Southbank Centre Accessibility Guide

Overview

The Southbank Centre is London's largest arts complex, sitting along the south bank of the Thames near Waterloo Bridge. It includes three main performance venues: the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, and Purcell Room. All three have wheelchair spaces and are connected by lifts. The building was designed with accessibility in mind, with level access from the riverside walkway and lifts reaching every floor. Free exhibitions, a riverside terrace, cafes, and a bookshop are all step-free. Whether you are attending a concert or just stopping by, the Southbank Centre is one of the most consistently accessible buildings on the South Bank.

Getting There

• Tube: Waterloo (Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo lines) has step-free access and is a 5-minute flat walk to the centre. Exit toward the South Bank and follow signs.
• Bus: Routes 1, 4, 26, 59, 68, 76, 77, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, 381, 507, and RV1 stop nearby.
• Thames Path: The riverside walkway is flat and paved. You can approach from either direction along the South Bank. Coming from Westminster Bridge to the west or Blackfriars Bridge to the east, the path is smooth and well maintained.
• Blue Badge parking: Spaces available on Belvedere Road, close to the main entrance.

Wheelchair Accessibility

• Level access from the riverside terrace into the Royal Festival Hall at ground floor level. No ramps or steps needed.
• Lifts connect all floors in the Royal Festival Hall, including the auditorium levels, bars, restaurants, and terraces.
• The Royal Festival Hall auditorium has wheelchair spaces at stalls and circle level, all with companion seating beside them.
• Queen Elizabeth Hall and Purcell Room are connected to the Royal Festival Hall by covered walkways. Both have lift access and dedicated wheelchair positions.
• The Hayward Gallery (also part of the Southbank Centre) has lift access and wide gallery spaces.
• All public areas, including the foyers, shops, and restaurants, are step-free.

Accessible Toilets

Accessible toilets are on every level of the Royal Festival Hall. Additional accessible toilets are in Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Hayward Gallery. All have grab rails, emergency pull cords, and adequate turning space. A Changing Places toilet with a hoist and height-adjustable changing bench is located on Level 2 of the Royal Festival Hall.

Tips for Visitors with Disabilities

• Book wheelchair spaces through the box office online or by phone. Select "accessible seating" during checkout. A free companion ticket is available with proof of disability.
• Captioned, audio-described, BSL-interpreted, and relaxed performances are part of the regular schedule. Check the access page on the website for upcoming dates.
• The riverside terrace outside is flat and wide, with views of the Thames and the north bank skyline. It is a pleasant spot to sit and does not require a ticket.
• Cafes and restaurants in the complex all have step-free access and movable furniture.
• Cloakroom facilities are available on the ground floor if you need to store bags or equipment during a performance.
• Large print and Braille concert programs are available on request at the information desk.