You are on Introduction - The Kerb. Skip to the next section.

Introduction - The Kerb

• The Kerb is located on the ground floor of the National Theatre.

You are on Related London South Bank Venues (National Theatre). Skip to the next section.

Related London South Bank Venues (National Theatre)

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• Attractions View
  • National Theatre - To view the Access Guide please click here (new tab).
  • National Theatre - Dorfman Theatre - To view the Access Guide please click here (new tab).
  • National Theatre - Lyttelton Theatre - To view the Access Guide please click here (new tab).
  • National Theatre - Olivier Theatre - To view the Access Guide please click here (new tab).
  • National Theatre - The Deck - To view the Access Guide please click here (new tab).
• Eating and Drinking View
  • Understudy - To view the Access Guide please click here (new tab).
  • Espresso Bar - To view the Access Guide please click here (new tab).
  • House Restaurant - To view the Access Guide please click here (new tab).
  • Terrace Restaurant - To view the Access Guide please click here (new tab).

You are on Opening Times. Skip to the next section.

Opening Times

• Monday 09:30 - 20:30.
• Tuesday 09:30 - 20:30.
• Wednesday 09:30 - 20:30.
• Thursday 09:30 - 20:30.
• Friday 09:30 - 20:30.
• Saturday 09:30 - 20:30.
• Sunday 12:00 - 18:00.

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 National Theatre is located just off Upper Ground and is in the London Congestion Charging Zone.
  • The National Theatre has its own underground car parking with Blue Badge parking.
    Blue Badge parking is also available just off Upper Ground near to the Dorfman Theatre.
    Please call the Box Office to book Blue Badge Parking for the Dorfman Theatre. There is no need to pre-book the underground car park.
    There is a coach parking drop off point located on Upper Ground.
  • 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.
  • Bus Routes that stop near the theatre include
    1, 4, 26, 59, 68, 76, 139, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, 521, X68 and Riverside Bus (RV1 – which also stops on Upper Ground which runs by the back of the National Theatre).
    77 (Upper Ground near the Festival Hall), 211 and 507 (Waterloo Road near Waterloo station) and 381 (Stamford Street).
    45, 63 and 100 all stop at the southern end of Blackfriars Bridge, and there is a 10 minute walk along the riverside to the National.
  • For more information on the bus stops please click here (opens new tab).
• By Train View
  • The nearest Railway Station is Waterloo.
  • Waterloo and Waterloo East Stations are approximately 500 metres from the National Theatre.
    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 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 & City Lines) is approximately 500 metres 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 Please use the TFL journey planner for details of the most suitable route. please click here (opens 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.
• There are mobility aids available.
• The mobility aids available include wheelchairs.
• For more information about access at the National Theatre you can either call 020 7452 3284 or email [email protected].
• Assistance dogs are welcomed into the auditorium.
  The theatre can provide a service where they can look after your assistance dog during the performance, returning them to the owner in the interval and at the end.
• Water bowls are available for assistance dogs.

You are on Parking (Underground). Skip to the next section.

Parking (Underground)

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• Parking View
  • The venue does have its own parking facilities.
  • The car park is located off Upper Ground.
  • The car park type is underground.
  • The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
  • The maximum height of the restriction barrier is 188cm (6ft 2in).
  • The car park does not have a barrier control system.
  • The car park surface is concrete.
  • Clearly marked/signposted parent and child parking bays are not available.
  • All parking spaces are provided on a first come first served basis.
  • Car park charges for cars and motorcycles
    Parking spaces in the basement car park are £8.50 after 17:00.
    If attending a daytime ticketed event and you leave before 19:00 the charge is £8.50.
    A combined matinee and evening show rate is £15.00.
    Validation must be obtained from the Box Office for these two options.
    On Sundays/public holidays parking is £8.50 all day, with no validation required.
    An early bird offer is available Monday to Friday, when you arrive between 06:00 and 09.30am, and leave by 18.30 for £12.
    The Hourly tariff for cars and motorcycles not attending National Theatre performances are 2 hours £7, 4 hours £11, 8 hours £16, 12 hours £24 and 24 hours £28.
    Lost tickets will be charged at full daily rate.
    Payment - There are four payment machines, one in the car park near the entrance to the theatre that takes cash and cards, one in the car park towards the BFI exit, and two in the basement lobby that take cards. Touch cards can also be used at the exit barriers.
    Free parking is available in the NT Car Park for Blue Badge holders attending a performance or eating at the National.
    When attending a performance, or dining at an NT restaurant, Blue Badge holders can park anywhere in the car park and there are spaces near the lifts reserved for use by disabled people. There is a ramped entrance with semi-automatic doors to the basement foyer and lifts.
    For free parking, Blue Badge holders should take their badge, theatre ticket and car park ticket to any Box Office in the foyers for validation prior to leaving.
    For further Access information phone 020 7452 3000 or email [email protected].
• 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 10+ designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 430cm x 500cm (14ft 1in x 16ft 5in).
  • The dimensions of other designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) vary in size.
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
• 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 slopes/ramps.
  • The entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
  • The surface on the approach to the entrance is concrete and block paving.
  • There is a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.

