Access Guide

Search Access Guide

Route Overview

The stairs surveyed are located in the South Tower.
The walkway level down to the lower attraction level, then the street level on Tower Bridge Road can be accessed by these stairs.
There are 20+ steps between floors.
The steps are unmarked and have handrails on both sides.
The handrails are easy to grip.
The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
The height of the highest step is 16cm.
The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

The exit area is not clearly signed.
There is stepped access at the exit.
The lift bypasses the steps.
There are 13 steps with handrails on both sides.
The handrails are easy to grip.
The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
The steps are unmarked.
The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
There are double manual doors at this exit.
The doors are permanently held open.
The width of the opening is 100cm.
The doors have a high visual contrast.
For step-free access to exit at ground level, please use the South or North Tower lifts.

The lift surveyed is located to the left in the South Tower area as you enter from the East or West Walkways.
The distance from the exit of the West Walkway is 4m.
The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
The South Tower walkway level, lower level and street level for Tower Bridge Road are accessed by this lift.
The lift door has a high visual contrast.
The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
The lift door opening width is 115cm.
The internal dimensions of the lift are 145cm (width) x 378cm (depth).
The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit, a hearing assistance alarm system, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a list of floor services/facilities.
Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
The lift is available to all visitors who prefer this route.
A member of staff is always located in the lift to operate the controls, and to provide assistance and give information about Tower Bridge.

The lift surveyed is located on Tower Bridge Road, at the south-east side of the bridge.
The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
Tower Bridge Road and Shad Thames are accessed by this lift.
The lift door has a low visual contrast.
The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
The external lift control buttons have a high visual contrast and tactile markings.
All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
The lift door opening width is 90cm.
The internal dimensions of the lift are 140cm (width) x 160cm (depth).
The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
Internally the lift has: an audible announcer, a visual floor indicator and a hearing assistance alarm system.
Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

The streets and roads have streetlighting at regular intervals.
The footpaths include the following surfaces: tarmac, cobbled and block paving.
There are directional signposts of the following type: waymarker.
The streets and roads are busy with pedestrians.
All footpaths are at least 180cm wide.
Street furniture in this area includes: planters.
The following create narrow parts of the footpath which are under 120cm wide: planters.
There are low overhanging trees which may create an obstruction.
Other obstructions on the footpath include: advertising signs such as A-boards.
There is not a taxi rank available.
There are no in this area.
The entrance to the Engine Rooms is immediately to the left after the bridge arch.