Changing Places toilets across the UK
Hoists, adult-changing benches and the space families actually need
For around 250,000 people in the UK, a standard accessible toilet isn't enough — they need a Changing Places facility with a height-adjustable adult-sized changing bench, a ceiling hoist, and more floor space than a typical accessible cubicle provides. There are only around 1,700 Changing Places across the UK. Where To Wee's Changing Places directory pulls every listing tagged with a hoist from our community database, so families, carers and disabled people can plan a trip with confidence.
Changing Places by UK city
Tap a city to see every facilities matching this filter, with accessibility info, ratings and walking-distance directions.
We're still collecting data for changing places across the UK. Help by adding the next one!
Add a ToiletWhat makes a toilet a Changing Places?
A genuine Changing Places facility meets the official specification set by the Changing Places Consortium. The essentials: • A height-adjustable, adult-sized changing bench (not a baby change unit). • A ceiling track hoist covering the WC, basin and bench. • Enough floor space for a wheelchair user plus two carers (12m² minimum). • A peninsular toilet that allows side-transfer. • A privacy screen or curtain. • A non-slip floor, with an emergency pull cord that reaches the floor. A toilet labelled "accessible" but lacking a hoist and adult bench is not a Changing Places, even if it's spacious. Where To Wee flags the hoist field explicitly so you can tell at a glance.
Where to find Changing Places facilities
Most Changing Places sit in venues where families and disabled adults need them most: • Big shopping centres (Westfield, Bluewater, Trafford Centre). • Major train stations and motorway services. • National museums and galleries (Tate, V&A, British Museum, National Gallery). • Theme parks, zoos and tourist attractions. • Some hospitals (especially specialist children's hospitals) and large council leisure centres. The Changing Places Consortium maintains the canonical map at changing-places.org. Where To Wee mirrors that data alongside community-reported facilities so you have a single search for "Changing Places near me" that also picks up the newest installations.
Help us close the gap
There are only ~1,700 Changing Places for ~250,000 people in the UK who need them — a ratio that's nowhere near enough. The simplest way to help: if you spot a new Changing Places that's not on Where To Wee, add it via Submit a Toilet. If you see one with broken equipment, report it so the next family knows. And if you're a venue owner considering installing one, Mencap and the Changing Places Consortium have free design guidance — installing a Changing Places typically pays for itself in additional visits from disabled people and their families.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Changing Places toilet?
A Changing Places toilet is a fully accessible facility with a ceiling hoist, height-adjustable adult-sized changing bench, more floor space than a standard accessible toilet, and a peninsular WC that allows side transfer. They're essential for people with profound and multiple disabilities.
How many Changing Places are there in the UK?
There are around 1,700 registered Changing Places across the UK — compared to ~250,000 people who need them. The number is growing thanks to the Changing Places Consortium, Mencap and government funding rounds, but coverage is still patchy outside major cities.
Where can I find a Changing Places near me?
Use the city directory below to browse our Changing Places listings, or search the canonical map at changing-places.org. The Where To Wee app and map will also show every Changing Places we know about within walking distance of your location.
Is a Changing Places the same as an accessible toilet?
No. A standard accessible toilet meets BS 8300 (wheelchair access, grab rails, emergency cord). A Changing Places adds a hoist, adult-changing bench, and significantly more space. If a venue tells you they have a Changing Places but it lacks the hoist and bench, it's not a genuine Changing Places.
Do I need a RADAR key for a Changing Places?
Most Changing Places facilities are RADAR-key controlled to protect the equipment. A single RADAR key opens any NKS-compliant Changing Places. See our RADAR Key guide for where to buy a genuine key.