You are on Introduction - Imperial War Museum London. Skip to the next section.

Introduction - Imperial War Museum London

• Founded during the First World War, IWM London gives voice to the extraordinary experiences of ordinary people forced to live in a world torn apart by conflict. From the wonder of its world-famous atrium to the countless discoveries on each of its six floors, it is a place filled with the power to move, surprise and inspire.

You are on Getting Here. Skip to the next section.

Getting Here

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• 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).
• By Road View
  • The Imperial War Museum is situated in central London in the Congestion Zone.
    It is located off St George's Road (A302).
    St George's Road links Westminster Bridge Road to Elephant and Castle.
  • There are 2 onsite Blue Badge parking bays.
  • For more information on London traffic please click here (opens new tab).
• By Bus View
  • There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the venue.
  • There are many bus stops on the surrounding streets including; St George's Road, Kennington Road and Lambeth Road.
    Bus Stop N (Imperial War Museum) on St George's Road is served by the following services; 12, 53, 148, 453, C10 and N155.
    Bus Stop M (St George's Road/Imperial War Museum) on St George's Road is served by the following services; 344 and 360.
    Bus Stop K (Imperial War Museum) on Lambeth Road is served by the following services; 344 and 360.
    Bus Stop S (Kennington Road Imperial War Museum) on Kennington Road is served by the following services; 3, 59, 159, 360, N3 and N109.
  • For more information on the Imperial War Museum Bus Stop N on St George's Road please click here (opens new tab).
• By Train View
  • The nearest Railway Station is Elephant and Castle.
  • Elephant and Castle Station is approximately 1.1 kilometres from the museum.
    Elephant and Castle does not have step-free access.
    Waterloo Station is approximately 1.2 kilometres from the Imperial War Museum.
    There is step-free access throughout the station.
    Step-free access to the station is from the service road known as Cab Road or Taxi Road.
  • For more information on Waterloo Station (National Rail) please click here (opens new tab).
  • For more information on Waterloo Station (AccessAble) please click here (opens new tab).
• By Underground View
  • The nearest underground station is Lambeth North.
  • Lambeth North (Bakerloo Line) is approximately 500 metres from the museum.
    Lambeth North does not have step-free access to platforms.
    Elephant and Castle (Bakerloo and Northern Lines) is approximately 750 metres from the museum.
    Elephant and Castle has step-free access to the southbound side of the Northern Line only.
  • For more information on London Underground (Transport for London) please click here (opens new tab).
• By River View
  • Six TFL River Bus routes run from 22 piers between Putney and Woolwich.
    The Queen's Walk is served by the London Eye Millennium Pier, between Westminster Bridge and the Golden Jubilee Bridges and also Bankside Pier, to the east of Blackfriars Bridge.
    There is step-free access onto the river buses, except three piers. Please see the TFL website for details.
  • For more information on London River Bus services please click here (opens new tab).
• Useful Links View
  • Please use the TFL journey planner for details of the most suitable route.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
  • The TFL website has links to the TFL accessibility guides, including large print maps and audio guides to order or download.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).

You are on Getting Help and Assistance. Skip to the next section.

Getting Help and Assistance

• There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
• There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
• There is an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
• Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
• There are mobility aids available.
• The mobility aids available include wheelchairs.
• To obtain mobility aids please contact the venue prior to visiting on 020 7416 5000.
• If you require assistance for your visit, please call the venue on 020 7416 5000 or for help during your visit please ask the information desk on Level 0.
• Portable, lightweight folding stools are available from the Information Desk on Level 0.

You are on Other Floors (Level 0 to Level 1). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Level 0 to Level 1)

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• Stairs View
  • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
  • The stairs are located at the front of the museum, leading to and from the north entrance area.
  • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 0 and 1.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
  • The going of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
  • Handrails are 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.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
  • The lighting levels at the steps are good.

You are on Other Floors (Central). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Central)

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• Stairs View
  • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
  • The stairs are located in Witnesses to War.
  • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
  • The going of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
  • Handrails are 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.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
  • The lighting levels at the steps are good.

You are on Other Floors (Rear). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Rear)

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• Stairs View
  • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
  • The stairs are for public use.
  • The stairs are located to the rear of Witnesses to War.
  • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
  • The going of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
  • Handrails are 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.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
  • The lighting levels at the steps are good.
• Comments View
  • There are three handrails at height of 80cm, 90cm and 100cm.

You are on Lift (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 - Standard Lift). Skip to the next section.

