You are on Introduction - St John's Church. Skip to the next section.

Introduction - St John's Church

• St John's Church is open to the public for church services, orchestra recitals, meetings and events.
• There is step free access to the nave and church gardens which is free to use to members of the public.
• All other areas such as The Old Crypt and the Crypt Level meeting/events rooms are to be booked in advance.

You are on Related London South Bank Venues (St John's Church Crypt). Skip to the next section.

Related London South Bank Venues (St John's Church Crypt)

• St John's Church Crypt is located within St John's Church.

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• Attractions View
  • St John's Church Crypt - 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 BFI Southbank is in central London in the congestion zone located off Waterloo Road.
  • The nearest public car parking is located at the National Theatre and Doon Street 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.
  • There are several bus stops located opposite the church on Tenison Way.
    Bus routes using there stops include 521, 139,176, 243,1,59,68,168,171,188, N1, N68, N171 and X68.
  • For more information on bus stop location please click here (opens new tab).
• By Train View
  • The nearest Railway Station is Waterloo.
  • Waterloo and Waterloo East Stations are approximately 100 metres from the Church.
    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 (National Rail) please click here (opens new tab).
  • For more information on the AccessAble guide for Waterloo Station please click here (opens new tab).
• By Underground View
  • The nearest underground station is Waterloo.
  • Waterloo Underground Station (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo and City Lines) is approximately 150 metres from the museum.
    Of these lines, only the Jubilee Line has step-free access.
  • For more information on the 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 three piers. Please see the TFL website for details.
  • For more information on the River Bus please click here please click here (opens new tab).
• Useful Links View
  • Please use the TFL journey planner for details of the most suitable route.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
  • The TFL website has links to the TFL accessibility guides, including large print maps and audio guides to order or download.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).

You are on Getting Help and Assistance. Skip to the next section.

Getting Help and Assistance

• There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
• There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
• The alternative formats documents can be provided in include: large print on request.
• There is an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
• The assistance dog toilet or toileting area is located in the church gardens.
• Water bowls for assistance dogs are not available.
• There are not mobility aids available.
• There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people who may feel scared or at risk.
• If a visitor needs a quiet space they are welcome to use the Lady Chapel, located to the rear right of The Nave.

You are on South Bank Public Car Parks. Skip to the next section.

South Bank Public Car Parks

• This section provides information about a number of public cars parks around South Bank.
  For more information about access and parking charges please visit the individual car parks.
  South Bank is located in the congestion charging zone.

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• National Theatre Car Park View
  • The National Theatre Car Park Car Park is located off Upper Ground.
  • The car park type is underground.
  • The car park does have Blue Badge parking.
  • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
  • The car park surface is concrete.
  • When the National Theatre building is closed there is no step-free access from the car park.
    This applies all day on Sundays, and before 09.30 and after 23:00 on most other days.
    Free parking is available in the NT Car Park for Blue Badge holders attending a performance or eating at the National.
    Photographs 1 and 2 show the National Theatre Car Park.
  • To view the National Theatre car park location please click here (opens new tab).
  • For more information on the National Theatre Car Park please click here (opens new tab).
• Cornwall Road Car Park View
  • The Cornwall Road Car Park Car Park is located off Cornwall Road.
  • The car park type is underground.
  • The car park does have Blue Badge parking.
  • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
  • The car park surface is concrete.
  • There is step free access from the car park via a lift.
    The car park is used as a car park for South Bank Centre Venues.
    Photographs 3 and 4 Show the Cornwall Road Car Park.
  • To view the Cornwall Road car park location please click here (opens new tab).
  • For more information on the Cornwall Road Car Park please click here (opens new tab).
• Doon Street Car Park View
  • The Doon Street Car Park Car Park is located off Upper Ground.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • The car park does not have Blue Badge parking.
  • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
  • The car park surface is compacted gravel.
  • Photographs 5 and 6 show the Doon Street Car Park.
  • To view the Doon Street car park location please click here (opens new tab).
  • For more information on the Doon Street Car Park please click here (opens new tab).
• Waterloo – York Road Car Park View
  • The Waterloo York Road Car Park Car Park is located off York Road.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • The car park does not have Blue Badge parking.
  • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
  • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • Photographs 7 and 8 show the Waterloo York Road Car Park.
  • To view the Waterloo York Road car park location please click here (opens new tab).
  • For more information on the Waterloo York Road Car Park please click here (opens new tab).
• Waterloo – Upper Marsh Car Park View
  • The Waterloo Upper Marsh Car Park Car Park is located off Upper Marsh.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • The car park does have Blue Badge parking.
  • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
  • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • Photographs 9 and 10 show the Waterloo Upper Marsh Car Park.
  • To view the Waterloo Upper Marsh car park location please click here (opens new tab).
  • For more information on the Waterloo Upper Marsh Car Park please click here (opens new tab).
• London Waterloo Station Car Park View
  • The London Waterloo Station Car Park Car Park is located on Station Approach.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • The car park does have Blue Badge parking.
  • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
  • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • Photographs 11 and 12 show the London Waterloo Station Car Park.
  • To view the London Waterloo Station car park location please click here (opens new tab).
  • For more information on the London Waterloo Station Car Park please click here (opens new tab).

You are on Outside Access (Main Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located on Waterloo Road.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
  • This entrance is signed with 'ST JOHN'S at Waterloo'.
  • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
  • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
  • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the opening is 164cm.
  • 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) automatically (towards you).
  • The automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
  • The push pad or push button is 100cm from floor level.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 171cm.
• Ramp/Slope View
  • The ramp/slope is located to the right as you face the entrance.
  • 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 a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the ramp.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 115cm (3ft 9in).
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • There is an additional downwards slope in the entrance doorway. The gradient of the slope is 3-4 and there are no handrails.
• Step(s) View
  • The step(s) is/are located in front of the main entrance.
  • There is/are 3 step(s).
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are 20cm.
  • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

You are on The Foyer. Skip to the next section.

