Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

Search for accessible places to go

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Covent Garden - Central Non-pedestrianised Streets

Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8RF

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Overview (Covent Garden)

  • This Access Guide covers the Covent Garden area, including the pedestrianised Piazza around the Market Building and James Street, the surrounding streets bounded by Shelton Street to the north, Drury Lane to the east, Maiden Lane and Tavistock Street to the south and Bedford Street, Garrick Street and Upper St Martin's Lane to the west.
    The area is approximately 500 metres north to south and approximately 600 metres east to west to the extremes.
    The constantly changing nature of the area may mean that the on-street conditions vary from the description in this Access Guide.
    The Access Guide survey was undertaken in November 2022 and updated in April 2024.
    For detailed information about the Covent Garden Market Building please click here (new tab).
    Notable buildings in the area include The Covent Garden Market Building, including the Apple Market, the Jubilee Market, the Royal Opera House on Bow Street, St Paul's Church, The Theatre Royal, The Fortune Theatre, the London Transport Museum and the London Film Museum.
    The area is noted for a variety of high end fashion boutiques, perfume stores, jewellery stores and similar retail outlets together with restaurants and cafés, many with outside or pavement seating areas.
  • This guide is divided into three areas:
    1. Covent Garden - Central Pedestrianised Streets.
    2. Covent Garden - Central Non-pedestrianised Streets.
    3. Covent Garden - North.
    The guides include information for the following streets:
    1. Covent Garden - Central Pedestrianised Streets;
    - Covent Garden Piazza (new tab)
    - Tavistock Court (new tab)
    - James Street (new tab)
    - Tavistock Street (new tab)
    - Maiden Lane(new tab)
    - Southampton Street (new tab)
    - Henrietta Street (new tab)
    - Rose Street / Lazenby Court (new tab)
    - King Street (new tab)
    2. Covent Garden - Central Non-pedestrianised Streets;
    - Garrick Street - Bedford Street (new tab)
    - Floral Street (new tab)
    - Floral Court (new tab)
    - Conduit Court / Banbury Court / Langley Court/ Hanover Place (new tab)
    - Wellington Street – Bow Street (new tab)
    - Russell Street (new tab)
    - Crown Court / Martlett Court / Broad Court (new tab)
    - Drury Lane (new tab)
    3. Covent Garden - North;
    - Long Acre (new tab)
    - Upper St Martin's Lane (new tab)
    - Mercer Street (new tab)
    - Langley Street (new tab)
    - Neal Street (new tab)
    - Endell Street (new tab)
    - Arne Street and Dryden Street (new tab)
    - Shelton Street (new tab) together with side streets, passageways, and pedestrianised areas.
    Other West End shopping areas are covered in their own separate guides, including Regent Street and New Bond Street, Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus, Carnaby and Leicester Square.
  • As this is a popular tourist destination, the streets around Covent Garden can be busy and some areas particularly congested which may be daunting for some people.
    The Piazza and Market Hall are known for street performers and musicians and many shops in the area also play music. This means that the area can be both vibrant but noisy, particularly around the Jubilee Market.
    The mixture of shopping and restaurants mean that during normal shopping hours the area can be busy, with restaurants and bars staying opening until the late evening hours.
  • The central pedestrianised area, including Covent Garden Piazza, James Street, King Street and Floral Street has cobbled or block paving.
    Elsewhere there is a mixture of stone and concrete slabs or tarmac to pavements, with tarmac to streets and block paving at crossings. In places this traditional paving can be worn or uneven, which may be a slip or trip hazard to those with mobility problems.
  • There are a number of Legible London wayfinding maps at key road intersections.
    Other than James Street and around The Piazza and Market Building, there is generally a lack of public seating, however, many cafés, bars and restaurants have outside seating.
  • The main methods of getting to Covent Garden include tube, mainline train, bus or taxi.
    The nearest underground station is Covent Garden which is central to the area. However, there is stepped access only to the platforms, similarly with the next nearest tube stations, Leicester Square and Charing Cross.
    The nearest step-free station is Tottenham Court Road to the north west of Covent Garden, approximately 1km from the Market Hall, 15 minutes walk away.
    The nearest mainline train station is Charing Cross, to the south of Covent Garden, approximately 550 metres (0.3 miles) from the Market Hall, 7 minutes away.
    There are bus stops on The Strand at the south end of Southampton Street.
    Additional bus stops may be found in Charing Cross Road near Leicester Square tube station.
    There is a taxi rank in Russell Street just off the East Piazza.
  • Parking in the area, particularly on-street parking, is limited and visitors are encouraged to use public transport.
    There are public car parks in Shelton Street (attendant parking), Q-Park Covent Garden in St Martin's Lane, NCP London Covent Garden in Parker Street off Drury Lane and Q-Park Chinatown in Newport Place.
    On-street Blue Badge parking bays may be found in Bow Street, Floral Street, Long Acre and Tavistock Street, subject to any access restrictions.
    Additional Blue Badge bays are just outside the area on Tavistock Street and Wellington Street.
    Pay by Phone standard parking may be found in Southampton Street, Tavistock Street, Maiden Lane, Russell Street, Wellington Street, Drury Lane and Shelton Street.
  • There is an accessible toilet in Tavistock Court, at the side of the Jubilee Market.
    There are female and male public toilets in the West Piazza by St Paul's, in the pedestrianised area of Covent Garden. These have stepped access only.
    There are additional privately run public toilets within the Market Building in the Lower South Hall, operated by "2theloo".
  • To view the Access Guide for Covent Garden - Central Pedestrianised Streets please click here (new tab)..
  • To view the Access Guide for Covent Garden - Central Non-pedestrianised Streets please click here (new tab)..
  • To view the Access Guide for Covent Garden - North please click here (new tab)..

