Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

The Castle Leisure Centre

2 St Gabriel Walk, Elephant and Castle, SE1 6FG

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Overview

  • About View
    • This is a leisure centre offering multiple facilities.
    • Facilities available in the venue include: pool, children's pool, gym, sports hall, 3 fitness studios, steam room, sauna, sports hall, play area, a cafe.
    • View information on opening times.
  • Parking and Public Transport View
  • Getting In and Around View
    • There is step-free level access at the most accessible entrance.
    • There is step-free level access throughout, this may include the use of a lift.
    • Access throughout may include manual doors, doors permanently held open and automatic doors.
    • The ground, first and second floors can be accessed via a standard lift and stairs.
  • Getting Help and Assistance View
    • There is seating available.
    • There is a fixed hearing assistance system.
    • You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair.
    • Documents are available in the following formats: Braille (on request) and large print (on request).
    • There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
    • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
    • Additional facilities/services include: phone charging points and Wi-Fi.
    • Staff receive the following training: disability awareness.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There are 3 toilets with adaptations.
    • Toilets with adaptations are located in the wet side changing area and on the second floor.
    • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
    • The male and female step-free standard toilet facilities are located in the wet side and dry side changing areas.
    • The shared step-free standard toilet facilities are located in the wet side changing area.
  • Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
    • The Changing Places toilet facilities are located in the wet side changing area (group change).
    • The changing facilities which have adaptations are located in the wet side changing area (group change).
    • Standard changing facilities are located in the wet side changing area (male, female and group change).
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located in the wet side changing area (group change) family changing rooms.
  • Washroom and Shower Facilities View
    • The shower facilities which have adaptations are located in the wet side changing area (male and female).
    • Standard shower facilities are located in the wet side changing area (male, female and group change).

Parking

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located at the front of the building.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of block paving.
    • There are 3 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 235cm (width) x 445cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to one side but not at the rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 108cm.
    • The nearest designated bay is 25m from the main entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a slight ramp or slope and uneven surfaces.
    • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for Blue Badge holders only.
    • Parking is free for all users.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.
  • On-street Parking View
    • On-street standard parking is available.

Entrance

  • This entrance is located at the front of the building.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 172cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors.
  • The second set of doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 170cm.
  • The second set of doors have a low visual contrast.

Getting Around

  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas, this may include the use of a lift.
  • Access throughout may include manual doors, doors permanently held open and automatic doors.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • There is a high visual contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of walkways.
  • Some of the walls have a reflective finish.
  • There is background noise.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signs is not consistent throughout.
  • Seating available in the walkways includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

Eating and Drinking (Cafe)

  • Location and Access View
    • The cafe is located to the right as you enter the leisure centre.
    • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • Service View
    • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered, staff who can provide assistance with ordering and numerous seating options.
    • Full table service is not available.
    • Menus are wall-mounted.
    • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free, lactose free, vegetarian and vegan.
    • The following are available: drinking straws and takeaway cups.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Order and Payment View
    • The service counter was surveyed.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 77cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • Seating Area View
    • The seating area is uncovered.
    • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
    • There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
    • Some flooring is shiny.
    • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and benches.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: tables and picnic tables.
    • The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • There is background noise in this area.
    • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

Reception

  • The reception is located ahead as you enter the leisure centre.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 5m.
  • There is step-free level access to reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 111cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the desk.
  • The height of the lowered section is 77cm.
  • The reception has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
  • There is a fixed hearing assistance system which is not clearly signed.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
  • There is background noise in this area.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • There are security barriers with a wider opening which are operated by staff.

Changing Area (Wet Side)

  • Changing Area View
    • The shared changing area was surveyed.
    • The changing area is located on the ground floor, to the rear of the venue.
    • The distance from the main entrance is 39m.
    • The most accessible route to the changing area has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the changing area.
    • The door opens by sliding and has a low visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 178cm.
    • Internally the door has a low visual contrast.
    • Facilities in this area include: changing cubicles, a Changing Places facility, toilets, showers, a changing bench, baby change facilities and lockers.
    • There are lockers at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 90cm.
    • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There is step-free level access to the toilet facilities.
    • There are no ambulant toilet facilities available.
  • Shower Facilities View
    • There is step-free level access to the shower facilities.
    • There is a fixed height shower head.
    • The shower controls are lever mixer.
    • There is no shower seat.

Shower with Adaptations (Wet Side - Male)

  • Location and Access View
    • The shower surveyed is located in the wet side (male) changing area.
    • The distance from the wet side changing area entrance is 16m.
    • The most accessible route to the shower has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shower (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
    • The shower controls are lever mixer.
    • There is a flip-down shower seat.
    • The shower seat is 47cm from the floor.
    • There are grab rails and dropdown rails for the shower.
    • The grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • The dropdown rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is no emergency alarm for the shower.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The facility has no disposal facilities.
    • There is one coat hook.
    • The coat hook is 141cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

Bathroom with Adaptations (Wet Side - Group Change)

  • Location and Access View
    • The bathroom surveyed is located in the wet side (group change) changing area.
    • The distance from the wet side changing area entrance is 26m.
    • The most accessible route to the bathroom has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the bathroom.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 80cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is not a grab rail on the internal door .
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the bathroom are 235cm (width) x 250cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet.
    • The lateral transfer space is 165cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a lever flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 47cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 100cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 73cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 90cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 100cm from the floor.
    • There is no emergency alarm.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The bathroom has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 105cm and 140cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
    • The bathroom has a wheel-in shower.
    • The bath controls are lever mixer.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shower (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
    • The shower controls are lever mixer.
    • There is a flip-down shower seat.
    • The shower seat is 47cm from the floor.
    • There are grab rails and dropdown rails for the shower.
    • The shower grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • The shower dropdown rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm for the shower, however it was tied up at the time of the survey.

