Accessibility

Accessibility for all our visitors is an important part of our welcome and mission here at Southwark Cathedral.

Please find current information about access below.

The Cathedral is free to enter, though donations are gratefully received. There is a Welcome Point situated in Mandela Porch, which is manned by Cathedral Welcome Hosts Monday – Sunday, 10am – 4.30pm.

Please note, currently there are certain areas of the Cathedral that are not accessible to wheelchair users, but we are working to improve our facilities.

Many of our services are livestreamed on this page of the website for those who are unable to attend in person.

Induction Loop

An induction loop for people who are hard of hearing is in operation in both the Cathedral Nave and the Garry Weston Library (for talks).

Large Print

Service sheets are available in large print at the back of the Cathedral (Sundays only).  Please ask one of the Stewards for assistance.

Getting Here

By Train

The nearest station is London Bridge (5 minutes by foot from the Cathedral). Please note the area around the station and Borough Market is often very busy.

By Tube

The nearest tube station is London Bridge (Northern Line and Jubilee Line). It is then 5 minutes by foot to the Cathedral.

By Car

Please note, there is no visitor parking on site. The nearest available car park is in Southwark Street (15 minutes by foot to the Cathedral).

Nearest disabled parking is available at Clink Street or Stoney Street (both approx. 5 minutes from the Cathedral).

https://www.southwark.gov.uk/parking-streets-and-transport/parking/blue-badge-and-disabled-parking

Step-Free Access

Step-free access on all days of the week is from the Millennium Courtyard off Montague Close (riverside of the Cathedral). We are sorry that at present there are no self-opening doors. Please email cathedralaccess@southwark.anglican.org (monitored Monday – Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm) if you have any questions regarding accessibility, or alternatively speak to our friendly Welcome Hosts.

The Nave is accessible for wheelchairs from the Millennium Courtyard entrance via a platform lift. There are ramps into the South Transept. Access to the Retrochoir, High Altar and Choir is via the doors from the South Transept, into the Churchyard and back into the Cathedral via the Parish Door. Please note, there is a wheelchair on site if required.

There is step-free access to the Cathedral Café.

Lifts

Access to the Nave is via the west end of Lancelot’s Link, where there is a platform lift. There are ramps to the North and South Transepts from the Nave. Access to the High Altar, Choir and Retrochoir is available via the Parish Door.

If you are attending a talk, there is a passenger lift up to the meeting rooms and down to the basement in the Millennium Building.

Please ask a member of staff should you require any assistance.

The lift specifications are as follows:

Toilets

There are two accessible toilets in the Cathedral precinct with baby-change facilities.  One is at the end of Lancelot's Link on the ground floor.  The other is in the basement near to the Cathedral Cafe and can be accessed by the passenger lift.  Both toilets need a radar key which can be obtained from a Cathedral team member.

Assistance Dogs

Assistance Dogs are welcome at all times in the Cathedral and other areas. Water can be made available for them.

Eating and drinking

Please note, no food and drink (other than water) is allowed in the Cathedral.

Contact us

If you have any questions regarding accessibility at the Cathedral please send us an email.