Related West End Venues (Attractions, Parking, Transport, Hotels)

Related West End Venues (Shopping, Eating and Drinking, and Other Services)

Getting Here (Covent Garden)

On Street Parking (Floral 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 Floral Street, east of the James Street intersection.
  • There are not parking charges for the on street Blue Badge parking bay(s).
  • Payment signs are provided.
  • Payment signs are clearly presented.
  • Payment term signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
  • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • Free parking for Blue Badge holders is for 4 hours only.
  • On Street Blue Badge Parking View
    • The bays can only be accessed by vehicle via Bow Street as James Street has a roadblock in place.
  • Comments View
    • There is standard pay by phone parking for motorcycles only between James Street and Bow Street.
  • Comments View
    • There is standard pay by phone parking for motorcycles only between James Street and Bow Street.

On Street Parking (Bow 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 Bow Street, halfway between Russell Street and Long Acre.
  • There are not parking charges for the on street Blue Badge parking bay(s).
  • Payment signs are provided.
  • Payment signs are clearly presented.
  • Payment term signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
  • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • Free parking for Blue Badge holders is for 4 hours only.
  • On Street Blue Badge Parking View
    • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving onto the pavement by the Blue Badge bays.
      There is space for approximately 4 vehicles at this location.
  • On Street Standard Parking View
    • Standard on street parking is available.
    • The on street standard parking bay(s) is/are located on Bow Street.
    • Standard Pay by Phone parking bays are available opposite the Royal Opera House near Russell Street, and further down the hill on Wellington Street.

On Street Parking (Long Acre)

  • The on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) is/are located on Long Acre, east of the Bow Street / Endell Street intersection.
  • The dimensions of the on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 185cm x 500cm (6ft 1in x 16ft 5in).
  • There are not parking charges for the on street Blue Badge parking bay(s).
  • Payment signs are provided.
  • Payment signs are clearly presented.
  • Payment term signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
  • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • Free parking for Blue Badge holders is for 4 hours only.
  • Comments View
    • Other parking on Long Acre is either resident parking or loading only.

On Street Parking (Covent Garden Area - Standard Pay by Phone)

  • On Street Standard Parking View
    • Standard on street parking is available.
    • The on street standard parking bay(s) is/are located on Drury Lane, Maiden Lane, Tavistock Street, Russell Street, Southampton Street (car and motorcycles), Garrick Street, Shelton Street and Floral Street (motorcycles only).
  • Comments View
    • Both standard car and motorbike parking bays are chargeable.
    • To use Park by Phone you need to register and pay.
    • You will need the parking location, duration of parking, credit or debit card details and car/motorcycle registration number.
    • Payment may then be made by phone, Ringo app or text (pre-registered users only)
    • For more information on using pay by phone Pay to Park bays please click here (opens new tab) .
    • Maximum parking is 4 hours and no return within 1 hour.
    • Blue Badge holders may use standard bays on payment of the appropriate fee but are also entitled to an additional hour extended parking for free.

