At Portsmouth Cathedral, we are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all visitors. We strive to ensure that everyone, including those with disabilities, can fully enjoy their visit to our historic cathedral.
Below, you will find detailed information on various accessibility features, including parking, access, and facilities.
Accessible Parking
We understand the importance of accessible parking for our visitors with disabilities. While we do not have any on-site parking, there are on-road spaces close to the cathedral where blue badge holders can park. Please always check the specific signage and restrictions for where you are parking.
Access around our buildings
Level access into the cathedral is available through the south and north doors. Our cathedral is a historic building; therefore, some areas may be inaccessible, such as towers and galleries.
Visitors should also be aware of uneven surfaces throughout the building. In all our main visitor areas, we have included inclusive and accessible design to accommodate all visitors.
Around the cathedral you will find ramps, lifts, and level access points available to facilitate easy navigation for wheelchair users and those with mobility aids. Additionally, our team is ready to assist with any specific needs you may have upon arrival.
Main Visitor Entrance – South Door
The main entrance is equipped with automatic doors to facilitate easy entry for visitors. There is clear signage within the cathedral and accessible routes around the building. Please feel free to ask our team for assistance if needed.
The Nave
The Nave is a sunken area surrounded by steps into the Ambulatory. Ramped access provided on the south side of the building into the lower area of the Nave. Handrails are available to the sides of the Nave crossing steps.
The Quire & Chapels
Level access is maintained throughout the main areas of the cathedral. Some areas may require an alternative route to be taken due to width restrictions; please speak to a member of our team for assistance.
Cloister & Bishop Kenneth Room
A ground-floor accessible toilet is available with an emergency pull cord for assistance.
The Bishop Kenneth Room is accessed via a flight of stairs or via a platform lift.
Cathedral House, Becket Hall & Andrewes Room
There is level access into the building, with ground floor access to public areas.
There is a ground-floor accessible toilet available with an emergency pull cord for assistance.
Lift access is available to the first-floor offices upon request.
Wheelchair & Accesible Seating
Spaces for wheelchairs are available at all of our services; please let a member of our team know if you require any additional assistance or guidance upon arrival. For large scale special services, please get in touch in advance if you have any additional access requests.
For events with reserved seating, wheelchair and accessible spaces can be booked by contacting the specific ticket agent for your event. Each event partner has different booking policies, so please check the event page for details on accessible spaces. For events at Portsmouth Cathedral, please contact us to make a booking.
Visitor Experience
Portsmouth Cathedral is committed to providing an accessible visitor experience for all. The Cathedral offers large-print leaflets and a tactile model of the Cathedral to enhance the experience for visually impaired visitors.
Visitors are encouraged to contact the Cathedral in advance to discuss any specific needs or to explore how their visit can be tailored to ensure the best possible experience.
Assistance Animals & Guide Dogs
Assistance animals are welcome at Portsmouth Cathedral. Assistance animals include guide dogs, hearing dogs, and service or seizure alert dogs.
Toilets
Accessible toilets are available within the Cathedral and Cathedral House on the ground floor. These facilities are designed to meet the needs of visitors with disabilities, providing sufficient space and necessary fixtures for a comfortable experience.
Hearing Loops
For visitors with hearing impairments, a hearing loop is available in the Cathedral and Becket Hall to enhance the audio experience during most services and events. Please set your device to ‘T’.
A hearing loop is also available in our shop and welcome area; please ask a member of our team if you require this facility.
If you have any questions or require further assistance regarding accessibility at Portsmouth Cathedral, please feel free to contact us.
We are committed to continually improving our accessibility features and welcome feedback from our visitors. Your experience at Portsmouth Cathedral is important to us, and we look forward to ensuring a positive and enjoyable visit for all.