Accessibility – visits

We are pleased to offer free entry to carers assisting disabled visitors during their visit. One free carer ticket can be requested at the till for each disabled visitor purchasing a multimedia guide ticket. The normal admission fee applies to the disabled visitor and we recommend all other members of the party book in advance. Please note that as children aged 4 and under receive free entry, a carer ticket will not be added in this instance. A multimedia guide is not included in the carer's ticket. If you require more than one carer ticket or only need to purchase a child ticket please email us at tourism@chch.ox.ac.uk.

One of the following proof of entitlement documents will be required to be shown at the check-in desk in the Visitor Centre:

• Letter/notice of entitlement for Disability Living Allowance or PIP
• Doctor's letter
• Blue badge 
• Freedom Pass
• DID card or Access card

Please contact us regarding carer's tickets for guided tours.

Please contact us for advice and assistance in planning your visit. 

The adult tour on our multimedia guide is available in thirteen languages, including British Sign Language (with additional English subtitles).

Seating is available in the Cathedral, Cloisters, Ante-Hall. 

The ground surfaces in and around Christ Church are a mixture of flat paving, fine gravel, cobbles and stone.

Meadow Gate

The main tourist visitor entrance is through the War Memorial Garden entrance from St Aldate's. The gates are 1m wide, giving satisfactory wheelchair access to the Garden. This entry point can be reached from the disabled parking spaces in St Aldate's, south of Tom Gate. There is then a paved level path through the War Memorial Garden, leading to two sets of steps, one with a stone ramp adjacent, approaching the Broad Walk. You will then need to use the vehicular route, where a 5 m.p.h speed limit applies. The entrance to the college is through Meadow Gate, up a flight of seven steps, not ramped.

Tom Gate (accessible entrance)

Level access for visitors is through Tom Gate. Wheelchair users will find this an easier entrance as there is a ramp leading to the level paved paths around Tom Quad. It is also adjacent to the Blue Badge parking spaces on St Aldates. 

The introduction of lift access has enabled us to assist wheelchair users and people who experience difficulties with walking up/down stairs to access the Hall. The lift is suitable for most types of unmotorised wheelchairs. 

Wheelchair users can enter the Cathedral through the door from Tom Quad, where there is a ramp to provide access. 

An accessible toilet is located on the main site and also in the Visitor Centre. 

Blue badge holder designated parking is available outside Christ Church. On St Aldate's there are three spaces, (30 metres level going to Tom Gate – cobbles directly outside the gate – and 100 metres level going to the War Memorial Garden visitors’ entrance). 
 
There are two designated spaces in Pembroke Square (20 metres across St Aldate's from Tom Tower and 40 metres across St Aldate's to the War Memorial Garden and the towards the Visitors’ entrance. 
 
There are four designated spaces in Oriel Square (20 metres level going to the Canterbury Gate entrance) but cobbles thereafter. 

Christ Church is aware of its obligations to extend accessibility for people with disabilities. We have introduced a number of structural and procedural measures and others are being actively planned for early implementation. As part of this broad process, Christ Church has published a Disability Equality Scheme. To be as effective as possible this must continue to take account of the views of members, staff, visitors, worshippers and others - whether with or without disabilities.

Christ Church would be very pleased to receive comments and suggestions. These may be directed to the Steward of Christ Church. Contact the Steward by email at steward@chch.ox.ac.uk or call 01865 286580.