General Accessibility (Garrick Street - Bedford Street)

  • Paths and Pavements View
    • Garrick Street and Bedford Street are located to the west of Covent Garden and run north to south.
      Garrick Street runs from the St Martin's Circus crossroads at the end of Long Acre to the end of King Street where it becomes Bedford Street.
      Bedford Street then continues south to connect to The Strand.
      This guide covers the section from Long Acre to Maiden Lane which is approximately 0.27km (0.17 miles) long and has a slight slope for its full length.
      It is intersected by King Street / New Row / Maiden Lane / Chandos Place.
      Garrick Street gives access to Floral Street and Rose Street.
      Bedford Street gives access to the St. Paul's Church gardens and Bedford Court.
      Traffic is two-way between Long Acre and Maiden Lane, where it then continues one-way south to The Strand.
      Parking is mainly resident only, with some standard Pay by Phone parking between Rose Street and Floral Street, and between Maiden Lane / Chandos Place and The Strand.
      There are 2 solo motorcycle Pay by Phone sections in Bedford Street and Garrick Street.
    • The roadway is tarmacked.
      The pavements are mainly tarmacked, with flagstones in part at the end of Maiden Lane, between King Street and Rose Street, at the end of New Row, and at Long Acre. The paving is uneven in places and glass tiles in front of some shops and cafés may be slippery when wet.
      At Floral Street there are level kerbs without tactile paving to the east pavement crossing. The crossing is cobbled, uneven and there is a steep cross fall toward the street. There is a boundary bollard to each corner that is unmarked, but which contrasts with the pavement.
      At Rose Street there are level kerbs without tactile paving to the east pavement crossing. The crossing is cobbled, uneven and there is a slight cross fall toward the street. There is a lamppost to the north corner that sits centrally to the pavement.
      The St Paul's Church gardens entrance is unmarked and has a dropped kerb to the street and a cross fall to the pavement.
      At the intersection of Maiden Lane / Chandos Place with Bedford Street, there are dropped kerbs without tactile paving across Maiden Lane and Chandos Place. There are cobbles on the Maiden Lane crossing.
      The crossings across Bedford Street north and south of this intersection has medium kerbs with no dropped kerb.
    • There is a tapered step outside the public house on the corner of Maiden Lane and Bedford Street that is not clearly marked.
      A garage access point on the west pavement of Bedford Street has a ramp across with tapered kerbs across the pavement.
  • Street Furniture and Features View
    • On Bedford Street there are lampposts and signposts to the kerb side on both pavements, and café seating and planters on the east pavement without any barriers.
      On Garrick Street there are lampposts, signposts and trees to both pavements north of King Street, and café seating on both pavements.
      Outside Bedford Court the pavement widens, with a lamppost in the centre of the pavement.
      There are bollards on Bedford Street to the kerb edge where the pavement widens on the west pavement just south of New Row, and to both pavements on Garrick Street between King Street / New Row and Rose Street.
    • There are bike stands where the pavement widens on Bedford Street at the corner of Maiden Lane, at the end of Bedford Court, at the corner of King Street and on Garrick Street on the east pavement at the Long Acre end.
      Visitors should be advised that it is not uncommon for bicycles to be locked up against signposts and railings throughout the area, with some signposts are actually designed for this.
    • At the Long Acre end of Garrick Street there is café seating and advert hoarding on the east pavement, adjacent to the bike stands. These reduce the width of the pavement without barriers or markings.
      At the corner of New Row and Garrick Street the pavement is widened for the crossing. There are bollards at kerb edges and a tree and post box in the centre of the widened pavement which reduce the width.
  • Maps and Signage View
    • There is a Legible London wayfinding map at the corner of King Street and Garrick Street, at the corner of New Row and Garrick Street, and at the corner Maiden Lane with Bedford Street.
  • Public Transport View
    • The nearest bus stops at the Bedford Street end are on The Strand.
      The nearest bus stops at the Garrick Street end are in Charing Cross Road by Leicester Square.
    • There is a taxi rank in Russell Street.
    • The nearest tube stations are Covent Garden or Leicester Square; however, these stations have stepped access to platforms.
      The nearest step-free tube station is Tottenham Court Road, approximately 1km (0.6 miles) or 12 minutes walk away.

Main Pedestrian Crossing(s) (Bedford Street / Garrick Street - King Street / New Row Crossroads)

  • There are four crossings at this crossroads:
    (1) Bedford Street zebra crossing (south).
    (2) King Street (east).
    (3) Garrick Street (north).
    (4) New Row (west).
    All kerbs are level and the crossings raised at the intersection.
    There is tactile paving to both pavements for the Bedford Street zebra crossing.
    There is no tactile paving to other crossings.
  • The road surface to the Bedford Street crossing is tarmac with faded white zebra crossing markings.
    There is block paving to the King Street crossing.
    The road surface to the New Row and Garrick Street crossing is tarmac, with no markings. It is advised that pedestrians use the Bedford Street zebra crossing when crossing east / west.
  • Traffic is two-way on Bedford Street and Garrick Street.
    Traffic is two-way on King Street, however, access is limited to non-pedestrianised hours (23:00 - 10:00) and the width of access limited to a single vehicle when opened.
    During the day there is no traffic on King Street, although vehicles tend to pull in at this location.
    Traffic on New Row is two-way.
  • There are no visual or audio signals at this intersection.

