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Southwark Cathedral

London Bridge, London, SE1 9DA

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About this venue

Southwark Cathedral is the oldest gothic church in London, dating from around 1220, and is part of the Diocese of Southwark. According to the Doomsday Book, a place of worship has stood on this site at the southern end of London Bridge since the time of William the Conqueror. You'll love visiting this beautiful building in Bankside. Don’t miss the memorial window to William Shakespeare and the Harvard Chapel, a tribute to university founder John Harvard who was born in the parish. Alongside daily services, the cathedral runs a popular programme of organ recitals and concerts.

Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include the Cathedral, conference rooms, an education centre and a café.

Location

  • The venue is situated within the centre of the city.
  • This venue is situated in London.
  • The venue is not situated on a road which has a steep gradient.
  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest mainline station is London Bridge.
  • The nearest underground station is London Bridge.

Opening Times (Cathedral)

  • Monday 08:00 - 18:00.
  • Tuesday 08:00 - 18:00.
  • Wednesday 08:00 - 18:00.
  • Thursday 08:00 - 18:00.
  • Friday 08:00 - 18:00.
  • Saturday 08:30 - 18:00.
  • Sunday 08:30 - 18:00.

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own car park.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the venue.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 137cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 148cm.

Outside Access (Side Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located off Millenium Courtyard.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The door(s) is / are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 175cm (5ft 9in).
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 182cm (5ft 12in).
  • Comments View
    • Millenium Courtyard is accessed from Montague Street and this entrance leads into the lower part of Lancelot's Link.
    • There is also an entrance off Cathedral Street leading to the top end of Lancelets Link, accessed by 3 medium steps with handrails both sides as shown in photograph 2.

Outside Access (Cathedral Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located off the Churchyard.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The door(s) is / are permanently held open.
  • The width of the door opening is 103cm (3ft 5in).
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 126cm (4ft 2in).

Level Change (Cathedral Entrance)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located immediately to the right beyond the entrance, leading down from Cathedral Street.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does not have handrails.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 137cm (4ft 6in).
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located immediately ahead beyond the entrance, leading down from Cathedral Street.
  • There is/are 6 step(s) to the area/service.
  • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • Ramp overcomes the steps mentioned, which lead into the Churchyard.

Outside Access (Café Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located to the left of the Millenium Courtyard.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is / are single.
  • The door(s) is / are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 84cm (2ft 9in).
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is / are single (with a locked extension leaf).
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).

Level Change (Café Entrance)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located In front of the Café Entrance.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does not have handrails.

Inside Access

  • There is not level access to the service(s).
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Comments View
    • Hearing loops are fitted in the Cathedral and all of the conference rooms.
    • There is level access to the Nave from the Cathedral entrance, and to the conference rooms from the main entrance, via the lift.
    • Seating in the Cathedral can be moved, so wheelchair users can sit anywhere for services.

Level Change (Cathedral)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 76cm (2ft 6in).
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located on the South Aisle.
  • There is/are 1 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • Then are a further 3 medium steps past here, shown in photograph 4, leading up to the Choir, which can be overcome by a permanent ramp 71 cm wide.
    • From here, there is a further permanent ramp or 2 medium steps leading to the retrochoir, at the rear of the cathedral.
    • The Harvard Chapel and retrochoir are accessible by steps only.

Level Change (Lancelot's Link)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located throughout the link.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does not have handrails.
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located on the noth side of the cathedral.
  • There is/are 7 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • The ramp/slope does not bypass the step(s).
  • There is a lift to access this area/service.
  • The lift does bypass the step(s).
  • The lift does not bypass the ramp/slope.
  • Comments View
    • The ramp leads from the main entrance, café and conference rooms to the link to the cathedral, shop and toilets.
    • The steps lead from the cathedral to the top end of Lancelot's Link.

Lift (Platform)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located next to the stairs leading to Lancelot's Link.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Cathedral entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 135cm x 174cm (4ft 5in x 5ft 9in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B-G-1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep.
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting level is medium.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left as you enter the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are B-G-1.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 17m (18yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 115cm x 130cm (3ft 9in x 4ft 3in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.

Eating and Drinking (Café)

  • The following information is for the café.
  • The café is located to the left before the main entrance.
  • The bar does serve food.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the café entrance.
  • The standard height for tables is 72cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Takeaway cutlery is not available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are wall only.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.

Gift shop

  • Gift Shop is located at the top of Lancelot's Link, 5 meters from the Side Entrance or 3 meters from Lift (Platform).
  • Accessed through permanently open double doors (147cm wide).
  • Checkout with a counter height is 90cm.
  • Maximum manoeuvre space 154cm.

Toilet with Adaptations (Basement - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located straight ahead from the lift on the basement level.
    • There is not level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • 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 or the Cathedral shop.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 120cm x 184cm (3ft 11in x 6ft).
    • There is not sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 73cm (2ft 5in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is not an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary and open waste paper bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 102cm and 190cm from the floor.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 124cm (4ft 1in).
    • 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 118cm (3ft 10in).
    • 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).
    • 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).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located Within the Accessible Toilet at Lancelot's Link.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 88cm (2ft 11in).

Toilet with Adaptations (Lancelot's Link - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the platform lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located at the top end of Lancelot's Link, next to the entrance off Cathedral Street.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • 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 or the Cathedral shop staff.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 92cm (3ft).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 113cm x 207cm (3ft 8in x 6ft 9in).
    • There is not sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 78cm (2ft 7in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is not an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 161cm and 174cm from the floor.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • 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 123cm (4ft).
    • 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).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin 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 75cm (2ft 6in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located Within the Accessible Toilet at Lancelot's Link.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 88cm (2ft 11in).

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located beside the Side Entrance.
    • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the platform lift.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
    • This is by lift.
    • Lighting levels in the female toilets are good.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located beside the platform lift.
    • The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the platform lift.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels in the male toilets are good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located Within the Accessible Toilet at Lancelot's Link.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • Inside the venue, there is not level access to the baby change facility.
  • Comments View
    • The female toilets are located at the top of the steps linking the Cathedral and Lancelot's Link.
    • The male toilets are located at the bottom of these steps.
    • There are also standard toilets available in the basement, for the use of people using the conference rooms there only, and in the café, accessed by 15+ steps only.

Additional Info

  • Documents are not available in Braille.
  • Documents are not available in large print.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
  • This service cannot be requested.
  • Comments View
    • A tactile plan of the cathedral is available on request.
    • Wheelchairs are available for visitors to borrow.