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London Aquatics Centre

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, London, E20 2ZQ

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About this venue

The London Aquatics Centre is the most technologically advanced and stunning swimming facility in the world and home of the 2012 London Legacy. Visit the venue to experience the magic for yourself. Whether you're a novice swimmer or an experienced athlete, fancy a family swim or just want to look round the amazing architecture, everyone is welcome to visit the London Aquatics Centre.

Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include a training pool, competition pool, creche, fitness suite and a cafe.
  • The London Aquatics centre is located in the southern area of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. For more information about the access around the park see the park's access guide.

Opening Times

  • Monday 06:00 - 22:30.
  • Tuesday 06:00 - 22:30.
  • Wednesday 06:00 - 22:30.
  • Thursday 06:00 - 22:30.
  • Friday 06:00 - 22:30.
  • Saturday 06:00 - 22:30.
  • Sunday 06:00 - 22:30.

Location

  • The venue is situated outside the centre of the area.
  • This venue is situated in Stratford.
  • There is not a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest mainline station is Stratford.
  • The nearest underground station is Stratford International and Stratford.
  • Comments View
    • The nearest overground station is Stratford.
    • The nearest DLR station is Stratford International and Stratford.

Parking (London Aquatics Centre Customers Only)

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is not free for all users.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • To obtain free Blue Badge parking, please scan the sign in the car park and enter your number plate, or report to reception.
    • The car park is located at the front of the venue.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot be booked in advance.
    • There is/are 10+ Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 370cm x 600cm (12ft 2in x 19ft 8in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 80m (87yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 120m (131yd 8in) from the main entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • During events the parking can be either limited or not available.
    • There is alternative parking available around the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
    • Please view the park's access guide for more information.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The width of the door opening is 220cm (7ft 2in).
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 220cm (7ft 2in).
    • There is a standard lift leading to the aquatics centre from the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Please see the park's access guide for more information.

Outside Access (Event Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the side of the building.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • There is not a bell/buzzer.
  • There is not an intercom.
  • The main door(s) open(s) by sliding.
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The width of the door opening is 125cm (4ft 1in).
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is not a second set of doors.
    • This entrance is used for events and competitions taking place at the London Aquatics Centre.
      This entrance gives sloped access to the designated seating around the competition pool.
      These doors can only be manually opened by a member of staff.
      There is a member of staff located at the entrance to provide assistance.
      There are similar entrances at the side of the venue.

Reception

  • The desk/counter is 8m (26ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is not signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested on 27/03/2025.
  • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • This venue does play background music.
  • Music is played in cetain areas, and depending on events.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are varied.

Eating and Drinking

  • The following information is for the café.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • There is a lowered section at the counter.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the main entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 42cm (1ft 5in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Takeaway cups are available.
  • Takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are wall only.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is main meals and snacks.

Changing Places (Reception - Transfer Both Sides)

  • Location and access View
    • The facility is located just after reception.
    • The facility is approximately 10m (32ft) from the reception.
    • There is level access into the facility.
  • Dimensions and features View
    • You do not need a key for the facility.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The width of the door is 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • The dimensions of the facility are 260cm x 330cm (8ft 6in x 10ft 9in).
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 190cm (6ft 2in).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers all areas in cubicle.
    • The sling is attached to the hoist by hook and loop.
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on both sides.
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 150cm (4ft 11in).
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 65cm (2ft 1in).
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • Dropdown rails are provided for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • The type of wash basin is fixed.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
    • As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • A privacy screen is not available.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is not available.
    • The facility has a non-slip floor.
    • A functioning emergency alarm is available.
    • It is not a push button style alarm.

Changing Places (Training Pool Changing Village - Transfer Both Sides)

  • Location and access View
    • The facility is located at the side of the changing room.
    • The facility is approximately 10m (32ft) from the training pool.
    • There is level access into the facility.
  • Dimensions and features View
    • You do need a key for the facility.
    • It is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from reception.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The width of the door is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • The dimensions of the facility are 335cm x 340cm (10ft 11in x 11ft 1in).
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 190cm (6ft 2in).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers all areas in cubicle.
    • The sling is attached to the hoist by hook and loop.
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on both sides.
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 180cm (5ft 10in).
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • Dropdown rails are provided for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • The type of wash basin is fixed.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
    • As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • A privacy screen is not available.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is not available.
    • The facility has a non-slip floor.
    • A functioning emergency alarm is available.

