Good access, great attitudes
5
5
Date of visit: March 2017
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Excellent
Twickenham Stadium, the home of English Rugby Union, is a major sports stadium in south-west London. The stadium is very welcoming of wheelchair users, with good access, attitudes and policies. I've made several visits there, and enjoyed every one!
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
On the whole, wheelchair access to the stadium is good. Step-free access to spaces situated all around the pitch, in front of the stands, close to the action. Each disabled space includes space for a wheelchair and a tip-down seat for a PA (there are two tip-down seats in each wheelchair space, so they could be used by an ambulant disabled person and PA). The spaces are small, and it can be a squeeze. They are not under cover. There are a few wheelchair spaces under cover at a higher level in the stands, accessed via lift. These's more space for both wheelchair user and PA in these, and accessible (RADAR key) toilets are available nearby on the same level. View of pitch is good, but distant.
Parking & Transport
Good
Disabled parking for one vehicle is normally included with "wheelchair package" tickets. This is usually in the car park of the nearby Tesco, a short walk away from the stadium. The route from the car park to the stadium is not direct, and involves crossing roads and a bit of bumping up and down kerbs. And it's worth being aware that exiting the car park after a match may take some time!
Accessible Toilets
Good
There are a number of accessible toilets situated around the stadium, and accessed via RADAR key. They are variable in size, shape and design. All those visited have drop-down rails and space for side transfer, though they could do with some updating and upgrading. There is likely to be a queue directly after the end of a match! There is also one (rather small) accessible toilet in the nearby Tesco store and during major events at the stadium a portable accessible toilet is often situated in the Tesco car park. On most recent visits there has been a Mobiloo parked on the stadium concourse - this has an accessible toilet with hoist and changing bench. The organisers have told me this will be a regular feature on match days.
Staff
Excellent
On all our visits, staff have been unfailingly polite and helpful. Stewards are always on hand at the accessible seating areas.
Additional Information
Very good attitudes to accessibility, and awareness of the needs of disabled people. Tickets for major events are hard to get, but we've enjoyed every visit.
