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Skylon

Royal Festival Hall, London, SE1 8XX

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Access Guide

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Introduction - Skylon

  • Skylon is located on the third floor of the Royal Festival hall.
  • The Restaurant serves up modern European cuisine.
  • The restaurant offers views over the Thames from its position on the third floor of the Royal Festival Hall.

Related London South Bank Venues

  • Skylon is located on level 3 of the Royal Festival Hall. It has its own external entrance, off Riverside Terrace. There are also internal entrances from the Royal Festival Hall. Step-free access is only available using Lift 1 on the Green Side of the Royal Festival Hall.
    For information about the access into Royal Festival Hall including entrances, stairs and lifts please view the access guides below.

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

  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
  • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include: large print.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.

Opening Times

  • Monday 12:00 - 23:00.
  • Tuesday 12:00 - 23:00.
  • Wednesday 12:00 - 23:00.
  • Thursday 12:00 - 23:00.
  • Friday 12:00 - 23:00.
  • Saturday 11:30 - 23:00.
  • Sunday 11:30 - 22:00.

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.

Festival Riverside, South Bank Square and Riverside Terrace

Outside Access (Riverside Terrace Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off Riverside Terrace, to the side of the Royal Festival Hall.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 112cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 1111cm.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located between both sets of doors.
    • 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 not 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.
    • The lighting levels at the step(s) are low to moderate.
  • Comments View
    • Only the handrail on the left hand side going up has a rounded profile.

Entrance (Royal Festival Hall Green Side)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on Level 3 of the Royal Festival Hall, straight ahead as you exit Lift 1.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance, via lift.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 101cm.

Entrance (Royal Festival Hall Blue Side)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on level 3 of the Royal Festival Hall.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 95cm.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located leading down from the area of level 3 accessed by the JCB Glass Lift.
    • There is/are 4 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 15cm.
    • 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 not easy to grip.
    • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.

Eating and Drinking

  • The following information is for the restaurant.
  • Full table service is available.
  • Food and/or drinks can be ordered from the service counter.
  • 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 step-free access within the restaurant.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • This area does play background music.
  • The type of flooring in this area is carpet, stone and laminate.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests on both sides.
  • The nearest table is approximately 4m from the entrance/opening.
  • The standard height for tables is 68cm.
  • Takeaway cups are available.
  • Takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • There are hand held menus available.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is modern European cuisine.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • There are reception points located just inside each entrance (shown in photographs 7 and 8).
    • Menus can be provided in large print if requested in advance.

Ramp(s) / Slope(s) and Step(s) (Bar Area)

  • Ramp / Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope located just inside the two internal entrances to the restaurant from the Royal Festival Hall.
    • The ramp/slope is used to access These ramps (shown in photographs 1 and 2) access the bar area.
    • 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 width of the ramp/slope is 116cm (3ft 10in).
    • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are moderate to good.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a/are step(s) located to the side and rear of the bar area from the internal entrances.
    • The step(s) is/are used to access the bar area.
    • 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 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).
    • The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • There are high tables, 101cm high (shown in photograph 6), and low tables, 44cm and 55cm high, available in the bar area (shown in photograph 7) and also to the rear of the bar area, next to the windows looking out over the river (shown in photograph 8).

Toilet with Adaptations (Level 3)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the Level 3 landing. There is step-free access to the toilets from only the Skylon Restaurant. There is stepped access from the Level 3 seating area and function room.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is not a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The door opens inwards and outwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 155cm x 200cm (5ft 1in x 6ft 7in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The toilet has a non-slip floor.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 85cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is 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.
    • 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 next to the toilet.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • Taps have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 100cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is low.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is medium.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Standard Toilet(s) (Level 3)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on Level 3.
    • There is step-free access into the female toilet(s), via lift.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is available.
    • There are horizontal and vertical grab rails on both sides of the seat.
    • There is not a lowered wash basin.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the Level 3 landing. There is step-free access to the toilets from only the Skylon Restaurant. There is stepped access from the Level 3 seating area and function room.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • There is a lowered urinal.
    • The height of the lowered urinal is 38cm.
    • There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the lowered urinal.
    • The lowered urinal does not contrast visually with the wall.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair in front of the lowered urinal (90cm x 140cm).
    • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
    • There is not a lowered wash basin.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Royal Festival Hall - Changing Places