Access

Opening Times

The UK Supreme Court is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Last admission is at 4.30pm, you cannot enter the Court after this time. The Supreme Court is closed on weekends and bank holidays. 

Access Video

Court entrance

The only entrance to the UK Supreme Court is on Parliament Square. The entrance to the building is flat with wide pavements. There are automatic doors and no steps to enter the building.

Security

Everyone must go through airport-style security to visit the Court, including a body scanner. There is lift access. Our access video shows what to expect when going through security. At the Court, there are a number of items that are not allowed, such as weapons, sharp items and alcohol. These items will be taken by security, and you will be able to collect them after you leave. Any prescription medication must have the pharmacist label on it.

Lifts

You can access all floors at the UK Supreme Court by lift. There are also dedicated lifts to the security check at the entrance, and into Courtroom 3 that security can assist you with.

Assistance dogs 

You can bring Assistance dogs to the UK Supreme Court. We can provide water. St James's Park and Green Park are nearby to the Court for rest breaks. You can bring Assistance dogs into the courtrooms during cases, on tours or visiting the building.

Car parking

There is limited parking near the Supreme Court. Congestion charges may also apply.

Disabled parking

There are some parking spots a short distance from the court for disabled badge holders. Visit, www.westminster.gov.uk for more information.

Drop off and collection points

Coaches can safely drop you off in the surrounding area and taxis can drop off in Little Sanctuary, which is the road to the side of the building.

Information for Deaf visitors or visitors with hearing loss

There are portable induction loops on the front desk, Registry counter and café. This improves audibility for visitors using hearing aids. Hearing aid wearers should set the device to the 'T' function in order to access portable induction loops and induction loop system in the courtrooms. Digital hearing aids may do this automatically. BSL interpreted tours may be available both for private groups and individuals.

Sound enhancements for guided tours

You can request neck loops and receivers to use on tours. Please contact us before your tour to guarantee availability.

Visitors with visual impairments

There are braille and large print copies of English language visitor guides available on request.

Toilets are fitted with contrasting seats and have braille by the doors. The area surrounding the court is flat paved, with a number of pedestrian crossings with blister pavements.

Floor surfaces you will navigate whilst visiting the Supreme Court courtrooms include patterned carpet and stone at the entrance and reception.

Toilets

There are accessible toilets on the lower ground floor, ground floor and second floor. Toilets are fitted with contrasting seats and have braille by the doors. The lower ground accessible toilet near the café measures 241 x 155cm. The ground floor accessible toilet near the reception and outside courtroom 3 measures 214cm x 200.5cm. The accessible toilet on the second floor near courtroom 1 measures 199 x 156cm.

Changing facilities

There are baby changing facilities in the toilets on the lower ground floor.

Subtitled videos

The educational videos on display in our exhibition area include subtitles. Court hearings are live streamed to our websites; the recordings have closed captions.

Wheelchair rental and charging

The Supreme Court does not provide a wheelchair loaning service. If you do need a wheelchair, there are a number of London companies available. We do not have an area to power mobility scooters or battery powered wheelchairs.

Hidden disabilities

At the Supreme Court, we understand that disabilities come in many different forms, and some disabilities may be hidden. If you do have access needs, please speak to Reception who would be more than happy to help.   

Getting to the UK Supreme Court

Westminster is the closest underground station with step free access. It is connected by three underground lines: District line (green), Circle line (yellow) and Jubilee line (silver).

For more questions please refer to Transport for London: Transport accessibility - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk)

Mainline train stations Victoria and Charing Cross are just over 1km walking distance from the Supreme Court.

The closest bus stop, labeled P, is served by the 11, 148 and the 211 and is on Parliament Square outside Westminster Abbey. The second bus stop further away on Parliament Street is serviced by the 12, 159, 453.   

Hearings

How to attend a hearing.

A member of security staff will show you to a seat in the public gallery. There is space for wheelchairs and assistance dogs. You may leave a hearing at any time.

At the start of the case an usher will request “all rise!”, for the entrance of the Justices. Please remain seated if this is a difficulty.

Floor surfaces

Floor surfaces you will navigate whilst visiting the UK Supreme Court's courtrooms include patterned carpet and stone at the entrance and reception.

Exhibition

Our exhibition centre is accessible via a lift or spiral stairs (with 23 steps) and is located on the lower ground floor.

The television screens are on repeat so there may be a constant background noise in the exhibition. If you require any assistance or notice any issues with the televisions or the bench memo display screen, please visit reception.

Café

To get to the café, pass through the exhibition. The exhibition and café floor are all level. Tables and chairs are well spaced apart and can be moved if necessary. The chairs are upright and do not have arm rests.

Staff Training

The UK Supreme Court's Information Officers are provided with equality and diversity training.

Evacuation

All security staff are provided with fire evacuation training and will assist visitors in the event of an evacuation.

Cloakroom

There is no cloakroom or storage area to hold belongings.

Who to contact?

If you have any questions, please contact the Court: 

Call: 0207 960 1500/1900
Submit an enquiry via this form
Write to: Enquiries, The Supreme Court, Parliament Square, London SW1P 3BD

Back to top