You are on Introduction - South Bank Centre. Skip to the next section.

Introduction - South Bank Centre

• The Southbank Centre is a complex of venues on the South Bank of the River Thames. It comprises of three main venues; Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall & Purcell Room and Hayward Gallery.
• The Southbank Centre is also home to the National Poetry Library (within Royal Festival Hall), South Bank Roof Top Garden and a number of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants including Skylon and Spiritland.

You are on Related London South Bank Venues. Skip to the next section.

Related London South Bank Venues

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• Attractions View
  • Southbank Centre - Royal Festival Hall - Level 1 and 2 - To view the access guide please click here (new tab).
  • Southbank Centre - Royal Festival Hall Green Side - Levels 3, 4, 5 and 6 - To view the access guide please click here (new tab).
  • Southbank Centre - Royal Festival Hall Blue Side - Level 3, 4, 5 and 6 - To view the access guide please click here (new tab).
  • Southbank Centre - Queen Elizabeth Hall & Purcell Room - To view the access guide please click here (new tab).
  • Southbank Centre - Hayward Gallery - To view the access guide please click here (new tab).
• Eating and Drinking View
  • Skylon - To view the access guide please click here (new tab).
  • Spiritland - To view the access guide please click here (new tab).
  • Southbank Centre - Rooftop Garden - To view the access guide please click here (new tab).
• Toilets View
  • Southbank Centre - Changing Places Facility - To view the access guide please click here (new tab).

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 South Bank Centre is located off Belvedere Road.
    The South Bank Centre is located in central London in the congestion zone.
  • There are four Blue Badge bays available for visitors located on the Queen Elizabeth Hall slip road off Belvedere Road (the road between Royal Festival Hall and Hayward Gallery). Spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and use of them is free. You are required to display your Blue Badge as you enter the site. Vehicles that do not display a Blue Badge are refused entry.
    Free parking in the National Theatre Car Park and APCOA Cornwall Road Car Park is available to Blue Badge holders visiting the Southbank Centre. Please note, on Sunday when the National Theatre building is closed there is no step-free access from the car park.
    Please see the London South Bank Public Parking section in this access guide for more information on other public car parks in the area.
  • 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.
  • Route RV1 stops on Belvedere Road (less than a minute’s walk away)
    Routes 1, 4, 26, 59, 68, 139, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 243, 521, N1, N68, N171 and N343 stop on Waterloo Bridge (a 2 minute walk away)
    Routes 76, 77, 211, 341, 381, 507, N381, N76 and RV1 stop on York Road (a 5 minute walk away).
• By Train View
  • The nearest Railway Station is Waterloo.
  • Waterloo and Waterloo East Stations are approximately 0.2 mile from the South Bank Centre.
    The stations are linked and there is step-free access throughout the stations, although there are steep ramps to access the platforms in Waterloo East.
    Step-free access to both stations 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 the access guide for Waterloo Station please click here please click here (opens new tab).
• By Underground View
  • The nearest underground station is Waterloo.
  • Westminster Underground Station (Circle and District Lines) is approximately 0.5 mile from the museum on the north side of Westminster Bridge.
    Westminster Underground Station has step-free access to platforms.
    Waterloo Underground Station (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo & City Lines) is approximately 0.2 mile from the museum.
    Of these lines, only the Jubilee Line has step-free access.
  • For more information on London Underground 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 at three piers. Please see the TFL website for details.
  • For more information on the river bus please click here (opens new tab).

You are on Parking (On-Site Car Park - Belvedere Road). Skip to the next section.

Parking (On-Site Car Park - Belvedere Road)

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• Parking View
  • The venue does have its own parking facilities.
  • The car parking facilities are for Blue Badge holders only.
  • The car park is located off Belvedere Road.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • The car park does have a barrier control system.
  • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • All parking spaces are provided on a first come first served basis.
  • There is also an overflow car park for visitors.
  • Free parking in the National Theatre Car Park and APCOA Cornwall Road Car Park is available to Blue Badge holders visiting the Southbank Centre. Please note, on Sunday when the National Theatre building is closed there is no step-free access from the car park.
• Blue Badge Parking View
  • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
  • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • There is/are 4 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 310cm x 560cm (10ft 2in x 18ft 4in).
  • The dimensions of other designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) vary in size.
• Access from the Car Park View
  • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
  • Assistance may be required because there is/are dropped kerbs.
  • The surface on the approach to the entrance is tarmac.
  • There is a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
  • There is some tactile paving on dropped kerbs between the car park and the entrance.
• Drop-off Point(s) View
  • There is a/are clearly marked drop-off point(s).
  • The drop-off points(s) is/are located off Belvedere Road.
  • The route from the drop-off point(s) to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
  • Assistance may be required because there is/are dropped kerbs.
  • There is some tactile paving on dropped kerbs between the drop-off point(s) and the entrance.