Main Pedestrian Crossing(s) (St Martin's Circus - Garrick Street / Long Acre / Upper St Martin's Lane)

  • St Martin's Circus is a busy crossroads with Long Acre, Garrick Street, St Martin's Lane, Cranbourn Street and Great Newport Street all meeting at this point.
    All pavements have dropped kerbs and tactile paving.
  • The road surface on all crossings is tarmac with crossings marked by white dashed lines to either side.
  • There are 6 roads at this busy junction: Long Acre, Garrick Street, Upper St Martin's Lane, St Martin's Lane, Cranbourn Street and Great Newport Street.
    This guide focuses on the first three which can be used to access different parts of Covent Garden.
    Garrick Street is two lanes wide with two-way traffic, and without a central island.
    Long Acre is one lane wide with one-way eastbound traffic away from the crossroads.
    Upper St Martin's Lane is two lanes wide with one-way traffic southbound toward the crossroads.
    The other three streets at the crossroads are all one lane wide with one-way traffic: Great Newport Street eastbound toward the junction, Cranbourne Street westbound away from the crossroads and St Martin's Lane southbound away from the crossroads.
  • All crossings featured visual signals with push button.
    The button heights are all between 100 and 105cm high.
    There were no rotating cones or audio signals.

General Accessibility (Floral Street)

  • Paths and Pavements View
    • Floral Street is located to the north of Covent Garden and runs west to east, one-way, from Garrick Street to Bow Street.
      Vehicular traffic is blocked where it meets James Street, so access to the Blue Badge bays is via Bow Street.
      It is crossed by Rose Street and James Street, and gives access to Floral Court and Lazenby Court passageways on the south side, and Conduit Court, Banbury Court, Langley Court and Hanover Place passageways on the north side.
      Floral Street is approximately 340 metres long and has a slight sloped gradient from Garrick Street to Conduit Court / Floral Court and is then level through to Bow Street.
      There are two sections which differ in characteristic: Garrick Street to James Street and James Street to Bow Street.
      There is no parking between Garrick Street and James Street.
      Between James Street and Bow Street there are 3 Blue Badge bays, Pay by Phone motorcycle parking and resident parking.
      During special occasions or during exceptional circumstances, Floral Street may be closed to traffic and pedestrianised between 11:00 and 23:00.
    • Between Garrick Street and James Street, the roadway is cobbled, with flagstones on the pavements.
      There are level kerbs without tactile paving, and the edge of the pavements are marked by bollards.
      The cobbles are uneven, but blockwork in places form easier crossings at passageways. The flagstones to the pavements are uneven in places.
      At the Garrick Street end there are level kerbs without tactile paving to the crossing.
      The crossings at the James Street intersection are level to all sides. There is blockwork at the intersection and to all crossings.
      James Street is pedestrianised on the south side permanently, and between 11:00 and 23:00 during special occasions or during exceptional circumstances.
      Between James Street and Bow Street the road and pavements are tarmacked with medium kerbs.
      The tarmac on both road and pavements is patched and uneven in places.
      There are glass tiles on the north pavement which may be slippery when wet.
      At the Bow Street end there are dropped kerbs without tactile paving to both pavements.
    • The Rose Street junction has level kerbs and cobbles to all four sides, with bollards to the north pavement.
      The south side is an exit for service vehicles only, while the north side is a pedestrian passageway.
  • Street Furniture and Features View
    • Bollards line both pavements between Garrick Street and James Street.
      There are also planters against the walls to many shops. Together, these narrow both pavements to between 80cm and 130cm.
    • Between James Street and Bow Street, bollards, lampposts and bins reduce the pavement width.
      There is a red standard telephone box on the corner of James Street.
      As with much of this area, bicycles may be locked to signs or railings, reducing pavement widths.
    • Advertisement boards on the narrow pavements can reduce widths if positioned poorly.
      There may also be café and restaurant seating, notably by James Street and Floral Court, with both areas being marked off by post and rope barriers.
  • Maps and Signage View
    • There are no directional signs or maps in Floral Street apart from street and shop signs.
      The nearest maps are in Garrick Street or James Street.
  • Public Transport View
    • The nearest bus stops at the Bow Street end are on The Strand.
      The nearest bus stops at the Garrick Street end are in Charing Cross Road by Leicester Square.
    • There is a taxi rank in Russell Street.
    • The nearest tube stations are Covent Garden or Leicester Square; however, these stations have stepped access to platforms.
      The nearest step-free tube station is Tottenham Court Road approximately 1km (0.6 miles) or 12 minutes walk away.

