4
Station with a view
Blackfriars Station is connected to the District and Circle lines on the Tube and also provides National Rail services. It has two entrances, one on either side of the river Thames. The bridge between the two is also where the platforms are located which means there are some amazing views across London from the platforms.
Staff were available on all the platforms to assist with boarding. There was a raised section on the platforms, which made the platform level with the train. This meant there was a medium gap between the train and the platform to navigate, but no step. Those using prams or a walking aid, like a walking stick, may find that this provides enough security to board and disembark without staff assistance. For me, in my wheelchair, the staff provided a small ramp which just bridged the medium-sized gap, providing a smooth and safe boarding and disembarking option. Staff were quick to board me on the next available train and communicated with the staff at my destination station; they were also there as requested when I returned.
I didn’t use the Underground platforms on this visit, only the Thameslink service. The Underground lines are only available from the north side of the station but there are lifts on either side of the station which connect to each end of the platforms.
I found the south side of the station slightly harder to navigate in my wheelchair. It brings you out on the Southbank which is really lovely and perfect if you are travelling to any of the attractions located on that level. However, I realised that I actually needed to get to the level above, where the Blackfriars road bridge is, and there were only stairs to get up there. It meant I had to take quite a long winded route to get to the roads I needed to be on to continue my journey.
Overall, I had a good experience using this station, the staff were incredibly helpful and were there when I needed them and expected them to be. The station is relatively small, with only four National Rail platforms, which makes it quite easy to navigate as the signage is clear throughout the station.
Blackfriars Station is connected to the District and Circle lines on the Tube and also provides National Rail services. It has two entrances, one on either side of the river Thames. The bridge between the two is also where the platforms are located which means there are some amazing views across London from the platforms.
Staff were available on all the platforms to assist with boarding. There was a raised section on the platforms, which made the platform level with the train. This meant there was a medium gap between the train and the platform to navigate, but no step. Those using prams or a walking aid, like a walking stick, may find that this provides enough security to board and disembark without staff assistance. For me, in my wheelchair, the staff provided a small ramp which just bridged the medium-sized gap, providing a smooth and safe boarding and disembarking option. Staff were quick to board me on the next available train and communicated with the staff at my destination station; they were also there as requested when I returned.
I didn’t use the Underground platforms on this visit, only the Thameslink service. The Underground lines are only available from the north side of the station but there are lifts on either side of the station which connect to each end of the platforms.
I found the south side of the station slightly harder to navigate in my wheelchair. It brings you out on the Southbank which is really lovely and perfect if you are travelling to any of the attractions located on that level. However, I realised that I actually needed to get to the level above, where the Blackfriars road bridge is, and there were only stairs to get up there. It meant I had to take quite a long winded route to get to the roads I needed to be on to continue my journey.
Overall, I had a good experience using this station, the staff were incredibly helpful and were there when I needed them and expected them to be. The station is relatively small, with only four National Rail platforms, which makes it quite easy to navigate as the signage is clear throughout the station.
