Houses of Parliament

ambitioust2428

03 Nov 2018

Fantastic building with Changing Places loo!

2.5

2.5

Date of visit: July 2018

I have experience of challenges around: moving around and seeing.

Overall Rating

Average

I attended the House of Commons in July 2018 for #Trailblazersat10. We were escorted through as a group via a flat walk way through security. Guards offer to put your VIP laylards over your head if you lack the ability as common courtesy which I thought was great! We were then taken inside where we had to go up in the lifts. The lifts are VERY small so we each (many wheelchair users) had to go up in the slow lift with an older gentleman escorting us. It did take near an hour to get everyone to the floor the event was on. Although I didn't use it this time, there is a Changing Places toilet in the House of Commons, all you need do is ask and you'll be escorted to it. You'll even have a security member wait outside to assure all is well! The rooms throughout are lovely and spacious for navigating in a wheelchair. The only thing I'll say is due to the structure and decor, it is very dark inside so my visually impaired partner did struggle somewhat.

Disabled Access In and Around

Average

Access was good. Level entry access around the back way, with a small lift.

Parking & Transport

Average

We stayed at the nearby Travelodge, Waterloo (see my review also on Euan's Guide), so it was just 10 mins "rolling" distance in our powerchairs as we went as a group.

Accessible Toilets

Excellent

It has a Changing Places loo which consist of a ceiling track hoist and adult size changing bench. So 5 stars for me!

Staff

Excellent

Staff extremely helpful and friendly.

Additional Information

Just to be aware very large powerchairs may struggle to fit in the lift. I could but it was tight. And anyone with a visual impairment may need extra guidance if not using a white cane or guide dog.