Overview

When planning to visit the Abbey I wasn't too sure how well it was going to work for me as a powerchair user. I'm delighted to report the effort to visit was well worth it. Helpful people, a great audio / video guide, lots to see and a great atmosphere.

Transport & Parking

Access

Unusually for such an historic venue I'm happy to give the Abbey the full five stars. There is one section of the Abbey where it was not possible to visit but the audio guide told the story and showed images on its screen of the area I couldn't get to. The staff and volunteers were excellent all the way through from the welcome to the departing good wishes. They contributed much to making an enjoyable visit. With some creative use of different routes it was possible to see much of the Abbey and soak up the experience. Our visit ran out of time and we'd certainly go again.

Toilets

There is an accessible toilet adjacent to the standard toilets. They're located through a side door to the Abbey where you cross a small courtyard into the dedicated toilet block. A helpful attendant held the doors and pointed out the way. On the way out and back in to the Abbey he helped by clearing the way for my chair through the crowds. The accessible toilet was spotlessly clean, spacious and had all the facilities you would expect to find.

Staff

Without doubt, the staff and volunteers in the Abbey made the visit that bit special. From the security man who helped us negotiate the entrance doors, the admission desk man who offered us free entry, through to the stewards who helped with understanding the map, issuing the audio guide and setting us on the route to follow. On leaving we had to take a different route to exit and the stewards took care to make sure we still managed to see the Coronation Chair which was on the standard exit route. They then escorted us through the Abbey and bid us a safe journey as we departed. Well done!

Anything else you wish to tell us?

An excellent visit which offers much to see and experience from the array of famous people whose final resting place is the Abbey, through to experiencing the moment of quiet prayer, the helpfulness and kindness of the many stewards, and the oasis of peace the Abbey provides.

Photos