Access Guide
Introduction
- The Grand Casino and Macau Lounge can be accessed by all entrances to the venue.
- There is stepped access from the Main, Magic Mike Live Theatre and Box Office entrances.
- There is level access via lift from the Little Newport Street entrance.
- The Macau Lounge is located off the Grand Casino and has additional playing tables.
- There is access between the Macau Lounge and The Crystal Rooms via steps.
- These steps are also used to access the Macau Lounge and Grand Casino from the Box Office and Magic Mike Live Theatre entrances.
- For more information on Leicester Square please click here.
Getting Here (Leicester Square)
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By Bus
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- There are 2 bus stops located along Charing Cross Road between Cranbourn Street and Irving Street (Stops L 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.
All London buses have ramp access and dedicated spaces for wheelchair users. - For more information on London buses (Transport for London) please click here (opens new tab).
- There are 2 bus stops located along Charing Cross Road between Cranbourn Street and Irving Street (Stops L and K).
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By Underground
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- Green Park is the nearest accessible step-free station and is served by the Jubilee, Piccadilly and Victoria lines.
The accessible entrance 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 is located on the west side of Charing Cross Road, and the other is located on the north side of Cranbourn Street.
Access to and from Leicester Square from the access point on the west side of Charing Cross Road does not involve a road crossing.
Access to and from Leicester Square 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 London Underground (Transport for London) please click here (opens new tab).
- Green Park is the nearest accessible step-free station and is served by the Jubilee, Piccadilly and Victoria lines.
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By Train
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- London Euston Station and London Charing Cross Station have step-free access to all platforms and staff available to assist with ramps between the platform and the train.
- For more information on access and facilities at Euston Station please click here (opens new tab).
- For more information on access and facilities at Charing Cross Station please click here (opens new tab).
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By Road
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- Leicester Square is pedestrianised.
Charing Cross Road (A400) is located parallel to Leicester Square between Cranbourn Street and Irving Street.
Charing Cross Road (A400) connects with Tottenham Court Road which leads to Euston Road (A501) at its north end.
At its south end, it connects with Strand (A4).
Leicester Square 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 driving in London 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 Leicester Square) is located off Whitcomb Street, south west of Leicester Square.
There are 3 Blue Badge bays within this car park.
There is an additional underground car park with lift access (Q-Park Chinatown) located off Newport Place.
There are 3 Blue Badge bays within this car park. - For more information on the Blue Badge Scheme and parking in London please click here (opens new tab).
- London taxis can be hailed in any location or summoned by phone.
There is a taxi rank on the west side of Charing Cross Road, between The Bear and Staff Pub and Barclays.
- Leicester Square is pedestrianised.
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By River
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- 6 TFL River Bus routes run from 22 piers between Putney and Woolwich.
The nearest pier is Westminster.
This is close to Westminster Underground Station on the Jubilee Line which connects to Bond Street Station.
There is step-free access onto the river buses, except at 3 piers.
Please see the TFL website for details. - For more information on London River Bus services please click here (opens new tab).
- 6 TFL River Bus routes run from 22 piers between Putney and Woolwich.
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By Air
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- The nearest airports to central London are London City, 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).
- The nearest airports to central London are London City, London Gatwick and London Heathrow.
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Useful Links
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- Please use the TfL journey planner for details of the most suitable routes.
The planner can be filtered by options such as step-free routes or maximum walking distances. - 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).
- Please use the TfL journey planner for details of the most suitable routes.
Opening Times (Grand Casino and Macau Lounge)
- The venue is open 24hrs.
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.
- British Sign Language interpreters cannot be provided on request.
- Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
- There are not mobility aids available.
Outside Access (Main Entrance - Corner of Charing Cross Road and Cranbourn Street)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located on the corner of Charing Cross Road and Cranbourn Street.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance is signed with 'Hippodrome Casino'.
- There is stepped access at this entrance.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
- The width of the door opening is 170cm.
- There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
- There are moveable barriers located at this entrance.
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Step(s)
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- The step(s) is/are located in front of and beyond the entrance.
- There is/are 9 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the step(s) is/are 13cm.
- The going of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
- There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the step(s).
- Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do not 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.
Counter (Coats and Bags)
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Counter
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- The counter is located to the left as you enter via the main entrance.
- The counter is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the main entrance.
- Clear signage for the counter is not visible from the entrance.
- There is stepped access to the counter.
- There is a clear unobstructed route to the counter.
- There are no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the counter which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The counter is not placed in front of a plain background.
- The lighting levels at the counter are moderate to good.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- There is not a lowered section of the counter.
- The counter is staffed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system at the counter.
- The type of flooring in this area is tiles.
Reception (Main)
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Reception
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- The reception point is located ahead and to the right as you enter via the main entrance.
- The reception point is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- Clear signage for the reception area/desk is not visible from the entrance.
- There is step-free access to the reception point.
- There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
- There are no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The counter is placed in front of a plain background.
- The lighting levels at the reception point are moderate to good.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- There is not a lowered section of the counter.
- The counter is staffed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
- Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are not provided in the reception area.
- The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet.
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Reception Seating Area
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- There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.
Outside Access (Little Newport Street Entrance - Step-Free via Lift)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building, on Little Newport Street.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance is signed with 'Hippodrome'.
- There is step-free access at this entrance, via lift.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
- The width of the door opening is 170cm.