You are on Other Floors (Underground Car Park and Olivier Theatre). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Underground Car Park and Olivier Theatre)

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• Stairs View
  • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are Underground Car Park, G, 1, 2 and 3.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 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.
  • The steps are not clearly marked.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
  • 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.
  • There is a landing.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
  • The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.

You are on Lift (Underground Car Park and Olivier Theatre). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Underground Car Park and Olivier Theatre)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located next to the car park and on the ground floor ahead as you enter.
• 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 contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
• The external controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
• The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is low.
• The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is Medium.
• The clear door width is 118cm (3ft 10in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 150cm x 126cm (4ft 11in 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.
• 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 moderate to good.
• There is a/are similar lift(s) available.

You are on Parking (Off Upper Ground). Skip to the next section.

Parking (Off Upper Ground)

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• Parking View
  • The venue does have its own parking facilities.
  • The car park is located off Upper Ground.
  • 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 block paving.
  • Clearly marked/signposted parent and child parking bays are not available.
• 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 500cm x 500cm (16ft 5in x 16ft 5in).
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do need to be booked in advance.
  • To book a space please call the Box Office on 020 7452 3000.

You are on Approach (The Queen's Walk to National Theatre). Skip to the next section.

Approach (The Queen's Walk to National Theatre)

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• Approach View
  • The surface of the approach is concrete.
  • There is step-free access on the approach.
• Ramp/Slope View
  • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a slight gradient and has no handrails.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
• Step(s) View
  • There is a/are step(s) on the approach.
  • There is/are 3 clearly marked 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 not 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 Outside Access (External Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (External Entrance)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located on the outside of the Theatre.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
  • There is step-free access at this entrance.
  • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
  • The entrance door(s) does not/do not 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 130cm.

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

Outside Access (Riverside Festival Entrance)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located along The Queen's Walk.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
  • There is step-free 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 not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the door opening is 240cm.
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the door opening is 220cm.

You are on Eating and Drinking (The Kerb @Understudy). Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking (The Kerb @Understudy)

• The following information is for the café.
• There is step-free access to the café.
• 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 medium height (77cm - 109cm) .
• There is not a lowered section of the counter.
• There is not a hearing assistance system .
• There is step-free access within the café.
• There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• Background music varies according to the function/event.
• The type of flooring in this area is wood.
• No tables are permanently fixed.
• Some chairs are permanently fixed.
• No chairs have armrests on both sides.
• The nearest table is approximately 1m from the entrance/opening.
• The nearest table is approximately 2m from the till/counter.
• The standard height for tables is 73cm.
• Takeaway cups are available.
• Takeaway cutlery is available.
• Drinking straws are available.
• There are wall menus available.
• Menus are not available in Braille.
• Menus are not available in large print.
• Picture menus are not 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 moderate to good.

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• Comments View
  • There are high tables, the height from the floor to the surface of the table is 114cm.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (The Kerb @Understudy). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (The Kerb @Understudy)

• There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.

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• Location and Access View
  • This accessible toilet is located to the right after you enter from the ground floor of the theatre.
  • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • 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 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 84cm.
  • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 210cm x 215cm (6ft 11in x 7ft 1in).
  • The accessible toilet does 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 right.
  • The lateral transfer space is 140cm.
  • The transfer space is obstructed by a waste bin.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • There is a spatula type lever flush.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • There is an emergency alarm.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
  • There is a/are female sanitary, general waste (with no lid) and non-infectious waste disposal units.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 115cm and 170cm from the floor.
• 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 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 47cm (1ft 7in).
  • 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the soap dispenser is 110cm.
  • There is a towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the towel dispenser is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • 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 medium.
  • 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 medium.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
• Baby Changing Facilities View
  • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
  • The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
  • The baby change table is not height adjustable.
  • The height of the baby change table once extended is 105cm (3ft 5in).

You are on Standard Toilet(s). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s)

• The nearest standard toilet(s) is/are located on the ground floor of the National Theatre, either side of the Lyttleton Stalls.

You are on Related London South Bank Venues (The Queen's Walk - between Waterloo Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge). Skip to the next section.

Related London South Bank Venues (The Queen's Walk - between Waterloo Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge)

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• Other Services View
  • The Queen's Walk - between Waterloo Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge - To view the Access Guide please click here (new tab).