The Foyer

• The foyer is located immediately ahead as you enter.
• The lighting levels are low in this area.
• There are tables and chairs without armrest located throughout the foyer.
• The tables are 75cm high.
• There is a television screen with information about the upcoming events at St John's Church.
• To the right of the foyer there is a kitchen area which is used when events are on.
• The height of the kitchen counters are 98cm and there are low level cupboards.
• There is a wash basin with lever taps in the kitchen.
• The flooring in the foyer area is painted wood with a shiny finish.
• There are some dark patterns on floor that may look like a hole to some people.
• There is no background music in this area.

You are on Counter (Visitors Help Desk). Skip to the next section.

Counter (Visitors Help Desk)

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• Counter View
  • The counter is located to the left as you enter the main entrance.
  • The counter is approximately 9m (9yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Clear signage for the counter is not visible from the entrance.
  • There is step-free access to the counter.
  • There is a clear unobstructed route to the counter.
  • There are no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the counter which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • The counter is placed in front of a plain background.
  • The lighting levels at the counter are low to moderate.
  • The height of the counter is 78cm.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
  • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
  • The counter is staffed.
  • Clipboards can be provided to anyone who is unable to use the counter.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system at the counter.
  • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are provided near the counter.
  • The type of flooring in this area is wood.
  • There is flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • There is some flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
  • The flooring is painted wood with a shiny finish that may appear slippery.
• Seating Area View
  • There is a seating area close to the counter.
  • Access to the seating area is unobstructed.
  • There are bench seats, tables and chairs without armrests available.
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the seating area.

You are on Entrance (The Nave). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (The Nave)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located immediately ahead as you enter St John's Church.
  • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
  • There is step-free access at this entrance.
  • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
  • The main automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
  • The push pad or push button is 90cm from floor level.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the opening is 197cm.

You are on The Nave. Skip to the next section.

The Nave

• The Nave is open to the public and can also be booked for events.
• The Nave is an inclusive church.
• The flooring throughout is painted wood with a shiny finish.
• There are dark patterns along the floor which may appear like a hole to some people.
• The seating throughout the Nave is chairs without armrests.
• There is space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre throughout the room.
• At the rear of The Nave there is a sanctuary area which has ramped or stepped access.
• The step to the sanctuary is 12cm high with no handrails.
• To overcome the step there is a ramp which is 130cm wide, 4-5 gradient with a handrail on the right going up.
• The sanctuary has chairs with armrests and bench seating available.
• There is a fixed hearing loop system within The Nave which was working at the time of survey (September 2023).

You are on The Lady Chapel. Skip to the next section.

The Lady Chapel

• The Lady Chapel is located to the rear right hand side of the Nave.
• There is a double, manual light door to enter the chapel which is 110cm wide.
• The door opens away from you.
• There are chairs without armrests within the room.
• There is not 150cm x 150cm turning space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the room, however there would be if furniture was moved.
• The flooring is vinyl and carpet.
• The lighting levels are moderate to good.

You are on Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (To the Accessible Toilet and Prep Room). Skip to the next section.

Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (To the Accessible Toilet and Prep Room)

• There is a ramp/slope located to the rear left hand side of The Nave.
• The ramp/slope is used to access the accessible toilet and prep room.
• The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
• The ramp/slope is permanent.
• There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
• There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
• The width of the ramp/slope is 127cm (4ft 2in).
• The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are low to moderate.
• The doors at the top of the ramp lead into the prep room and accessible toilet. The doors are double, manual , heavy and open away from you. The width of the doors are 115cm.

You are on Accessible Toilet(s) (The Nave - Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet(s) (The Nave - Left Hand Transfer)

• There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.

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• Location and Access View
  • This accessible toilet is located at the rear left hand side of the Nave, up the ramp and through the double doors.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Nave entrance.
  • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
  • This is a shared toilet.
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • There is no 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 87cm (2ft 10in).
  • The contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
  • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
  • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
• Toilet Features View
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 148cm x 198cm (4ft 10in x 6ft 6in).
  • 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 left.
  • The lateral transfer space is 82cm (2ft 8in).
  • The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal bin.
  • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
  • There is a spatula type lever flush.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
  • 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 right.
  • 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 good.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
  • There is an emergency alarm.
  • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
  • There is a/are pedal bin 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.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
  • 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 94cm (3ft 1in).
  • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • The height of the wash basin is 72cm (2ft 4in).
  • There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the wash basin.
  • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
  • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the soap dispenser is 97cm.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the hand dryer is 95cm (3ft 1in).
  • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is good.

You are on Church Gardens. Skip to the next section.

Church Gardens

• There are multiple entrances to the gardens.
• The entrance gate on Waterloo Road was not in use at the time of survey, however, this entrance has step-free access (photograph 1).
• There is stepped access to the gardens from the main entrance of St John's Church (photograph 2).
• There is steep sloped access to enter the gardens from Secker Street (photograph 3).
• There is step-free access throughout the gardens.
• The surface of the flooring is tarmac, paving slabs, compacted gravel and stone tiles.
• Some of the paths surfaces are broken or uneven.
• Bench seating is available in the gardens.

You are on Related London South Bank Venues (South Bank - Waterloo Area). Skip to the next section.

Related London South Bank Venues (South Bank - Waterloo Area)

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• Other Services View
  • South Bank - Waterloo Area - To view the Access Guide please click here (new tab).