London Blackfriars Railway Station
3
3
Date of visit: March 2025
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, accessing toilets and moving around.
I use or have experience of: changing places toilet, disabled toilet, hidden impairment, powerchair, toilet with hoist, toilets, walking aid, wheelchair
Overall Rating
Average
London Blackfriars Station is in the heart of London and serves both as a subway and train station. It’s really handy for getting across to the South Bank – there’s a pedestrian bridge that takes you straight over. It’s all step-free too, so getting around is easy whether you’re walking or wheeling. Overall, it’s a really convenient spot for getting in and out of central London.
Disabled Access In and Around
Average
arrived via the Queen Victoria Street entrance, where there are automatic doors and level access straight from the street. Just inside, I spotted the Petit Pret, a smaller Pret a Manger serving takeaway coffees, pastries and sandwiches. The area was busy but felt open, so I was able to navigate through without any trouble. The ticket office is on the right-hand side. There’s no lowered counter, but there is a hearing loop available. The staircase to the upper floors has grabrails on both sides and in the centre, with escalators running alongside. The lift down to the platform is fairly spacious. It has grabrails around the edges and large buttons with braille markings, which is always helpful. Each platform has several accessible ticket gates. The platforms themselves are clearly marked, with yellow lines and tactile paving along the edges. I found the signage easy to follow, which is always a bonus when you’re trying to get your bearings. There are benches along the platforms too, which is great if you need a quick rest while waiting. Overall, it’s a decent setup and pretty easy to get around.
Parking & Transport
Average
Taxis are available just outside the main entrance, though I didn’t spot any accessible ones nearby. There are bus stops near both entrances. The South Entrance is served by the 40, 63, N63 and N89 services, while the North Entrance has the 786, 788 and 789. There’s no on-site parking, but Baynard House Car Park is 320 metres away and has 153 standard spaces and 6 accessible bays. EV charging is available on level 4 and is operated by the Qwello network. Just a heads-up – there are no Blue Badge exemptions at this car park.
Accessible Toilets
Average
I visited the accessible toilet at the station, which was functional but far from the best accessible toilet in the city. The toilet requires a RADAR key to access, and the door opens outwards. There is room for a left-side transfer to the toilet, which, unfortunately, has a sanitary bin in the way, making transfer difficult. The toilet seat has contrasting grabrails on either side. The flush is on the wall behind the toilet, and the red cord hangs to the left. It wasn't obstructed, which is one good thing. The sink has rails on either side and a lever-style tap. The toilet has just enough space for a wheelchair or powerchair user and a second person if needed. The corridor outside can get quite busy, and I found that I was blocking the corridor as I waited to use the toilet.
Staff
Good
A member of staff noticed I was waiting, as the door indicator suggested the toilet was in use, and knocked to check if it was actually vacant. I had my RADAR key, but he used his to let me in and held the door for me.