You are on The Queen's Walk. Skip to the next section.

The Queen's Walk

• There is step-free access along The Queen's Walk.
• The surface of the path is concrete tiles.
• There is bench seating available.
• There is the South Bank Skate Park located beneath Waterloo Bridge.
• There is South Bank Centre signage along this section of The Queen's Walk.
• There are ramps or steps from The Queen's Walk to Festival Riverside.
• There is a ramp, steps or lift access from The Queen's Walk to the South Bank Level 2 Terrace.

You are on Step(s) (The Queen's Walk - Next to BFI Southbank to South Bank Level 2 Terrace). Skip to the next section.

Step(s) (The Queen's Walk - Next to BFI Southbank to South Bank Level 2 Terrace)

• There is a/are step(s) located along The Queen's Walk to the right of the BFI Southbank.
• There is/are 15+ step(s).
• The step(s) is/are not 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 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.

You are on Step(s) (The Queen's Walk - opposite Festival Pier to South Bank Level 2 Terrace). Skip to the next section.

Step(s) (The Queen's Walk - opposite Festival Pier to South Bank Level 2 Terrace)

• There is a/are step(s) located along The Queen's Walk, opposite Festival Pier.
• There is/are 15+ 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 14cm.
• 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 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.

You are on Step(s) (The Queen's Walk - Jubilee Bridges to South Bank Level 2 Terrace). Skip to the next section.

Step(s) (The Queen's Walk - Jubilee Bridges to South Bank Level 2 Terrace)

• There is a/are step(s) located along The Queen's Walk, next to Jubilee Bridges.
• There is/are 15+ 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 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.

You are on Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (The Queen's Walk - Jubilee Bridges to South Bank Level 2 Terrace). Skip to the next section.

Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (The Queen's Walk - Jubilee Bridges to South Bank Level 2 Terrace)

• There is a ramp/slope located along The Queen's Walk, next to Jubilee Bridges.
• The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
• The ramp/slope is permanent.
• There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
• There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.

You are on Lift (The Queen's Walk - Jubilee Bridges to South Bank Level 2 Terrace). Skip to the next section.

Lift (The Queen's Walk - Jubilee Bridges to South Bank Level 2 Terrace)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located along The Queen's Walk, next to Jubilee Bridges.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• A member of staff is required to operate the lift.
• 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 good.
• The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is poor.
• The clear door width is 110cm (3ft 7in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 175cm x 127cm (5ft 9in x 4ft 2in).
• 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 not 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.

You are on Approach (Festival Riverside - Level 1). Skip to the next section.

Approach (Festival Riverside - Level 1)

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• Approach View
  • The surface of the approach is stone/concrete tiles.
• Ramp/Slope View
  • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a slight gradient.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
• Step(s) View
  • There is a/are step(s) on the approach.
  • There is/are 8 unmarked step(s), with handrails on both sides.
  • The step(s) has/have tactile paving at the top and bottom.
  • Handrails are 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 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.

You are on Festival Riverside - Level 1. Skip to the next section.

Festival Riverside - Level 1

• The Festival Riverside are located off The Queen's Walk.
• There is ramp or stepped access to the Festival Riverside.
• There is step-free access along the Festival Riverside.
• The surface of the flooring is concrete tiles.
• There are a number of shops or restaurants along the Festival Riverside.
• The venues in this area include Wagamama, EAT, Yo Sushi and Giraffe restaurants and Foyles bookshop.
• There is some bench seating outside the Royal Festival Hall entrance.
• There is an entrance into the South Bank Centre Royal Festival Hall located along the Festival Riverside.

You are on Step(s) (Festival Riverside to South Bank Centre Level 2 Terrace). Skip to the next section.

Step(s) (Festival Riverside to South Bank Centre Level 2 Terrace)

• There is a/are step(s) located along the Festival Riverside.
• There is/are 15+ step(s).
• The step(s) is/are not 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 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.

You are on Approach (South Bank Centre Square - Level 1). Skip to the next section.