General Accessibility (Floral Court)

  • Paths and Pavements View
    • Floral Court is a passageway and courtyard linking Floral Street and King Street, noted for its courtyard restaurants.
      It is approximately 52 metres long and there is a steep slope up with a handrail on the left from King Street to the courtyard.
      There is a slight slope with a handrail on the left from the courtyard up to Floral Street.
      There is a slope down towards King Street.
    • The passageway and courtyard are paved with tiles which have dark banding that could potentially cause issues for those with a visual impairment.
      The pathway through the courtyard is lined with planters.
  • Street Furniture and Features View
    • There is some public seating in the courtyard as well as in the restaurants, this includes benches without armrests.
      At the Floral Street entrance there is café seating on the pavement.
      The courtyard has many planters, bushes and trees to the seating areas and lining the passageway through.
  • Maps and Signage View
    • The courtyard is clearly signed above the entrance and with on-street signs.
  • Public Transport View
    • The nearest bus stops are in Charing Cross Road.
      There are also bus stops on The Strand.
    • There is a taxi rank in Russell Street.
    • The nearest tube stations are Covent Garden or Leicester Square; however, these stations have stepped access to platforms.
      The nearest step-free tube station is Tottenham Court Road approximately 1km (0.6 miles) or 12 minutes walk away.

General Accessibility (Conduit Court / Banbury Court / Langley Court / Hanover Place)

  • Paths and Pavements View
    • There are four pedestrian passageways between Long Acre and Floral Street, Conduit Court, Banbury Court, Langley Court and Hanover Place.
      All run north to south and have a slight sloped gradient up from Floral Street.
      They are between 35 and 50 metres long.
      They all have flagstone paving that is uneven in places, with metalwork and glass block flooring in places that may be slippery when wet.
  • Street Furniture and Features View
    • Conduit Court is partially covered with an arched walkway with light and mirror installations to the walls. This could cause issues or disorientation for those with a visual impairment.
    • Conduit Court, Langley Court and Hanover Place have businesses that may have seating, rope and post barriers or planters outside.
      There is some low bench seating in Conduit Court by the exit from the covered section.
      In Hanover Place, there is a low wall mounted restaurant sign near the Long Acre end that is 130cm from ground level.
      Hanover Place is also narrowed by large commercial bins.
    • There are no Legible London wayfinding maps.
    • The nearest Legible London wayfinding maps are located in Long Acre.
  • Public Transport View
    • There are no bus stops near these passageways.
    • The nearest taxi rank is in Russell Street.
    • The nearest tube station is Covent Garden; however, this station has stepped access to platforms.
      The nearest step-free tube station is Tottenham Court Road approximately 1km (0.6 miles) or 12 minutes walk away.

General Accessibility (Wellington Street - Bow Street)

  • Paths and Pavements View
    • Wellington Street and Bow Street are located to the east of Covent Garden and run north to south.
      Wellington Street is two-way running south from the Russell Street crossroads to Tavistock Street and then continues south, terminating in a turning point and pedestrian access at The Strand, opposite Waterloo Bridge.
      Bow Street is two-way running north from the Russell Street crossroads to the Long Acre crossroads. The road continues north as Endell Street.
      This guide covers the section from Tavistock Street to Long Acre which is approximately 270 metres long and has a slight slope north to south for its full length.
      It is intersected by Tavistock Street, Russell Street and Long Acre.
      Floral Street gives access to Bow Street from the west. There is pedestrian access to Bow Street from Drury Lane, Russell Street and Long Acre via Martlett Court, Broad Court and Crown Court.
      Parking is mixed with Blue Badge bays in Bow Street and some standard Pay by Phone parking in Wellington Street. There is an additional Blue Badge bay in Tavistock Street, just to the east of its crossroads with Wellington Street.
    • The roadway is tarmacked.
      The pavements are mainly flagstone with tarmac to the west pavement on Wellington Street. The paving is uneven in places and glass tiles in front of some buildings may be slippery when wet.
      At Tavistock Street, there are dropped kerbs without tactile paving to each corner at crossings. Crossings are unmarked.
      On the west pavement (left as you look from Tavistock Street north towards Russell Street) in Wellington Street there is a tarmacked garage access point across the pavement, with tapered kerbs to each end.
      At Russell Street, there are level kerbs with tactile paving to the zebra crossing across Wellington Street and to the west pavement crossing. There are level kerbs without tactile paving to the east crossing. Both east and west crossings have block paving that is uneven in places. Please see the separate section for details of this crossing.
    • On the west pavement in Bow Street, there is a ramped tarmac garage access point across the pavement, with dropped kerbs to each end.
      There are tapered steps outside the Royal Opera House on the west pavement, and a cobbled dropping off point at the kerb edge with tapered and level kerbs without tactile paving.
      There are dropped kerbs without tactile paving to the crossing at the end of Floral Street, with one-way traffic from the west toward Bow Street.
      There is a zebra crossing at Broad Court, with dropped kerbs and tactile on both pavements. The dropped kerb to the west pavement has a steep slope.
      At Long Acre the crossing across Bow Street has level kerbs without tactile paving, with unmarked bollards to both pavements. For details of this crossing with Long Acre and Endell Street please see the separate section.
  • Street Furniture and Features View
    • Lampposts, signposts, and bins reduce the width of pavements. These are mostly unmarked, but contrast with the paving.
      On the west pavement at the Tavistock Street end of Wellington Street, railings reduce the width of the pavement.
      On the east pavement of Wellington Street and similarly in Bow Street, café seating without any barriers and advertisement boards reduce the width. Pedestrians with visual impairment may find this a problem.
    • Visitors should be advised that it is not uncommon for bicycles to be locked up against signposts and railings throughout the area, with some signposts actually designed for this.
  • Maps and Signage View
    • There is a Legible London wayfinding map at the corner of Bow Street and Russell Street.
  • Public Transport View
    • The nearest bus stops are on The Strand.
    • There is a taxi rank in Russell Street.
    • The nearest tube station is Covent Garden; however, the station has stepped access to platforms.
      The nearest step-free tube station is Tottenham Court Road approximately 1km (0.6 miles) or 12 minutes walk away.

