Bringing disabled women together, mobilising
and sharing through lived experiences
Accessible venues in London as researched and explored by Sisters of Frida
This report was written as a guidance for accessible venues in London as
researched and explored by Sisters of Frida and funded by the GLA.
What makes a venue accessible?
4 key considerations
01) Getting there
(Infographic description: Image of a black woman wearing a headscarf. She is sitting on the floor, there is a white cane next to her and she is holding a cup.) Are there good links to buses, trains, and tubes? Are the closest stations accessible? Are there accessible (Blue Badge) parking spaces nearby?
02) The physical space
(Infographic description: Image of woman of colour wearing trousers on a manual wheelchair)
Does the venue have a Changing Places toilet? Is there good ventilation for the COVID-vulnerable? Natural light? Appropriate noise levels?
03) Support persons
(Infographic description: Image of two women facing each other. They are signing.) Will BSL interpreters be present? Have you factored in the need for PAs? Have you ensured that the venue will NOT refuse assistance animals like guide dogs (which is common though illegal)?
04) Intersectionality
(Infographic description: Image of three people. There is a black woman in the center. She is being embraced by the other two women of colour.) Disabled persons have a lot more to their identity than just their disability. Are you catering for all participants’ dietary requirements? Varying socioeconomic backgrounds? Are you making culturally competent decisions?
N.B Always include disabled participants in the conversation. Don’t be afraid to ask what someone needs!
Search for accessible venues in London
As part of the Socials for Disabled Women project, our goal was to identify
accessible venues in London that meet certain accessibility criteria and budget
requirements (see infographic above).
The search was conducted in 2024–25 with support from GLA funding. This list is by
no means exhaustive, but we aim to continue adding more accessible venues to the
Sisters of Frida website. The process took longer than anticipated, and we have tried
to be as accurate as possible, but not all venues have been personally accessed.
Venues that presented potential accessibility challenges were not included. We have
also added some community spaces for minority groups.
Currently, there is no single comprehensive guide for accessible venues in London,
making this search a significant task. We began with online research but relied
heavily on local knowledge, including contributions from participants. For example,
locating Changing Places toilets proved challenging- they are not always listed
online but are vital for those who need them.
The Meetings and Events Accessibility Guide may also be a useful resource.
To ensure events are accessible for immunocompromised attendees and safe for
everyone, we recommend:
● Providing masks and requiring them when attendees are not eating or
drinking.
● Offering a choice between FFP2 masks and lip-reading masks in the main
event space.
● Providing food in a separate space if attendees remove masks to eat.
● Ensuring outdoor spaces are available and accessible when possible.
● Honoring mask exemptions.
● Providing a medical-grade HEPA air purifier onsite, which can be borrowed if
needed.
Venue costs can be a significant limitation. Some of the most accessible venues are
not affordable for small grassroots collectives like Sisters of Frida.
The List
South London
Woolwich Works– The Fireworks Factory, 11 No 1 St, Royal Arsenal, London SE18
6HD. 020 8035 8835. hello@woolwich.works
Woolwich Works is a multi-disciplinary cultural hub located on the historic Royal
Arsenal in Woolwich, offering a wide range of artistic programming and community
venue hire rates for local groups and organisations.
01) Getting there.
Woolwich Works is well connected via public transport. Woolwich Station on the
Elizabeth Line provides step-free access, and the DLR also serves the area with
step-free entry. Multiple buses stop near The Arsenal, including routes 129, 177,
180, 472, and 486. Pavements in the immediate area are mostly level. For those
arriving by car, Blue Badge parking is available nearby, though spaces may be
limited.
02) The Physical space
The venue is fully accessible, with level access throughout the building and lifts to all
floors. It features two accessible toilets and a Changing Places facility. Entrances,
doorways, and corridors are wide enough for wheelchair and powerchair users.
Hearing loops are available in performance and meeting spaces, and BSL support
can be arranged. Staff can facilitate sensory-friendly visits for visitors who benefit
from quieter or low-stimulation environments. Accessible seating and viewing areas
are provided in performance spaces.
