Access and assistance devices
We offer step-free access and options for visitors with hearing loss, sight loss, and neurodiverse conditions. These include wheelchairs, braille guides, a welcome for assistance dogs, and quiet spaces.
Steps and step-free access
There are 37 steps from Westminster Hall to Central Lobby, the House of Commons and the House of Lords. If you need step-free access, a Visitor Assistant will escort you to an alternative route with a lift. This lift is 105 by 150 centimetres.
The public gallery of the House of Commons has step-free access via the same lift. The gallery has spaces for wheelchairs and assistance dogs.
The public gallery of the House of Lords is only accessible via stairs. If you need step-free access, we will seat you in an alternative viewing position.
All committee rooms and dining rooms have step-free access.
Borrowing a wheelchair
You can borrow a wheelchair when you arrive. You can also book a wheelchair in advance. To book a wheelchair:
- Call 020 7219 0516
- For Text phone dial 18001 followed by 020 7219 0516
- Email the Visitor Experience team
We are unable to provide a member of staff to escort you. If you need help, you may bring a companion.
If you are attending a meeting or function by invitation, you should contact your host. You should do this ahead of your visit to discuss your access requirements.
Braille guides
Please ask a Visitor Assistant in Westminster Hall if you need a guide in braille.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs (including registered, licenced and trained therapy dogs) are welcome to attend UK Parliament. We can provide these dogs with a bowl of water at your request and they will be able to remain with you throughout your visit. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.
To avoid delays when entering the UK Parliament estate, please email the visitor services team in advance of your visit to let us know you will be accompanied by an assistance dog.
Hearing aid users
Public galleries
Induction loop systems are in place in the public galleries, both in the House of Commons and the House of Lords. These will improve audibility for visitors using hearing aids.
To access the induction loop systems, you should depress the T setting on your hearing aid.
Committee meetings in the Palace of Westminster
An infra-red system is in place in the committee rooms in the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
To access the infra-red system in any committee room, you should depress the T setting on your hearing aid.
For the House of Commons:
You can collect a neck loop from the reception area outside House of Commons Committee Room 10.
For the House of Lords
You can collect a neck loop from the House of Lords Attendant’s Office next to House of Lords Committee Room 1.
Committee meetings in Portcullis House
An infra-red system is in place in the committee rooms in Portcullis House.
You can collection a neck loop from the reception desk outside the Boothroyd Room. This on the first floor which is accessible by a lift.
Meetings and events in Westminster Hall
An infra-red system is in place in Westminster Hall.
You can collection a neck loop from the visitor desk in Westminster Hall.
Neurodiverse conditions
Some visitors may find UK Parliament noisy and over stimulating. We can accommodate alternative access requirements. Please ask one of the Visitor Assistants if you want to borrow a pair of ear defenders or need a quiet space.
You will find patterned carpets, wallpaper and decoration throughout the building. At times you may hear the division bell ringing. This is not a fire alarm. The fire alarm is the spoken words; 'Fire has been reported in the building'.