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Step(s)
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- The step(s) is/are located beyond the entrance on the left.
- There is/are 4 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
- The going of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the step(s).
- Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are easy to grip.
- Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
- The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.
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Lift
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- There is a lift to access this entrance.
- The lift does bypass the step(s).
Lift (Little Newport Street Entrance)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located to the right as you enter via the Little Newport Street entrance.
- The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the Little Newport Street entrance.
- 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 LG, G, UG (Little Newport Street entrance), 1 and 2.
- 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 high.
- The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is Medium.
- The clear door width is 92cm (3ft).
- The dimensions of the lift are 150cm x 130cm (4ft 11in x 4ft 3in).
- There are 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 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 low to moderate.
Reception (Little Newport Street Entrance)
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Reception
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- The reception point is located to the left as you exit the Little Newport Street entrance lift on the ground floor.
- The reception point is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the Little Newport Street entrance lift.
- The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the lift.
- There is step-free access to the reception point.
- There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
- There are no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The counter is placed in front of a plain background.
- The lighting levels at the reception point are moderate to good.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- There is not a lowered section of the counter.
- The counter is staffed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
- The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet.
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Reception Seating Area
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- There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.
Casino (Grand Casino and Macau Lounge)
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Access
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- There are no doors to access this area .
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Gaming Area
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- Games and facilities in this area include; Blackjack, Roulette, Slot Machines, a Bar, a Cashier Counter and Baccarat.
- Staff at tables can assist customers in playing.
- There is room for wheelchair users to manoeuvre in the majority of this area.
- The playing tables are at different heights.
- The surface height of the lowest playing tables is 74cm and the underside height is 65cm.
- The surface height of the highest playing tables is 87cm and the underside height is 78cm.
- The surface height of the drinks tables is 65cm.
- Seating in this area includes; chairs with no armrests and stools.
- The type of flooring is carpet.
- There is some flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
- The slot machine controls range from 98cm to 150cm.
- Lighting levels are varied.
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ATM's
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- ATM machines are available.
- The controls/screen heights vary between 90cm and 120cm.
- There is not a lowered ATM available.
Eating and Drinking (Bar - Grand Casino)
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Location and Access
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- The following information is for the bar.
- The bar is located on the ground floor, in the Grand Casino.
- There is step-free access to the bar.
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Service and Menus
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- There is a bar where drinks can be ordered.
- Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
- Menu types include: handheld menus.
- Menus are clearly written.
- Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
- Staff can read menus to customers if requested.
- Takeaway cups are not available.
- Adapted cups are not available.
- Drinking straws are available.
- This area does play background music.
- Background music is played at all times.
- There is not a hearing assistance system .
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Service Counter(s)
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- The height of the counter is 105cm.
- There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
- The type of flooring in this area is carpet and tiles.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
Counter (Cash Desk - Grand Casino)
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Counter
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- The counter is located on the ground floor, in the Grand Casino, behind the bar to the left.
- There is step-free access to the counter.
- There is a clear unobstructed route to the counter.
- There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the counter which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The counter is placed in front of a plain background.
- The lighting levels at the counter are moderate to good.
- There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- There is a lowered section of the counter.
- The height of the lowered section at the counter is 74cm.
- There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
- There is a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
- The counter is staffed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system at the counter.
- The type of flooring in this area is carpet.
Step(s) (Grand Casino and Macau Lounge to The Crystal Rooms)
- There is a/are step(s) located leading down to The Crystal Rooms from the Macau Lounge.
- The step(s) is/are used to access The Crystal Rooms.
- There is/are 6 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
- The going of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the step(s).
- Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are easy to grip.
- Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
- The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.
Toilet with Adaptations (Grand Casino - Ground Floor)
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Location and Access
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- This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor, off the Grand Casino main gaming area, next to the main reception.
- 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 a member of staff.
- 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 is easy to open.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The width of the accessible toilet opening is 92cm (3ft).
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is low.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is medium.
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Toilet Features
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- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 152cm x 220cm (4ft 12in x 7ft 3in).
- The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The lighting levels are moderate to 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 84cm (2ft 9in).
- The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
- There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side (on top of the cistern).
- There is not spatula type lever flush.
- There is a push button 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 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 low.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is low.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
- There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
- There is a/are sanitary and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
- There are coat hooks in the toilet at 137cm and 149cm from the floor.
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Additional Fixtures
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- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- The toilet has a backrest.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
- 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 contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is medium.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin and tap(s) cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- 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 medium.
- 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 100cm.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is medium.
Standard Toilet(s) (Grand Casino - Ground Floor)
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Toilet Facilities
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- The female and male toilets are located on the ground floor, off the Grand Casino main gaming area, next to the main reception.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- It was not possible to access the female toilet.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 80cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Related Access Guides
- To view other AccessAble Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
- Hippodrome Casino - The Crystal Rooms - Ground Floor link (new tab) - click here
- Hippodrome Casino - Lola's Underground Casino - Lower Ground Floor link (new tab) - click here
- Hippodrome Casino - First and Second Floors link (new tab) - click here
- Hippodrome Casino - Magic Mike Live Theatre link (new tab) - click here
- Hippodrome Casino - The Cranbourn Club, The Club & Diamond Rooms - Third Floor link (new tab) - click here
- Hippodrome Casino - Poker Stars Live - Fourth Floor link (new tab) - click here