Accessibility

The Chapel prides itself on being an accessible and inclusive space and are happy to work with customers with access needs to help with their visit.  

Accessible tickets  

Most tickets to events at the Chapel are ‘General Admission’. We do not sell separate access tickets at the point of purchase, with all access needs managed by the venue via [email protected], along side your purchased ticket. 

If you have access needs that you feel may not be fully covered by the below, please feel free to contact us to discuss.   

We can generally offer the following;  

Companion tickets (subject to availability) 

Wheelchair spaces (subject to availability) 

Priority entry  

Reserved seating  

Companion tickets  

We are able to offer free of charge essential companion tickets for those that need to accompanied in their visit. Please contact the venue once you have purchased a single ticket. Please note companion tickets are not physical tickets, we will simply have a +1 on the door.  

Wheelchair spaces  

There are 3 wheelchair spaces available at the chapel. Please contact the venue prior to purchasing a ticket to ensure we have availability.  

Please note we have two wheelchair ramps available. One at the front of the venue and one at the back entrance. It is safest for electric wheelchair users to gain access via the rear of the Chapel, so please confirm whether it is a manual or powered wheelchair when contacting the venue.  

We would always advise arriving at the front entrance regardless and a member of staff can escort you round the building.  

Priority entry  

We are happy to provide priority entry for those less able to stand or queue. Please contact the venue to arrange 

Reserved seating  

The venue is 100% seated so all customers will get a seat. Due to the age of building and facilities we only have a small allocation of seats we can reserve for customers that need a specific seat or position. Please contact the venue to arrange. For access customers who do not need specific seating, we would recommend using priority entry and arriving just before doors opening. 

Please contact us at [email protected] or call us 020 7226 1686 (Mon-Fri, 9am – 5pm).

Building Access

Main Chapel

Access to the Chapel is via the main entrance has three stone steps to the doors of the Chapel. We can ensure there is a ramp ready for entry with door staff on hand for any assistance if this is suitable for your requirements. 

We also have an alternative entrance which is ground level. 

It is safest for electric wheelchair users to gain access via the rear of the Chapel. If you are an electric wheelchair user, please contact [email protected] ahead of attending the concert and a member of staff will be available to provide directions or escort you to this area.

Please contact us for any building enquiries.  

The Bar

Access to our Bar is via the gate to the left of the Chapel. There is a short but uneven and dimly lit alley. There are approximately 12 steps, with a handrail, to the bar. There is also a platform lift. Stewards are on hand to assist with the platform lift. Seating in the bar is typically free standing chairs and very flexible. Please let us know if you have any specific requirements.
 

Daytime Hires / Office Hours

Access during office hours is a buzzer entry system with a camera. The buzzers are quite high and some doors heavy. If you have any trouble you can call on 020 7226 1686.

Please be aware that there are many odd steps around the building and unfortunately no level access to Union Chapel offices, kitchen or the lower hall. Please get in touch if you have any concerns.

Induction Loop

We have an Ampetronic ILD9 induction loop which is designed for large spaces. It is in operation at all events and can be accessed by anyone who uses a hearing aid with a T setting.

Lighting

Our main stage lighting is LED and is in use at all concerts. Tea lights (small candles) are also used at evening concerts around the edge of the balcony.

Lighting levels in the Chapel are generally low and visitors can find it quite dark.

Occasionally strobe or strobe like effects may be used. If this is the case it will be signposted at the main entrance.

If on the night you have any concerns about the lighting in the Chapel please speak to a member of staff.

Toilets

There is one wheelchair accessible toilet located on the ground floor, accessed from the right hand side of the stage in the Chapel.

Parking

Union Chapel doesn’t have its own car park or disabled parking, but Blue Badge holders can park:

on yellow lines where there are no loading restrictions for up to three hours, providing the clock card is displayed and set to your time of arrival. Please note anyone can park on single yellow lines from 6.30pm onwards (unless it is an Arsenal Home Match).

in resident bays, and pay and display bays for an unlimited time.

There is a short stretch of single yellow line at the front of the Chapel on Compton Terrace and more at the rear of the Chapel on Compton Avenue. There are many residents bays and some pay and display bays on Compton Terrace.

For full details please visit the Islington Council website.

Public Transport

Union Chapel is around 200m from Highbury & Islington station, served by the Victoria line, the London Overground and mainline train services. Platforms for London Overground lines are accessible by wheelchair.

For detailed travel planning information, please visit Transport for London journey planner.

This information is available in alternative formats on request.