General Accessibility (Russell Street)

  • Paths and Pavements View
    • Russell Street is located to the east of the Covent Garden and connects Drury Lane to the East Piazza. It is approximately 200 metres long.
      It is crossed by Wellington Street / Bow Street running north to south.
      Catherine Street gives access from the south linking to The Strand.
      Traffic is two-way between Drury Lane and Catherine Street, then one-way from Catherine Street west to the Wellington Street / Bow Street crossroads.
      It is then two-way with a turning point at the East Piazza.
      The roadway is tarmacked and pavements flagstones that are uneven in places.
      There are block paving crossings with level kerbs across Russell Street at the intersection with Bow Street / Wellington Street, a zebra crossing across Wellington Street and a level kerb crossing across Bow Street. Please see the separate Main Pedestrian Crossing section below for details.
      Parking is a mixture of resident parking only, loading only and standard Pay by Phone parking.
    • There are dropped kerbs without tactile paving on the south pavement (left looking towards Covent Garden) at the Catherine Street junction. The tarmac to the crossing is cracked and uneven.
      Between Catherine Street and Wellington Street the south pavement is paved with flagstones laid to a slight slope towards the cafés.
      Between Wellington Street and the East Piazza the south pavement is flagstone paved, and uneven in places. There are metal access hatches and glass pavement tiles that may be slippery when wet. The pavement is narrowed to 110cm by railings around a basement well and a lamppost outside Tuttons Café.
    • There is a garage access point on the north pavement opposite the Catherine Street junction. The kerbs are level, and the access is paved with tarmac.
      Between the garage access point and Bow Street, the pavement is flagstones.
      There are glass pavement tiles outside what is currently a betting shop. These can be slippery when wet.
      Between Bow Street and the East Piazza the north pavement is flagstone paved and narrowed by temporary hoardings adjacent to the Royal Opera House Arcade and café seating.
      There is a blocked paved turning point with level kerbs in front of the barrier bollards at the end of the street at the East Piazza.
  • Street Furniture and Features View
    • At the East Piazza and Royal Opera House Arcade the access is marked by bollards, planters and barrows. The bollards are black and not well marked, but contrast with the paving.
      The planters reduce space between the bollards, however, there is a wider space for access to either side.
    • There are lampposts and signposts to the kerb side on both pavements, and trees to the north pavement adjacent to the Royal Opera House.
      There are bike stands on both corners of the intersection on the west side, together with a post box on the Wellington Street corner.
      Visitors should be advised that it is not uncommon for bicycles to be locked up against signposts and railings throughout the area.
      There are bollards at the intersection crossing on the east side.
    • There is café and restaurant / bar seating on pavements and planters to business doorways.
  • Maps and Signage View
    • There is a Legible London wayfinding map at the corner of Russell Street and Bow Street.
  • Public Transport View
    • The nearest bus stops are on The Strand near the end of Drury Lane and Catherine Street, approximately 2 minutes walk away.
      The bus stop in Russell Street was suspended at the time of survey.
    • There is a taxi rank in Russell Street opposite The Piazza entrance.
      This is the main taxi rank for the Covent Garden pedestrianised area and the Market Building.
    • The nearest tube station is Covent Garden; however, this station has stepped access to platforms.
      The nearest strep-free tube station is Tottenham Court Road approximately 1km (0.6 miles) or 12 minutes walk away.

