BFI IMAX Access review

View of BFI IMAX

Address: 1 Charlie Chaplin Walk, South Bank, London SE1 8XR

Telephone Number: 020 7960 2102 (12pm-7pm Mon-Sat, 12pm-6pm Sundays)

Reviewer: Daniel Woolford

Date of visit: 15 February 2025

Ratings:

Ease of Booking 5 out of 5 stars - Online / dedicated accessible booking line

*****

Getting there 4 out of 5 stars - Local accessible transport links / disabled parking / terrain

*****

Onsite Access 5 out of 5 stars - Ramps / lifts / wheelchair

*****

Accessibility Features 4 out of 5 stars - Disabled toilets / Changing Places / Visual and or Hearing technologies / Clear Signage

*****

Helpfulness of Staff 5 out of 5 stars

*****                           

Review:

The dedicated booking line was a positive experience with very helpful/knowledgeable staff. You can also email or use text relay service for booking. There was automatic entitlement to a free carer seat with a wheelchair bay booking and staff helped select nearby additional seats for the rest of our party. There were options for accessible screenings.

The IMAX is only a 5 minutes walk from Waterloo Station with access via an underpass to the centre of the roundabout where it is located. There is quite a steep hill in/out of Waterloo station to navigate. The website also lists a number of nearby Blue Badge parking spaces and a map showing step free access via the underpasses.

The IMAX has step free access with several lifts to the 4th floor auditorium where multiple  wheelchair spaces are located. There is a fully accessible café at ground level. Staff were quick to introduce themselves and offer help when we arrived. They accompanied us in the lift and to our wheelchair bay in the auditorium.

There are several disabled toilets in the building at ground floor and 4th floor level near the wheelchair bays. The IMAX does not have any Changing Place facilities. The screen has an induction loop facility and headsets are available for audio description. Guide/assistance dogs are welcome. Staff were on hand at all times in the auditorium at the same level as the wheelchair bays and were attentive to any requests.

Overall the IMAX was a really positive accessible experience. The wheelchair spaces were at a great level for screen viewing and there was plenty of space to manoeuvre.