Lift (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 - Standard Lift)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located to the rear of the building.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4.
• Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
• There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
• Lift doors do not contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
• The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
• The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is poor.
• The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is fair.
• The clear door width is 110cm (3ft 7in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 160cm x 170cm (5ft 3in x 5ft 7in).
• There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
• The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
• The lift does not have an audible announcer.
• The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
• There is not a hearing loop system.
• The lift does not have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The lighting levels in the lift are good.
• There is a/are similar lift(s) available.

You are on Lift (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 - Standard Lift). Skip to the next section.

Lift (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 - Standard Lift)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located to the rear of the building.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
• Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
• There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
• Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
• The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
• The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is poor.
• The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
• The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 140cm x 150cm (4ft 7in x 4ft 11in).
• There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
• The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
• The lift does not have an audible announcer.
• The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
• There is a hearing loop system.
• The lift does not have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The lighting levels in the lift are good.
• There is a/are similar lift(s) available.

You are on Attraction / Exhibit (Peace and Security : 1945 - 2014). Skip to the next section.

Attraction / Exhibit (Peace and Security : 1945 - 2014)

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• Entrance / Opening View
  • There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
  • The entrance/opening is clearly signed.
  • There is step-free access at this entrance/opening.
• Attraction / Exhibit View
  • There is step-free level access throughout this area.
  • Clear directional signage is provided in this area.
  • The type of flooring in this area is concrete.
  • There is flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in this area.
  • This area does play background music/sound.
  • There are resting/seating areas within this area.
  • Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in pictorial, information board and television/screen format.
  • Headsets can be obtained from the Information Desk on level 0.
  • All exhibits start from the floor level.
  • The distance between the lowest exhibit and the floor is 80cm.
  • There are military vehicles and weapons located around the exhibition.
    There are videos playing with subtitles.
    There are interactive exhibits.
    Some of the exhibits have a clear recess for a wheelchair.
    There are English subtitles on all films and interactive media throughout the museum.
  • There is a good colour contrast between some walls and the floor in this area.
  • The lighting levels in this area are varied.

You are on Attraction / Exhibit (The Holocaust Galleries). Skip to the next section.

Attraction / Exhibit (The Holocaust Galleries)

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• Entrance / Opening View
  • There are double, permanently held open doors with an opening width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
  • The entrance/opening is clearly signed.
  • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • There is step-free access at this entrance/opening.
• Attraction / Exhibit View
  • There is not step-free level access throughout this area.
  • There are slight slopes to access the rear of the exhibition.
  • Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
  • During busy periods this area can become congested.
  • The type of flooring in this area is wood.
  • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in this area.
  • This area does play background music/sound.
  • There are resting/seating areas within this area.
  • Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in Braille, tactile, pictorial, information board and television/screen format.
  • Some exhibits can be audio described.
  • Exhibits are audio described by using a headset.
  • Headsets can be obtained from information points located at the beginning and halfway through the gallery.
  • All exhibits start from the floor level.
  • Information Points with tactile maps and audio descriptions are available at the beginning and halfway through the exhibition.
    Tactile objects, information in Braille and large print guides are available in this exhibition.
    There are induction loops and videos with BSL interpretation in this exhibition.
    Videos shown in this exhibition are accompanied with English subtitles.
    There are exhibits that contain audio commentaries.
    There is a clear knee recess beneath some exhibitions for wheelchair users.
    There are interactive touchscreens available.
    The touchscreens have a clear knee recess beneath for wheelchair users and the height of the touchscreen varies.
    There are interactive tables available.
    The tables vary in height.
    There is cinema viewing area with seating towards the end of the exhibition.
    Folding chairs are available to borrow and are located at the information points.
  • There is a good colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
  • The lighting levels in this area are moderate to good.
• Exit View
  • Visitors exit via a separate set of doors/opening.
  • The exit is clearly signed internally.
  • There are double, manual doors with an opening width of 75cm+, which may be difficult to open when exiting this area/attraction.
  • The exit is step-free.

You are on Research Room. Skip to the next section.

Research Room

• The Research Room is located to the right of the Peace and Security exhibition.
• There is step-free access to the room.
• Access to the room is via a single width door that opens away from you (push).
• The width of the door opening is 108cm.
• The surface of the flooring is carpet.
• The height of the reception desk is 97cm.
• The height of the computer desk from the floor is 71cm.
• The height of the tables from the floor is 72cm.
• The research room is only available by prior appointment. Please contact the museum for more information.

You are on Taube Family Holocaust Learning Centre. Skip to the next section.

