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Southbank Centre - Rooftop Garden

Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX

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Access Guide

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Rooftop Garden

  • The Rooftop Garden is located on top of the Queen Elizabeth Hall & Purcell Room.
  • The garden is home to a café/bar and a variety of flora and fauna.
  • The Rooftop Garden has views of London and the River Thames.

Related London South Bank Venues

Getting Here

  • 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
  • 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).

Getting Help and Assistance

  • Southbank Centre website Access and Facilities page please click here (new tab).
  • 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 can be provided on request.
  • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include: large print and audio.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • There are mobility aids available.
  • The mobility aids available include wheelchairs.
  • Access Scheme
    Disabled visitors are encouraged to join the Southbank Centre’s free Access Scheme, through which concessionary tickets are available to carers and those with specific seating requirements.
    You can also receive information on our upcoming assisted events.
    For further information on access at Southbank Centre please click here (opens in new tab)
    To join the scheme or discuss any access issues, email [email protected] or call the Ticket Office on 020 3879 9555.
  • Assistance is available for blind and visually impaired visitors, including guiding and narration.
    Please call or email the access team to find out more.
    Assistance dogs are welcome.
  • Sound enhancement systems are available in all our venues.
    Please contact the Welcome Desk, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall or the Ticket Office at Queen Elizabeth Hall to collect one (subject to availability).
    Strobe lighting is rarely used in performances. Warning signs will be put on auditorium entry doors of any event where it is used.
    Wheelchairs are available for visitors by visiting the Artists' entrance when you arrive (subject to availability).
    The Southbank Centre’s quarterly listing is available in a variety of accessible formats.
  • Changing Places
    There is a changing places facility available on Level 1 of Royal Festival Hall.

Parking (On-Site Car Park - Belvedere Road)

  • 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.

Lift (Rooftop Garden - Standard Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left of the Queen Elizabeth Hall and Purcell Gallery Artists 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 Street Level to Rooftop Garden.
  • 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 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 good.
  • The clear door width is 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 100cm x 150cm (3ft 3in x 4ft 11in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does not 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 have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are low to moderate.

Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Lift to Rooftop Garden)

  • There is a ramp/slope located to the left after you exit the lift.
  • The ramp/slope is used to access the Rooftop Garden.
  • 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 does not have resting areas.
  • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are low to moderate.

Step(s) (The Queen's Walk/Festival Terrace to Rooftop Garden)

  • There is a/are step(s) located off The Queen's Walk and off Festival Terrace.
  • The step(s) is/are used to access the Rooftop Garden.
  • 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 height of the step(s) is/are 16cm.
  • The depth 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 the right going up the step(s).
  • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are easy to grip.
  • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.

Garden

  • The Rooftop Garden is split over two levels.
  • There is step-free access throughout both levels.
  • There is a variety of flora and fauna on both levels of the garden.
  • There is a slight slope to get to the upper level.
  • The surface of the paths on the lower levels are concrete paving slabs.
  • The majority of the pathways are under 150cm wide and obstructed with plants.
  • There is bench seating, chairs without armrests and tables in the garden area.
  • There is also seating from the bar.
  • The surface of the paths in the upper garden are grass or compacted gravel.
  • There is bench seating, which overlooks the River Thames.

Ramp(s) / Slope(s) and Step(s) (Lower Garden to Upper Garden)

  • Ramp / Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope located opposite the bar.
    • The ramp/slope is used to access the grass area at the rear of the Rooftop Garden.
    • 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 not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The surface of the slope is made of compacted gravel.

Eating and Drinking (Roof Garden Bar and Café)

  • The following information is for the café/bar.
  • The café/bar is located in the centre of the garden.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food and/or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food and/or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • The height of the service counter is high (110cm+) .
  • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system .
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • This area does play background music.
  • Background music varies according to the function/event.
  • The type of flooring in this area is concrete.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests on both sides.
  • The nearest table is approximately 10m from the entrance/opening.
  • The nearest table is approximately 2m from the till/counter.
  • The standard height for tables is 73cm.
  • Plastic/takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic/takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Children are welcomed in the bar area.
  • There are wall menus available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
  • The lighting levels are varied.

Ramp(s) / Slope(s) and Step(s) (Access to the toilets)

  • Ramp / Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope located within the garden, immediately in front of the toilets.
    • The ramp/slope is used to access the accessible and standard shared toilet.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not 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 the left going up the ramp.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • The ramp/slope does not bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a/are step(s) located in the doorway of the standard shared toilet.
    • The step(s) is/are used to access the standard shared toilet.
    • There is/are 1 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 11cm.
    • The lighting levels at the step(s) are low to moderate.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Rooftop Garden - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located in the centre of the Rooftop Garden.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 23m (25yd 6in) from the Rooftop Garden lift.
    • There is ramped/sloped access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 92cm (3ft).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 226cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 5in).
    • The accessible toilet does not 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on the left.
    • There is not 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 poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 77cm (2ft 6in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is fair.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot 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).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the left hand side of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • 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 90cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 111cm (3ft 8in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is poor.

Standard Toilet(s) (Rooftop Garden - Shared)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located in the centre of the Rooftop Garden.
    • There is stepped access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 29m from the Rooftop Garden lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is poor.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 86cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

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