Changing Places Toilets: What They Are and Where to Find Them

For many disabled people and their carers, standard accessible toilets simply aren't adequate. Changing Places toilets provide the space and equipment that around 250,000 people in the UK need to use the toilet safely and comfortably.

What is a Changing Places Toilet?

A Changing Places toilet is more than a standard accessible toilet. They provide:

More space – Minimum 12 square metres (compared to around 4 for a standard accessible toilet)

A height-adjustable adult-sized changing bench

A ceiling track hoist (or mobile hoist)

A peninsular toilet with space on both sides for carers

A washbasin accessible from the toilet and changing bench

A wide paper roll and suitable waste disposal

A privacy screen for when a carer needs to be present

Who Needs Changing Places?

Changing Places are essential for:

People with profound and multiple learning disabilities

People with spinal injuries

People with motor neurone disease and muscular dystrophy

People recovering from strokes

Older people with mobility impairments

Children and adults who need postural support

Without Changing Places, many of these individuals cannot leave home for extended periods or must wear incontinence pads that they find undignified.

How Many Changing Places Are There?

There are over 1,800 Changing Places toilets registered across the UK. While this number is growing, it's still not enough. The Changing Places Consortium continues to campaign for more facilities, with the goal of ensuring every community has access to one.

Where to Find Changing Places Toilets

#### Common Locations

Shopping Centres:

Westfield (London, Stratford)

Trafford Centre (Manchester)

Meadowhall (Sheffield)

Bluewater (Kent)

Bullring (Birmingham)

Motorway Services:

Most large motorway service stations now have Changing Places, including many on the M1, M6, M25, and other major routes.

Airports:

Heathrow (all terminals)

Gatwick

Manchester

Birmingham

Edinburgh

Glasgow

Tourist Attractions:

London Eye

Tower of London

Natural History Museum

Most major theme parks

Many National Trust properties

Sports Venues:

Wembley Stadium

Most Premier League football grounds

Wimbledon

Lords Cricket Ground

Finding Changing Places Near You

#### Using Where To Wee

Our app and website include Changing Places in our database. Use the accessibility filter and look for the "Changing Places" label in toilet details.

#### The Changing Places Website

The official Changing Places website (changing-places.org) maintains a register of all registered facilities with:

Exact locations

Opening hours

Access arrangements (some require keys or codes)

Photos of facilities

Do You Need a Key?

Most Changing Places are unlocked or available on request from staff. However, some are secured and require:

A RADAR key – The standard disabled toilet key

A specific code – Ask staff or check the Changing Places register

Staff assistance – Ring a bell or ask at reception

Always check access arrangements before visiting, especially for locations you haven't been to before.

The Law on Changing Places

Since 2021, new large buildings in England must include Changing Places toilets. This applies to:

Shopping centres over 5,000 square metres

Sports venues with 5,000+ capacity

Arts and entertainment venues over 5,000 capacity

Hospitals and primary care with over 30,000 square metres

Wales has similar requirements, with Scotland expected to follow.

Campaigning for More

Despite progress, many areas still lack Changing Places. You can help by:

Reporting missing facilities on the Changing Places website

Contacting businesses and councils to request installation

Supporting the Changing Places Consortium campaign

Sharing information to raise awareness

Questions to Ask Before Visiting

Before travelling somewhere new, check:

Is there a Changing Places toilet?

What are the opening hours?

Do you need a key or code?

Is it currently in working order?

Are there any access issues to be aware of?

Looking for Changing Places near you? [Search our map](/map) with the accessibility filter.

Changing Places Toilets UK: Complete Guide & Locations