Accessible Houses of Parliament London
Accessibility :
Step-Free Access,
Wheelchair Accessible,
Wheelchair Accessible Guided Tours*,
Wheelchair Accessible Toilet,
Changing Places Approved Toilet
More....
For details of other wheelchair accessible attractions, accessible events, and wheelchair-friendly eating and drinking options throughout the UK, see The Access Map 2023
Accessible Houses of Parliament in London
There are steps at the start and at the end of the Houses of Parliament tour route, but a Visitor Assistant will escort you to a step-free alternative where needed. All other parts of the tour route are wheelchair-accessible, with the exception of St Stephen’s Hall – which has steps at either end (but can be viewed from Central Lobby).
Wheelchairs are available to borrow (free of charge) in Westminster Hall. However, you must be accompanied by your companion to use a borrowed wheelchair – as the staff are unable to accompany you.
Accessible Parking at the Houses of Parliament in London
A limited number of Blue Badge parking bays are available in Star Chamber Court. A space can be reserved by contacting the Visitor Services Team (by telephone: +44(0)20 7219 0516; or by email: visitorservices@parliament.uk).
There are limited Blue Badge on-street parking bays situated slightly further away on Tothill Street, Little Smith Street, Dean Bradley Street, Smith Square, Matthew Parker Street and also on Great Peter Street.
Getting to the Houses of Parliament in London using Public Transport
Tube (Underground):
The closest tube station to the Houses of Parliament & Big Ben is Westminster (Jubilee, District & Circle Lines). The station is completely wheelchair accessible (irrespective of what Line you use to get there).
Bus:
A number of different buses run past, or near, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. And all buses in central London are wheelchair accessible – and are equipped with a retractable ramp (automatically controlled by the bus driver).
Bus travel is also free for wheelchair users (your companion has to pay the correct fare though).
I recommend that you use the official TfL Journey Planner to find the best route for yourself.
Taxi:
By far the easiest way to arrive at the Houses of Parliament in a wheelchair, using public transport, is in one of London’s famous black cabs (taxis).
It’s also the most expensive way to reach the Houses of Parliament though.
Taxis can safely drop you off at all public entrances to the Houses of Parliament, and also at Millbank & Victoria Tower Gardens.
All London taxis are equipped with a retractable ramp.
My advice though:
The Houses of Parliament are actually at the meeting point of two DIY Walking Tour routes – the circular London West End DIY Walking Tour & the London Thames DIY Walking Tour (which ends at Tower Bridge).
So simply add your visit to the Houses of Parliament to either of these completely wheelchair accessible “London DIY walking tour” routes.
Access - Entrance to the Houses of Parliament in London
Entry to the Houses of Parliament is a two-step affair (unless you have bought your ticket online and printed it at home or bought it by telephone: +44(0)20 7219 4114).
First, you have to buy your ticket from the Ticket Office at Portcullis House (on the side facing the river Thames). Access to the Ticket Office is via a very gentle slope, and the floor is level inside. One companion is given a free ticket.
After obtaining your tickets, you then have to enter the Houses of Parliament themselves, via the Cromwell Green entrance on St. Margaret Street. A downward sloping ramp here, leads you to the entrance (where you will undergo an “airport-style” security check).
Accessible Toilets in the Houses of Parliament in London
A wheelchair accessible toilet is located beside Westminster Hall. There are 4 steps here, but a small lift is available.
There are also a number of wheelchair accessible toilets located at various places in the Palace of Westminster.
There is a Changing Places approved toilet in the Palace of Westminster.
Accessible Cafe/Restaurant in the Houses of Parliament in London
Food and drink is available in the wheelchair accessible Jubilee Café (the visitor cafe within the Houses of Parliament). This is a self-service café, but the staff will happily serve you at your table if needed.
The nearest wheelchair accessible toilet to the Jubilee Café , is just 10 metres away.
More....
For details of other accessible visitor attractions, accessible events, and accessible eating and drinking options, see The Access Map 2023
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Thank you – and happy travels!
Houses of Parliament News
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