Access at Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is open to all, with step-free access, hearing loops, audio guides, and a range of accessible visit programmes throughout the year.
Getting to Westminster Abbey
The nearest step-free underground station is Westminster station (0.1 miles). London Victoria station is also step-free (0.7 miles).
For more information on how to get here by public transport, see our Visit page or plan your journey with Transport for London.
Blue Badge parking
Blue Badge holders in Westminster can park in designated disabled bays, pay-and-display bays, and on single yellow lines under certain conditions, with specific rules for controlled hours and exemptions.
These bays typically allow up to four hours free parking during controlled hours, unless otherwise signposted, and unlimited parking outside controlled hours.
The closest available options managed by Westminster City Council are:
- Matthew Parker Street: This is the closest designated Blue Badge bay to the Abbey area, situated just to the north.
- Tothill Street: Located a short distance away, this street offers 2 dedicated disabled parking bays.
- Old Queen Street: Located slightly further out but within a reasonable radius, offering 1 dedicated disabled parking bay.
Designated drop-off space
A designated drop-off space is permitted outside the Great West Door for those arriving by taxi or accessible transit.
Arriving at Westminster Abbey
Entrance
Step-free entry is available for visitors at both the North Door (facing Parliament Square) and the Great West Door. There is a wheelchair-accessible door at the North Door.
Tickets
We offer free admission to registered disabled visitors and their essential companion. You can book tickets in advance via our ticketing website.
Assistance dogs
We welcome suitably trained assistance dogs at the Abbey.
To protect the Abbey and for everyone's comfort and safety, your assistance dog must be under your care and control during your visit. Where possible, they should remain on lead and wear a relevant tabard or harness.
Water bowls for assistance dogs are available in the Abbey.
Getting around
Accessible routes
When you arrive, Abbey Marshals will give you a visitor map and guide you along the step-free routes.
If you are planning an unassisted visit or have specific mobility needs, we recommend emailing [email protected] in advance. They can provide tailored advice on the current flow of the floor layout for your specific day of entry.
Borrowing mobility aids
Manual wheelchairs are available for visitors to borrow free of charge. You can request one from an Abbey Marshal when you arrive.
The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries
A lift provides step-free, wheelchair-accessible entry to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries. Abbey Marshals are on hand to assist with the lift, and borrowed wheelchairs are suitable for use in the Galleries.
Accessible toilets
Fully accessible toilets are available in the Cloisters, reachable by a step-free path from the main church or directly through Dean's Yard. They feature:
- wheelchair-accessible facilities
- fitted grab rails
- step-free route throughout
If you need directions on the day, ask any Abbey Marshal or member of the visitor experience team.
Seating
The Abbey has extensive permanent bench and seating located throughout the Nave and the South Transept where visitors are welcome to sit, rest, and take in the architecture.
Facilities
For more information on facilities, including our café and shops, contact [email protected].
Access resources
Audio descriptions and guides
Visitors who are blind or partially sighted can access audio-described tours, created with the visual impairment charity VocalEyes.
You can access the guide using a device we supply, or download a shortened version of the guide on your mobile or tablet.
There is also a British Sign Language (BSL) version of our multimedia guide available, and we offer printed transcripts of the tour (in 14 languages).
Hearing loop
The Abbey is equipped with a hearing loop system that covers the whole of the Abbey main building. This system is used at all services.
- Setting: Turn your hearing aid to the 'T' setting to connect automatically to the Abbey's audio systems.
- Coverage: The hearing loop is active throughout the Nave, Quire, High Altar, and during all daily services.
- Events: Loops are also used during special events and guided tours.
Accessible visits
We run dementia-friendly tours, BSL events, and touch tours. For a full programme of events see What's On.
AccessAble
For a detailed visual accessibility guide to Westminster Abbey, including pictures of the Abbey, room dimensions, surface types, facilities, and information on how to access our spaces, visit our AccessAble profile.
Contact us
Tell us about your accessibility needs or ask a question before your visit:
