Accessible Tate Modern London
Accessibility :
Accessible Car Parking,
Step-Free Access,
Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters Available,
Wheelchair Accessible Toilet,
Changing Places Toilet,
RADAR Key Operated Lifts
More....
For details of other wheelchair accessible attractions, accessible events, and wheelchair-friendly eating and drinking options throughout the UK, see The Access Map 2024
Accessible Tate Modern in London - IMPORTANT
There is a Bag Size policy at the Tate Modern!
Bags larger than cabin bag size (55cm x 40cm x 20cm) are not permitted in the Tate Modern in London.
Accessible Tate Modern in London
If you have booked one of the Tate Modern‘s mobility scooters or wheelchairs, it can be collected from the South Entrance.
A RADAR key is required to access some of the lifts (and the Changing Places toilet on Level 0 of the of the Natalie Bell Building). If needed though, RADAR keys are available from the ticket desk on Level 0, and from staff at the South entrance on Level 1.
The Viewing Level (temporarily closed until further notice), is an open viewing terrace on the top floor of the Blavatnik Building. Enjoy a drink and snacks from the bar as you look down on the River Thames, the Millennium Bridge (pedestrian bridge) leading to St Paul’s Cathedral, St Paul’s Cathedral itself, Canary Wharf to the east – and on a good day, and if you look closely, you might even see as far as Wembley Stadium to the north-west.
Access to the Viewing Level of the Tate Modern in London is free, and there is a dedicated, and wheelchair accessible, lift from Level 0.
Accessible Parking at the Tate Modern in London
There are twelve accessible parking spaces for disabled visitors at the Tate Modern. These parking spaces are accessed via Park Street. Please book these spaces at least 24 hours in advance, either by email (ticketing@tate.org.uk), or by telephone (+44 [0] 20 7887 8888 – option 1 – between 10.30–17.00 [daily]).
Getting to the Tate Modern in London using Public Transport
Tube (Underground):
The nearest completely step-free Tube station to the Tate Modern is “Southwark” station (on the Jubilee Line). There is then a 600m walk along level streets between Southwark station and the Tate Modern.
Another option, but slightly further away, is to use “Blackfriars” Tube station on the Circle & District Lines. There is then an 800m walk along level streets between Blackfriars station and the Tate Modern.
Bus:
A number of different buses run near the Tate Modern. 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 Tate Modern with your wheelchair, and by using public transport, is in one of London’s famous black cabs (taxis).
It’s also the most expensive way to reach the Tate Modern.
All London taxis are equipped with a retractable ramp.
The drop off / pick up point at the Tate Modern is located on Holland Street, just outside the entrance.
Boat:
Yes, the Tate Modern can be accessed from the river too.
Bankside Pier, one of the piers used by the public Thames Clippers boats, is located outside Shakespeare’s Globe (less than 100m from the Tate Modern).
My recommendation though?
Get to the Tate Modern on foot/by wheelchair!
The riverside footpath (the Queen’s Walk – part of the Thames Path as it passes through central London) is, without question, THE best walking route in central London. And because it is level (although there are a couple of detours which make it completely step-free), it is very wheelchair accessible.
This walk (the London Thames DIY Walking Tour) includes completely wheelchair accessible visits to: Westminster Abbey > the Houses of Parliament (and Big Ben) > the London Eye > the Southbank Centre > Tate Modern > a wee sidetrip across the Millennium Bridge to St.Paul’s Cathedral and back > Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre > The View From The Shard > HMS Belfast > Tower Bridge > and finally the Tower of London.
Access - Entrance to the Tate Modern in London
Entry to the Tate Modern is via the main Turbine Hall ramp. Visitors to the Tate Modern who have access needs may also use the South Entrance of the Blavatnik Building (accessed via Park Street).
Entry to the general collection of the Tate Modern art gallery in London is free for everyone, but ticketed.
And although advance booking is recommended to book these tickets, some tickets are often available on the door.
Entry to special Exhibitions is paid though, and requires a timed ticket (which you can buy online from the Tate Modern’s website), but visitors with a disability pay a reduced rate, and entrance for their companions is free.
Accessible Toilets at the Tate Modern in London
Wheelchair accessible toilets are located on every floor of the Tate Modern.
A Changing Places toilet is also available (on Level 0 of the Natalie Bell Building). The Changing Places facility is accessed by RADAR key. If you need one though, RADAR keys are available from the tickets desk on Level 0 and from staff at the South entrance on Level 1.
Accessible Cafe/Restaurant at the Tate Modern in London
In addition to The Terrace Café (on Level 1 of the Blavatnik Building), food & drink is also available at the Espresso Bar on Level 3 of the Natalie Bell Building, and also from The Kitchen and Bar on Level 6 of the Natalie Bell Building. All are wheelchair accessible.
More....
For details of other accessible visitor attractions, accessible events, and accessible eating and drinking options, see The Access Map 2024
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Thank you – and happy travels!
Tate Modern London News
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