibility (Leicester Street)

  • Paths and Pavements View
    • Leicester Street runs between Lisle Street and Leicester Square.
      There is step-free access throughout Leicester Street.
      Leicester Street is pedestrianised.
      The pavement surface throughout this area is uneven in places and consists of flagstone paving and tarmac.
      There is a very slight slope along the length of Leicester Street.
    • The path can become very congested during busy periods throughout the day.
  • Street Furniture and Features View
    • There is limited seating/resting areas along Leicester Street.
      There are a couple of fixed bench seats on the planters to the north of the street.
      There is more seating located in Leicester Square, surrounding Leicester Square Gardens.
    • There are no waste disposal bins along Leicester Street.
      There are planters close to the junction with Lisle Street that have a minimum width of 110cm to pass through.
      There are bicycle racks placed to one side of the street.
    • Some restaurants along Leicester Street have enclosed external seating.
      M&M World has a belt barrier to the side of the street for queueing when busy.
      Some of these seating areas have bollards with fabric screens.
  • Maps and Signage View
    • The nearest Legible London wayfinding signs are located on Swiss Court, outside M&M World.
  • Public Transport View
    • The nearest bus stops are located on Coventry Street and Charing Cross Road.
    • The nearest taxi ranks are located on Wardour Street, Whitcomb Street and Charing Cross Road.
    • The nearest tube station is Leicester Square.
    • The nearest tube station access points are located on Charing Cross Road, accessed by steps. The nearest step-free station is Green Park to the west.

General Accessibility (Leicester Place)

  • Paths and Pavements View
    • Leicester Place runs between Lisle Street and Leicester Square.
      There is step-free access throughout Leicester Place.
      Leicester Place is pedestrianised.
      The pavement surface consists of flagstone paving.
      There is a slight slope along the length of Leicester Place.
  • Street Furniture and Features View
    • There are large planters close to the junction with Lisle Street, protecting the pedestrianised area and providing a resting point.
      There is a minimum width of 120cm to pass between them.
      Two of the steel boxes have bench seats, about 45cm high on one side.
    • There are no waste disposal bins available along Leicester Place.
    • Some restaurants have enclosed external seating areas with bollards and fabric screens.
      There are bike racks with and without visual identification bands to the sides and in front of one planter.
      Some have poor colour contrast so pedestrians should take care.
  • Maps and Signage View
    • The nearest Legible London wayfinding signs are located on Swiss Court, outside M&M World and outside the access point to Leicester Square Underground Station, on the east side of Charing Cross Road.
  • Public Transport View
    • The nearest bus stops are located on Coventry Street and Charing Cross Road.
    • The nearest taxi ranks are located on Wardour Street, Whitcomb Street and Charing Cross Road.
    • The nearest tube station is Leicester Square, with access points located on Charing Cross Road and Cranbourn Street (east side), accessed by steps. The nearest step-free station is Green Park to the west.

General Accessibility (Leicester Court)

  • Paths and Pavements View
    • Leicester Court runs between Little Newport Street/Lisle Street and Leicester Square.
      There is step-free access throughout Leicester Court.
      Leicester Court is pedestrianised.
      The pavement surface consists of block paving and glass block paving along some building edges.
      There is a slight slope along the length of Leicester Court.
  • Street Furniture and Features View
    • There is no seating/resting areas along Leicester Court.
      The nearest seating area is located in Leicester Square, surrounding Leicester Square Gardens.
    • There are no waste disposal bins available along Leicester Court.
      There are planters close to the junction with Leicester Square.
      There is a minimum width of 120cm to pass through.
  • Maps and Signage View
    • The nearest Legible London wayfinding signs are located on Newport Court or Swiss Court, outside M&M World.
  • Public Transport View
    • The nearest bus stops are located on Charing Cross Road (J and M). Only bus stop J is sheltered and has perched seating available.
    • The nearest taxi ranks are located on Wardour Street, Whitcomb Street and Charing Cross Road.
    • The nearest tube station is Leicester Square, with access points on Charing Cross Road and Cranbourn Street (east side), both accessed by steps. The nearest step-free station is Green Park to the west.

General Accessibility (Little Newport Street)

  • Paths and Pavements View
    • Little Newport Street is a pedestrian zone located to the east of Chinatown.
      It connects with Charing Cross Road to the east and Lisle Street to the west.
      There is step-free access along the pavements.
      The pavements consist of stone slab paving.
      The road is raised at the crossing point between Newport Place, Little Newport Street, Lisle Street and Leicester Court, so pedestrians can cross step-free.
    • There is two-way traffic, however, there are restricted hours for the loading vehicles.
      There should be no vehicles outside of 00:00 till 12:00.
      The crossing on the junction with Charing Cross Road is uncontrolled.
      There are bicycle racks placed in the street, close to the pavement on the northern side.
  • Street Furniture and Features View
    • There is no public seating/resting areas along the street.
      There are red bollards by the crossing between the 4 streets.
      They have good colour contrast, are 80cm high and have a minimum width of 115cm.
      There are no waste disposal bins along the street.
    • The shops on the northern side of the pavement have stepped access, but the Hippodrome Casino and KFC on the southern side of the street have step-free entrances.
      KFC also has a bell to call for assistance.
  • Maps and Signage View
    • There is a TfL Legible London sign on Newport Court.
  • Public Transport View
    • The nearest bus stops are located on Charing Cross Road (J on the eastern side and M on the western side).
      Bus Stop J is sheltered and has a perching bench.
    • The nearest taxi ranks are located on Wardour Street, Whitcomb Street or Charing Cross Road.
      The taxi rank located on the west side of Charing Cross Road, between Cranbourn Street and Irving Street.
    • The nearest underground station is Leicester Square with an access point on the western side of the pavement, by Cranbourn Street.
      The nearest step-free station is Green Park to the west.