Main Pedestrian Crossing(s) (Russell Street - Bow Street / Wellington Street Crossroads)

  • There are four crossings at this crossroads:
    (1) Wellington Street zebra crossing (south).
    (2) Russell Street - Drury Lane side (east).
    (3) Bow Street (north).
    (4) Russell Street - Covent Garden side (west).
    All kerbs are level and the crossings raised at the crossroads.
    There is tactile paving to both pavements for the Wellington Street zebra crossing, and to both pavements to the Russell Street west crossing on the Covent Garden side.
    There is no tactile paving to Russell Street east crossing or to the Bow Street crossing.
  • The road surface to the Wellington Street zebra crossing is tarmac with white faded zebra crossing markings.
    There is block paving that is uneven in places to both of the Russell Street crossings.
    There is tarmac to the Bow Street crossing but no markings. It is advised that pedestrians use the Wellington Street zebra crossing when crossing east / west.
  • Traffic is two-way in Wellington Street / Bow Street.
    Traffic is two-way in Russell Street between the crossroads and Covent Garden Piazza with a turning point at the Piazza.
    Traffic is one-way in Russell Street from the Drury Lane direction between Catherine Street and the Wellington Street / Bow Street crossroads.
  • There are no visual or audio signals at this crossroads.

General Accessibility (Crown Court / Martlett Court / Broad Court)

  • Paths and Pavements View
    • Martlett Court and Broad Court are pedestrian passageways between Bow Street and Drury Lane running east / west. Broad Court also has a link to Long Acre.
      Crown Court is a pedestrian passageway that runs north / south, linking to Russell Street and crossing Martlett Court and Broad Court.
      They all have flagstone paving that is uneven in places, with metal access covers in places that may be slippery when wet.
  • Street Furniture and Features View
    • To the Broad Court access points there are black bollards at the Long Acre covered access that have a width of only 70cm between them.
      There are bollards at the Bow Street access and Drury Lane access that both give a minimum 100cm wide access.
      To the Martlett Court access points there are staggered barriers with a 110cm gap at Bow Street and 115cm gap at Drury Lane.
      The bollards and barriers are black and not clearly marked and the staggered nature of some may be confusing to those with a visual impairment.
      Crown Court has a similar staggered barrier at Russell Street, with a width of 85cm and the turning space which is awkward.
    • There are lampposts, trees and bollards in the centre of the walkways, some with gaps around 50cm.
      There may be café tables and seating without barriers at the Russell Street access, the Drury Lane access and the Bow Street Broad Court access.
    • The street signs are placed at high level and may not be readable for those with a visual impairment or similar.
      There are no maps.
  • Public Transport View
    • The nearest bus stop is on The Strand.
    • The nearest tube station is Covent Garden; however, this station has stepped access to platforms.
      The nearest step-free tube station is Tottenham Court Road approximately 1km (0.6 miles) or 12 minutes walk away.

General Accessibility (Drury Lane)

  • Paths and Pavements View
    • Drury Lane is located to the east of Covent Garden and runs one-way south to north from Aldwych / The Strand Underpass (A4) to High Holborn (A40).
      This guide covers the section from Tavistock Street to the Shelton Street Passageway which is approximately 325 metres long and has a slight slope north to south for its full length.
      It has a junction with Tavistock Street (one-way from the west), Russell Street / Kemble Street, Long Acre / Great Queen Street, Dryden Street (one-way from the west), Parker Street on the east side and pedestrian access from Shelton Street, Broad Court and Martlett Court.
      Parking is limited to residents only or some Pay by Phone parking between Long Acre and Russell Street, and between Kemble Street and Great Queen Street.
      There is an NCP car park in Parker Street just off the northern end of Drury Lane with 6 Blue Badge bays.
    • The roadway is tarmacked including at crossings.
      The pavements have a mixture of paving including concrete slabs, flagstones, tarmac and concrete, some of which are broken up or patched repaired in places and uneven.
      There are glass tiles in front of some buildings that may be slippery when wet.
      There are 5 crossing points across Drury Lane. While there is a dropped kerb to the corners at Tavistock Street, there is no dropped kerbs to the opposite kerb and barriers in front of the school.
      At the crossroads with Russell Street / Kemble Street, there are dropped kerbs to three corners and a shallow kerb to the fourth corner.
      There is a zebra crossing with dropped kerbs and tactile paving outside Drury Lane Gardens and Playground.
      At the crossroads with Long Acre / Great Queen Street, south of the junction, the road narrows to a single lane and the crossing has level kerbs, but no tactile paving or markings at the crossing.
      North of the junction there is a zebra crossing with level kerbs and tactile paving.
      The road narrows at the Shelton Street passageway to a single lane. There are dropped kerbs and tactile paving.
      All other side roads have dropped kerbs without tactile paving at Drury Lane.
    • Care should be taken on both pavements south of Long Acre where ramped entries give access to garages and goods entrances.
  • Street Furniture and Features View
    • Lampposts, signposts, and bins reduce the width of pavements. These are mostly unmarked, but contrast with the paving.
      On the east pavement opposite Tavistock Street railings reduce the width of the pavement outside St. Clement Danes school entrances and also outside the Drury Lane Gardens entrance by the zebra crossing.
      The pavement is narrowed to a minimum of 110cm outside the Sarasto Restaurant by Kemble Street by planters by the lamppost.
    • There are bike stands on the east and west pavements south of Great Queen Street, bike hire stands to the north of Great Queen Street, and bike stand by Parker Street which are not well marked.
      Visitors should be advised that it is not uncommon for bicycles to be locked up against signposts and railings throughout the area, with some signposts actually designed for this.
    • There may be café tables and chairs without any barriers and advertisement boards between Long Acre and Dryden Street on the west pavement.
      There is a bike hire pay station at the corner of Drury Lane and Great Queen Street.
  • Maps and Signage View
    • There is a Legible London wayfinding map at the corner of Drury Lane and Great Queen Street.
  • Public Transport View
    • The nearest bus stops eastbound are Aldwych, Stop D, at the end of Drury Lane and westbound on The Strand, Stop R and S.
    • There is a taxi rank in Russell Street. There is an additional taxi stop opposite the Shelton Street passageway.
    • The nearest tube station is Covent Garden; however, the station has stepped access to platforms.
      The nearest step-free tube station is Tottenham Court Road approximately 1km (0.6 miles) or 12 minutes walk away.