Taube Family Holocaust Learning Centre

• The Taube Family Holocaust Learning Centre is located on the right side of the Peace and Security exhibition.
• There is step-free access to this room.
• The floor surface is in the learning centre is wood and carpet.
• Access to the learning centre is via a single width door of 85cm.
• Access into the room is via swipe card. The swipe card pad is at a height of 98cm.
• There is a slight ramp at the access door immediately on entering.
• The learning centre is made up of a several rooms including two teaching spaces, study room/offices, and a kitchen area.
• The learning centres contains an accessible toilet and standard shared toilets.
• The teaching space to the right as you enter into the learning centre has tables and chairs.
• The height of the tables from the floor is 71cm.
• The room contains a large video screen and a lectern.
• The lectern is a fixed height of 112cm from the floor.
• The teaching space to the left as you enter the learning centre contains bench seats and small box tables with quotes inscribed on the top.
• The height of the benches from the floor is 47cm.
• The height of the box tables from the floor is 40cm.
• This room also contains a video screen.
• The learning centre is only available by prior appointment. Please contact the museum for more information on this space.

You are on Accessible Toilet(s) (Level 2 - Taube Family Holocaust Learning Centre - Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Level 2 - Taube Family Holocaust Learning Centre - Left Hand Transfer)

• There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.

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• Location and Access View
  • This accessible toilet is located ahead as you enter through the entrance into the learning centre.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the entrance into the learning centre.
  • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
  • This is a shared toilet.
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door may be difficult to open.
  • The door is locked by a lever twist.
  • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 83cm (2ft 9in).
  • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
  • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
  • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
• Toilet Features View
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 200cm x 217cm (6ft 7in x 7ft 1in).
  • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
  • The lateral transfer space is 137cm (4ft 6in).
  • The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal bin.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • There is a spatula type lever flush.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
  • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
  • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • There is 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 good.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
  • There is an emergency alarm.
  • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
  • There is a/are general waste (with lid) and pedal bin disposal units.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 82cm and 116cm from the floor.
• Additional Fixtures View
  • 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.
  • The toilet has a cistern.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
  • 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 83cm (2ft 9in).
  • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • The height of the wash basin is 72cm (2ft 4in).
  • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
  • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
  • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the soap dispenser is 92cm.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the hand dryer is 105cm (3ft 5in).
  • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is fair.
• 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 94cm.

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (Level 2 - Taube Family Holocaust Learning Centre). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Level 2 - Taube Family Holocaust Learning Centre)

• Standard toilet facilities are available.

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • The shared toilet is located to the right as you enter the learning centre and past the teaching space.
  • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
  • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 25m from the entrance into the learning centre.
  • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
  • There is a/are horizontal wall mounted rail(s) on the right as you face the toilet.
  • There are vertical wall mounted rails on both sides of the toilet.
  • The height of the wash basin(s) is 83cm.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
  • Lighting levels are good.

You are on Accessible Toilet(s) (Level 2 - Peace and Security: 1945 - 2014 - Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Level 2 - Peace and Security: 1945 - 2014 - Right Hand Transfer)

• There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.

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• Location and Access View
  • This accessible toilet is located to the left of the exhibition, between areas 6 and 7.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the lift.
  • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • This is a shared toilet.
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • There is tactile and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door is push pad or push button activated.
  • The push pad or push button is 110cm from floor level.
  • The door is locked by a push button or pad.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 77cm.
  • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 195cm x 195cm (6ft 5in x 6ft 5in).
  • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • The toilet has a non-slip floor.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
  • The lateral transfer space is 130cm.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • There is an emergency alarm.
  • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
  • There is a/are female sanitary, non-infectious waste and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
  • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
• Position of Fixtures View
  • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
  • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • There is 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.
  • There is a mirror.
  • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
  • The toilet has a cistern.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
  • There is a toilet roll holder.
  • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the toilet roll holder is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • The height of the wash basin is 73cm (2ft 5in).
  • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin tap type is lever.
  • There is a mixer tap.
  • Taps have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
  • There is a soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the soap dispenser is 95cm.
  • There is a towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the towel dispenser is 105cm (3ft 5in).
  • There is not a hand dryer.
• Colour Contrast and Lighting View
  • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
  • The contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
  • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
  • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The lighting levels are good.
• Baby Changing Facilities View
  • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
  • The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
  • The baby change table is not height adjustable.
  • The height of the baby change table once extended is 95cm (3ft 1in).

You are on Related Access Guides (IWM London). Skip to the next section.

Related Access Guides (IWM London)

• To view other AccessAble Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
• IWM London - Level 0 link (new tab) - click here.
• IWM London - Level 1 link (new tab) - click here.
• IWM London - Level 3 link (new tab) - click here.
• IWM London - Level 4 link (new tab) - click here.
• IWM London - Level 5 link (new tab) - click here.

You are on Related London South Bank Venues (South Bank - Waterloo Area). Skip to the next section.

Related London South Bank Venues (South Bank - Waterloo Area)

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• Other Services View
  • South Bank - Waterloo Area - To view the Access Guide please click here (new tab).