Update - RADAR lock fixed
4.5
4.5
Date of visit: March 2016
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Excellent
Just an update from the previous review - the accessible toilet did have a broken lock, this has now been fixed. It's still cramped and full of bins, but the lock works.
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
There's a new visitor centre built alongside the original building, which contains a ramp, lift and accessible toilet. Inside the Cathedral, the Nave has level access, there's a good sight line all the way up the chancel, which is uncrowded, and then vergers can put out portable ramps from the transepts up into the chancel. The only difficulty I had was that evening prayer was held in a side chapel that had two steps down and no ramp. Vergers were helpful in carrying my chair, but about half the congregation had mobility aids, so it's a strange choice of location.
Parking & Transport
Good
Good access from London Bridge station. From the Tooley Street exit, it's easiest to cross the road and head under London Bridge, which takes you to the accessible entrance through the cafe or learning centre.
Accessible Toilets
Average
The lock now works. But there are two big clinical waste bins, a sanitary bin but no regular bins for hand towels in a very small space. It's an odd shape and there wasn't space to turn my wheelchair around inside it. The door opens onto the busy entrance way, which is awkward as tourists grab the door pulling the handrail out of your grip as you're trying to get out, then crowd around you. It's somewhat embarrassing. This has happened four times now.
Staff
Excellent
Friendly, welcoming, well-trained, and honest about what they can offer in terms of access. They are well aware of the access limitations, such as the lack of step-free access at the main entrance - with such an historic building, and given that they don't own the pavement immediately outside, they need permission from 5 separate organisations to install the entrance lift they want. They're getting there, it will just take time to negotiate with the council etc.
Additional Information
They're really lovely people, it's very calm inside, the service was short and easy to follow. The welcomer on the door had heard of Euan's guide and was genuinely friendly.