Drury Lane Gardens

  • Drury Lane Gardens is located on the west side of Drury Lane, between Tavistock Street and Russell Street.
  • There is a playground, sports court and hard landscaping.
  • Access to the gardens is either by twin ramps with a steep incline (no handrails), width restricted to 118cm (left) and 104cm (right), or by 5 medium steps with handrails to both sides.
  • There is bench seating shaded by a pergola, with shrubberies and bedding displays.
  • Access to the playground area is width restricted to 95cm.
  • There are benches in the playground area.
  • There is also a drinking water fountain.

Access To (Tavistock Court Accessible Toilet)

  • This section details the ramped access to the accessible toilet in Tavistock Court.
  • The ramp is at the side of the Jubilee Hall Market in Tavistock Court.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 135cm (4ft 5in).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.

Toilet with Adaptations (Tavistock Court - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The accessible toilet was out of use at the time of the survey.
    • This accessible toilet is located in Tavistock Court, to the side of the Jubilee Hall Market.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from security in Jubilee Market.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 162cm x 179cm (5ft 4in x 5ft 10in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 102cm (3ft 4in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on the right.
    • There is not a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet has a wall which acts as a backrest.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 92cm (3ft).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is medium.
    • The lighting levels are low to moderate.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
  • Additional Fixtures and Fittings View
    • There is not an emergency alarm.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are nappy/incontinence items bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 177cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the left hand side of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The wash basin tap type is push.
    • There is not a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • There is no soap available.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 122cm (4ft).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is low.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available.
    • The height of the baby change table is 90cm.
  • Comments View
    • There is an outer door before the cubicle door.
    • The outer door is heavy, opens away from you and is 90cm wide.
    • Please note that there is a second accessible toilet at the same location to the left that is permanently locked and out of use.

Access To (West Piazza Public Toilets (St Paul's Church)

  • This section details the stepped access to the West Piazza Public Toilets by St Paul's Church.
  • There are steps beyond an open gate leading to the female and male toilet facilities.
  • There are 15+ steps.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are 16cm.
  • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
  • The steps are not clearly marked.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
  • Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are not easy to grip.
  • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • There is a landing.
  • Comments View
    • The gateway to the female standard toilets is to the right of the facility.
    • The gateway to the male standard toilets is to the left of the facility.

Standard Toilet(s) (West Piazza Public Toilets (St Paul's Church)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located in the West Piazza by St Paul's Church.
    • There is stepped access into the toilet(s).
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 87cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • The toilet turnstiles have a card reader which is 103cm high and a push button to exit which is 85cm high.
      The turnstile has a width of 53cm.
      There is a 50p charge to use the toilets.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are available in the female toilets.
  • Comments View
    • The baby change facilities are only available if the attendant is on-site.
    • The baby change facilities were locked at the time of survey with no attendant present (April 2024).
    • These public toilet facilities are located just west of the Covent Garden Market Building.
    • Alternative public toilets can be found in the Market Building South Hall on the lower ground floor. There is also only stepped access to these toilets.