General Accessibility (Newport Place)

  • Paths and Pavements View
    • Newport Place is a pedestrianised area connecting with Gerrard Street/ Place to the north and Newport Court/ Little Newport Street to the south.
      There are no pavements as it is a fully pedestrianised zone, however, there could still be loading vehicles during off peak times (07:00 to 11:00).
      The area can become congested/busy during peak times.
      The surface consists of block paving.
    • Q-Park Chinatown is located to the north of Newport Place.
      It is divided from the pedestrianised area by bollards, with vehicular access via Gerrard Place.
  • Street Furniture and Features View
    • There are picnic benches located centrally to Newport Place, with 70cm high knee recesses on each end.
      There are various open-top waste disposal bins in the area.
      There are various cafés/ restaurants to either side which have external seating areas.
      Some of these seating areas may not be clearly divided by barriers.
    • The majority of business have stepped access.
      There are red bollards at the northern and southern ends of the area.
      These are 80cm high and have a minimum width of 115cm.
  • Maps and Signage View
    • There is a TfL Legible London sign on Newport Court.
  • Public Transport View
    • The nearest bus stops are located on Charing Cross Road (J on the eastern side and M on the western side).
      Bus Stop J is sheltered and has a perching bench.
    • The nearest taxi ranks are located on Wardour Street, Whitcomb Street or Charing Cross Road.
      The taxi rank located on the west side of Charing Cross Road is between Cranbourn Street and Irving Street.
    • The nearest underground station is Leicester Square with an access point on the western side of the pavement, by Cranbourn Street.
      The nearest step-free station is Green Park to the west.

General Accessibility (Newport Court)

  • Paths and Pavements View
    • Newport Court is a pedestrianised alley linking Charing Cross Road with Newport Place.
      There is an uncontrolled crossing over Charing Cross Road by Newport Court.
      The area can become busy during peak times.
      The surface consists of block paving, with a slight slope towards the centre of Newport Place.
  • Street Furniture and Features View
    • There is no public seating/ resting areas in Newport Court.
      There are a few cafés/ restaurants with external seating.
      They are not divided by barriers and pedestrians should take care.
      There are A-boards, shop stalls and ongoing works which narrow the area, causing congestion at peak times.
      There are no waste disposal bins.
    • The businesses on the northern side are all step-free, whilst the ones on the southern side have stepped access.
  • Maps and Signage View
    • There is a TfL Legible London sign in Newport Court, by the junction with Charing Cross Road.
  • Public Transport View
    • The nearest bus stops are located on Charing Cross Road (J on the eastern side and M on the western side).
      Bus Stop J is sheltered and has a perching bench.
    • The nearest taxi ranks are located on Wardour Street, Whitcomb Street or Charing Cross Road.
      The taxi rank located on the west side of Charing Cross Road is between Cranbourn Street and Irving Street.
    • The nearest underground station is Leicester Square with an access point on the western side of the pavement, by Cranbourn Street.
      The nearest step-free station is Green Park to the west.

General Accessibility (Rupert Street)

  • Paths and Pavements View
    • Rupert Street is located to the west of Chinatown and connects with Shaftesbury Avenue to the north and Coventry Street to the south.
      There is a controlled crossing at the northern junction and an uncontrolled crossing at the southern junction.
      The pavements are step-free, however there are slight and steep slopes along its length.
      The surface consists of flagstone/ stone slabs and asphalt.
    • Rupert Court links Rupert Street with Wardour Street.
      It is located by the blue posts.
      There is a steep slope, uneven paving and various stepped shops along its length (photographs 8 and 9).
    • The street has one-way traffic from Coventry Street to Shaftesbury Avenue.
      There are loading bays and also 1 Blue Badge bay on the eastern side of the street.
      They are all raised to pavement level, increasing the width when not in use.
  • Street Furniture and Features View
    • There are no public seating/resting areas along Rupert Street.
      There are a few businesses with external seating areas along the street.
      There are no waste disposal bins along the road.
      Signage is wall-mounted or placed against the wall to maximise the pavement width.
    • Most businesses have stepped access, however there are a few step-free shops.
      Waxy O’Connor’s is a shop with a bell and signage to ask for assistance. The bell is 95cm high.
  • Maps and Signage View
    • There is a TfL Legible London sign on Wardour Street, close to the junction with Coventry Street.
  • Public Transport View
    • The nearest bus stops are located on Coventry Street or Shaftesbury Avenue.
      The bus stop on Coventry Street does not have a shelter or perching seat.
      Bus Stop W on Shaftesbury Avenue does have a shelter.
    • The nearest taxi ranks are located on Wardour Street or Coventry Street.
    • The nearest underground station is Piccadilly Circus, with an access point on the northern side of Coventry Street.
      The nearest step-free station is Green Park to the west.