Changing Places (Wet Side - Group Change)

  • Location and Access View
    • The Changing Places facility surveyed is located in the wet side (group change) changing area.
    • The Changing Places toilet is in addition to other toilet facilities.
    • The distance from the wet side changing area entrance is 28m.
    • The most accessible route to the Changing Places facility has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • A key is required for access to this facility.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 107cm.
    • The door has a twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
    • The dimensions of the facility are 307cm (width) x 370cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (180cm x 180cm).
  • Toilet Details View
    • There is lateral transfer space on both sides of the toilet.
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 220cm.
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 120cm.
    • There is a spatula flush on the right transfer side.
    • There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
    • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The vertical grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The dropdown rails have a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 50cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 73cm from the floor.
  • Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
    • The changing bench is wall mounted and height adjustable.
    • The length of the changing bench is 180cm.
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead and accesses all areas.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
    • The shower controls are lever mixer.
    • There is no shower seat.
  • Other Facilities View
    • There is a fixed height wash basin.
    • The wash basin is 95cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • There are no vertical grab rails at the wash basin.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 92cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • A wide paper roll dispenser is not available.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 101cm from the floor.
    • There is no emergency alarm.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The facility has a waste bin, a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 110cm and 142cm from the floor.
    • A privacy screen is not available.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

Changing Room with Adaptations (Wet Side - Group Change)

  • Location and Access View
    • The changing room surveyed is located in the wet side (group change) changing area.
    • The distance from the wet side changing area entrance is 29m.
    • The most accessible route to the changing room has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the changing room.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 115cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • Facilities available in the changing room include: a wheel-in shower and a dry seat for changing.
    • The dimensions of the changing room are 225cm (width) x 206cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is no emergency alarm.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The changing room has a nappy/incontinence items bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 105cm and 140cm from the floor.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shower (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
    • There is a flip-down shower seat.
    • The shower seat is 46cm from the floor.
    • The shower controls are lever mixer.
    • There are grab rails and dropdown rails for the shower.
    • The shower grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • The shower dropdown rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm for the shower, however it was tied up at the time of the survey.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

Pool

  • This is an indoor swimming pool.
  • There is step-free level access throughout this area.
  • Access throughout this area may include slippery surfaces.
  • There is not an emergency alarm at poolside.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • Access into the water is via a ladder or steps.
  • There are 7 steps with handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of the steps throughout its length.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • The pool has a lifeguard on duty at all times.
  • The following adaptations are available for disabled people: manual hoist.
  • Additional facilities include: a children's pool and poolside showers.

Lift

  • The lift surveyed is located ahead and to the left after reception.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 18m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • The ground, first and second floors are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a high visual contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
  • Some of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 112cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 153cm (width) x 136cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a medium visual contrast.
  • Some of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing and a visual floor indicator.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
  • There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.

Stairs

  • The stairs surveyed are located ahead after passing reception.
  • The ground, first and second floors can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 20+ steps between floors.
  • The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 16cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

Gym

  • The gym is located on the first floor, to the left after exiting the lift.
  • There is step-free level access into the gym.
  • There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
  • The door has a locked extension leaf.
  • The locked extension leaf can be opened on request.
  • The door opens away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 86cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • The gym is staffed when open.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • There is some clear manoeuvring space between equipment (150cm x 150cm).
  • Equipment includes free weights and cable resistance machines.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and benches.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

Changing Area (Dry Side)

  • Changing Area View
    • The male changing area was surveyed.
    • The changing area is located on the first floor.
    • The distance from the lift is 18m.
    • The most accessible route to the changing area has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the changing area.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 84cm.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • Facilities in this area include: changing cubicles, toilets, showers, a changing bench and lockers.
    • There are lockers at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There is step-free level access to the toilet facilities.
    • There are no ambulant toilet facilities available.
    • There is a wash basin, a wall mounted soap dispenser and a hand dryer available.
    • The wash basin has a push tap.
  • Shower Facilities View
    • There is step-free level access to the shower facilities.
    • There is a fixed height shower head.
    • The shower controls are lever mixer.
    • There is no shower seat.
    • There is a grab rail for the shower.

Bathroom with Adaptations (Changing Area - Dry Side)

  • Location and Access View
    • The bathroom surveyed is located on the first floor, in the dry side changing area.
    • The distance from the dry side changing area entrance is 2m.
    • The most accessible route to the bathroom has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the bathroom.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 103cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the bathroom are 262cm (width) x 245cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet.
    • The lateral transfer space is 170cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a lever flush on the non-transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is no vertical grab rail for the toilet.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 93cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 73cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 90cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 97cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm but it was tied up at the time of the survey.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The bathroom has a waste bin and a nappy/incontinence items bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 143cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
    • The bathroom has a wheel-in shower.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shower (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
    • The shower controls are lever mixer.
    • There is a flip-down shower seat.
    • The shower seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • There are grab rails and dropdown rails for the shower.
    • The shower grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • The shower dropdown rails have a high visual contrast.

Toilet with Adaptations (Second Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the second floor, to the right as you exit the lift.
    • The distance from the lift is 10m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 85cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 145cm (width) x 212cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 77cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a lever flush on the non-transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 51cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a medium visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 95cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 72cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 93cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 105cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is an unobstructed shelf.
    • The shelf does not meet the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
    • The cubicle has a sanitary bin.
    • There is one coat hook.
    • The coat hook is 140cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.