Approach (South Bank Centre Square - Level 1)

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• Approach View
  • The surface of the approach is stone/concrete tiles.
  • There is a/are fixed bollard(s) on the approach.
  • The minimum width between the bollards/wall is 120cm.
  • There is step-free access on the approach.

You are on South Bank Centre Square - Level 1. Skip to the next section.

South Bank Centre Square - Level 1

• South Bank Centre Square is located off Belvedere Road.
• There is step-free access around South Bank Centre Square.
• The surface of the flooring is block paving and concrete tiles.
• South Bank Centre Square is sometimes used for the South Bank Food Market.
• There is an entrance into the South Bank Centre Royal Festival Hall.
• The entrance is located to the right of the South Bank Centre Square.
• There is lift or stepped access from South Bank Centre Square to South Bank Centre Riverside Terrace.

You are on Step(s) (South Bank Centre Square to South Bank Riverside Terrace - Restaurants). Skip to the next section.

Step(s) (South Bank Centre Square to South Bank Riverside Terrace - Restaurants)

• There is a/are step(s) located to the right of the South Bank Centre Square.
• There is/are 15+ step(s).
• The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
• The step(s) has/have tactile paving at the top and bottom.
• 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 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.

You are on Lift (South Bank Centre Square to South Bank Riverside Terrace - Restaurants - Standard Lift). Skip to the next section.

Lift (South Bank Centre Square to South Bank Riverside Terrace - Restaurants - Standard Lift)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located to the left of the South Bank Centre Square.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not 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 good.
• The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is poor.
• The clear door width is 100cm (3ft 3in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 130cm x 165cm (4ft 3in x 5ft 5in).
• There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• There is not 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 good.

You are on Step(s) (South Bank Centre Square to South Bank Riverside Terrace). Skip to the next section.

Step(s) (South Bank Centre Square to South Bank Riverside Terrace)

• There is a/are step(s) located to the right of South Bank Centre Square.
• There is/are 15+ 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 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.

You are on Step(s) (South Bank Centre Square next to Parking to Riverside Terrace). Skip to the next section.

Step(s) (South Bank Centre Square next to Parking to Riverside Terrace)

• There is a/are step(s) located to the right of the South Bank Centre Square, next to the parking.
• There is/are 15+ 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 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.

You are on Riverside Terrace - Level 2. Skip to the next section.

Riverside Terrace - Level 2

• Access to the Riverside Terrace is via lifts, ramps or steps.
• There is step-free access throughout the Riverside Terrace.
• The surface of the ground is concrete tiles and block paving.
• There are cafes, bars and restaurants located along the Riverside Terrace.
• Cafes, bars and restaurants on the South Bank Centre Riverside Terrace include Wahaca, Honest Burgers, Cote Brasserie, Southbank Centre Shop, Le Pain Quotidien, Las Iguanas and Skylon.
• There is signage and a map along the Riverside Terrace.
• There are some concrete bench seats without armrests and other brightly coloured metal benches, some of which are mainly sculptural or for fun
• There are tables and chairs next to the Queen Elizabeth Hall and Purcell Room.
• The height of the tables is 70cm.
• The Riverside Terrace gives access to the Royal Festival Hall, Purcell Room and Hayward Gallery.

You are on Ramp(s) / Slope(s) and Step(s) (Riverside Terrace - between Queen Elizabeth & Purcell Room and Heyward Gallery). Skip to the next section.

Ramp(s) / Slope(s) and Step(s) (Riverside Terrace - between Queen Elizabeth & Purcell Room and Heyward Gallery)

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• Ramp / Slope View
  • There is a ramp/slope located between Queen Elizabeth & Purcell Room and Heyward Gallery.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the ramp.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
• Step(s) View
  • There is a/are step(s) located between Queen Elizabeth & Purcell Room and Heyward Gallery.
  • There is/are 8 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 12cm.
  • The going of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

You are on Toilet Facilities. Skip to the next section.

Toilet Facilities

• There are accessible and standard toilet facilities within Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall & Purcell Room and Hayward Gallery.
• Some of the independent cafes, restaurant and bars may have their own accessible and standard toilet facilities.

You are on Royal Festival Hall - Changing Places. Skip to the next section.

Royal Festival Hall - Changing Places

• There is a changing places facility on Level 1 of Royal Festival Hall.
• For more information on the changing places facility please click here (opens in new tab).

You are on User Reviews. Skip to the next section.

User Reviews

• Check out reviews of this venue from disabled people on Euan’s Guide, the disabled access review website (opens new tab).