Access at Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is open to all. We strive to create an inclusive environment so everyone can enjoy the Abbey.

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 include:

  • 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

Alternatively there is a designated drop-off space is permitted right outside the Abbey’s West Doors for those arriving by taxi, accessible transit, or private vehicle.

Arriving at Westminster Abbey

Entrance

The visitor entrance to Westminster Abbey is located at the West Gate of the North Green. It is step-free and has a wheelchair accessible door.

We offer free admission to registered disabled visitors and their essential companion. You can book tickets in advance via our ticketing website.

Tickets

Disabled visitors get discounted exhibition tickets. You can add a free companion or carer ticket to every disabled ticket.

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. Carrying ID or wearing a jacket is not a condition of entry but assists staff to identify those who may need additional assistance.

In cases where your assistance dog is not registered with ADI, ADUK, IGDF, or a similar organisation, please understand that if it demonstrates behaviour inappropriate to a suitably trained assistance dog, we reserve the right to deny entry to ensure the safety of our staff, volunteers, and visitors.

Such behaviour may include:

  • lunging
  • constant barking
  • jumping up (when not alerting)
  • pulling strongly on a lead
  • displaying an aggressive or fearful temperament (e.g. cowering or growling)
  • poorly cared for dogs that constitute a hygiene risk

Water bowls for assistance dogs are available in the Abbey.

If you plan to visit with an assistance animal other than an assistance dog, please get in touch to discuss your request with us at [email protected].

Getting around

Accessible routes

Upon your arrival, the Abbey Marshals will provide you with the standard visitor map layout and actively point out or guide you along the step-free connecting paths.

If you are planning an unassisted visit or have complex spacing needs, it is highly recommended to email [email protected] ahead of time. 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.

Accessible toilets

Westminster Abbey has fully accessible toilets available for visitors located within the Cloisters area of the Abbey grounds, which can be reached via a step-free path from the main church building or directly through Dean's Yard. These facilities are designed to accommodate wheelchairs and feature support grab rails.

If you are on-site and need directions, any Abbey Marshal or member of the visitor experience team can guide you along the step-free route to reach them.

Seating

The Abbey has extensive permanent bench and chair seating (without armrests) 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 cloakroom, café and shops, contact [email protected].

Access resources

Audio descriptions and guides

For visitors who are blind or partially sighted, the Abbey offers tailored resources to ensure an accessible experience including audio-described tours, created in collaboration with the visual impairment charity VocalEyes.

The Abbey can also arrange specialised touch tours for blind or partially sighted guests, allowing visitors to explore specific architectural elements, wood carvings, and monuments by touch. These require advance planning.

Access events

We run dementia-friendly tours, BSL events, relaxed views and touch tours. For a full programme of events see What's On.

Contact us

If you'd like to tell us about your accessibility needs or ask a question before your visit, get in touch:

Back to top