Changing Places (Competition Pool Changing Village - Transfer Both Sides)

  • Location and access View
    • The facility is located at the rear of the changing room.
    • The facility is approximately 10m (32ft) from the competition pool.
    • There is level access into the facility.
  • Dimensions and features View
    • You do need a key for the facility.
    • It is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from reception.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The width of the door is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • The dimensions of the facility are 330cm x 350cm (10ft 9in x 11ft 5in).
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 190cm (6ft 2in).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers all areas in cubicle.
    • The sling is attached to the hoist by hook.
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on both sides.
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 190cm (6ft 2in).
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • Dropdown rails are provided for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • The type of wash basin is fixed.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
    • As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • A privacy screen is not available.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is available.
    • The facility has a non-slip floor.
    • A functioning emergency alarm is not available.
    • It is out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from the floor).
    • There is a baby change facility available within the Changing Places, which is 95cm in height.

Swimming Pool (Competition Pool)

  • There is level access from the changing area to the swimming pool.
  • There is not a ramped entrance into the water.
  • There is a wet side chair available.
  • There is a pool platform lift for wheelchair users to access the water.
  • There is a ladder type entrance into the water.
  • There is a handrail on both sides of the ladder.

Swimming Pool (Training Pool)

  • There is level access from the changing area to the swimming pool.
  • There is not a ramped entrance into the water.
  • There is a wet side chair available.
  • There is a pool platform lift for wheelchair users to access the water.
  • There is a ladder type entrance into the water.
  • There is a handrail on both sides of the ladder.

Fitness Suite

  • Access to Fitness Suite View
    • The fitness suite is located to the right of the reception.
    • The fitness suite is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the reception.
    • There is step free access to the fitness suite.
    • There are doors into the fitness suite.
    • The doors open towards you (pull).
    • The doors are double.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The opening is 190cm (6ft 3in) wide.
  • IFI Accredited Fitness Suite View
    • IFI accredited equipment is available.
    • For example: upper body ergometer, leg curl, leg extension and upper body multi-station.
    • IFI equipment includes chest press, shoulder press and rowing machines.
    • A portable hearing assistance system is available for induction.
    • Staff are trained to use the portable hearing assistance system.
    • There is clear manoeuvring space between equipment.
    • There is level access to all of the equipment.
  • Comments View
    • The fitness suite is awaiting IFI Accreditation.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located next to reception.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1.
  • The lift is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the reception.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 160cm (3ft 7in x 5ft 3in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Sports Ground (Competition Pool)

  • Non-Segregated Seating View
    • Wheelchair users have a designated accessible seating area.
    • There is level access to the designated seating area.
    • There is access by lift.
    • Wheelchair seating is located at the rear of the seating area.
    • The view from this area is good.
    • A companion can sit beside / near you.
    • Accessible toilets are available.
    • The closest accessible toilet to the seating area is 8m (8yd 2ft).
    • The accessible toilet is located close to the designated seating area.
  • Comments View
    • There are portable hearing loops available.

Toilet with Adaptations (Reception - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located next to the reception.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 220cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 3in).
    • There is sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is sensor.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high visual contrast between the external door and wall.
    • There is a high visual contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • There is a high visual contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall.
    • There is a low visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • There is a low visual contrast between the walls and floor.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • There are similar facilities located next to the event designated seating area, in the male and female changing villages, next to the cafe and in the creche.

Toilet with Adaptations (Competition Pool Changing Village - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (32ft) from the competition pool.
    • This accessible toilet is located at the side of the changing room.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 250cm x 255cm (8ft 2in x 8ft 4in).
    • There is sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 190cm (6ft 2in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is sensor.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 6in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high visual contrast between the external door and wall.
    • There is a high visual contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • There is a high visual contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall.
    • There is a high visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • There is a low visual contrast between the walls and floor.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • There is a similar facilities in the training pool changing village.

Accessible Shower (Toilet with Adaptations - Competition Pool Changing Village)

  • Accessible shower facilities are available.
  • The accessible shower(s) surveyed is/are located within the toilet with adaptations.
  • The facilities available in the accessible shower(s) include; an adjustable shower head, handrails and a flip-down seat.
  • The height of the seat is 47cm (1ft 6in).
  • Other facilities available include; dropdown rails.
  • There is level access to the services from the accessible shower facilities.
  • There is a similar shower in the standard shower facilities within both the changing villages, and within the toilet with adaptations in the training pool changing village.

Standard Changing Room (Competition Pool)

  • There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 88m (96yd 9in) from the reception.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 70m (76yd 1ft) from the reception desk.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the competition pool.
  • The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located at the rear of the building.
  • There is level access to the standard changing room(s).
  • Comments View
    • There is a similar changing room within the training pool changing village.

Standard Shower

  • Shower facilities are available.
  • The shower(s) surveyed is/are located in the standard changing rooms.
  • Comments View
    • There are accessible shower facilities available in the standard showers.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
    • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located next to the café.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 9m (29ft) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle with wall mounted grab rails is available.
    • Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • There are also additional standard toilet facilities located throughout the venue.
      The nearest ambulant cubicles are in reception.

Additional Info

  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.