Sheldonian Theatre

There is no parking at the Sheldonian Theatre.

Blue Badge parking spaces are available nearby on Broad Street and Parks Road.

You can view a map of Blue Badge parking in central Oxford by clicking on the link below.

• Oxford Blue Badge parking map (PDF)

The main entrance to the Sheldonian Theatre is on Broad Street. 

• There are steps leading through the entrance archway and additional steps into the theatre lobby
• The Broad Street entrance steps do not have handrails and the edges of the steps do not have visual contrast
• There is also a stepped entrance from Catte Street
• The Catte Street entrance steps have handrails, but the edges of the steps do not have visual contrast

Step-free access

Step-free access to the courtyard in front of the Sheldonian Theatre is available from Broad Street and through the Old Bodleian courtyard.

Broad Street route

• A narrow doorway to the right of the main entrance steps provides step-free access to the courtyard
• The doorway is 73cm wide

Old Bodleian route

You can access the courtyard through the main entrance to the Old Bodleian and the archway within the quadrangle.

Step-free entrance into the theatre

The step-free entrance into the theatre is on the right-hand side of the building when facing the main entrance

• During events, this entrance is staffed
• At other times, visitors should speak to staff at the main entrance for assistance
• Staff are usually able to assist visitors using the step-free entrance

Rear entrance

During ceremonial events, the large rear entrance doors may be used for processions into the theatre.

• There is a step into the theatre at this entrance
• A portable ramp is available if required
• It is advisable to contact the theatre in advance if you require step-free access as part of a procession

The ticket desk is located inside the main entrance lobby.

• There are steps at the main entrance to the ticket desk
• A step-free entrance into the theatre is located on the right-hand side of the building when facing the main entrance
• During events, staff are usually available to assist visitors using the step-free entrance
• At other times, visitors should speak to staff at the main entrance for assistance

Accessible toilet

An accessible toilet is available on the ground floor near the auditorium entrance.

• The accessible toilet is located off the main ground floor corridor
• The corridor narrows near the accessible toilet, which may make turning into the toilet difficult for some people with larger wheelchairs
• Grab rails are provided beside the toilet and sink
• Emergency pull cord alarms are provided
• Right-hand transfer space is available beside the toilet

Standard toilets

Standard toilet facilities are located in the basement level of the Sheldonian Theatre.

• Access to standard toilets is via stairs from the ground floor circulation corridor around the auditorium

There is no lift access to the upper levels of the Sheldonian Theatre.

• The building contains several historic staircases with worn wooden steps
• The edges of many steps do not have visual contrast and may be difficult to distinguish
• Some staircases have tactile warning strips
• Handrails are provided on the left-hand side of staircases as you go up the stairs
• Some handrails are large and may be difficult for some visitors to grip comfortably
• Most internal doors are held open during events and public access periods
• Internal doors are generally traditional wooden panel doors. Some doors include glazed panels

Auditorium

The Sheldonian Theatre auditorium is used for University ceremonies, concerts, talks, lectures and private events.

• Step-free access is available to the ground floor area of the auditorium only.
• All upper seating levels are accessed via stairs.
• Seating at upper levels consists of fixed tiered benches.
• Seating at ground floor level is usually arranged for events.
• Some seating areas have upholstered benches, while others have wooden benches.

Ceremonial events

During some University ceremonial events, the large rear entrance doors to the auditorium are used for processions.

• There are two steps at the rear entrance into the auditorium
• A temporary ramp is available if required.
• Staff are usually available to assist visitors using the rear entrance.

Hearing support

A hearing loop is available in the auditorium.

• Staff may be able to advise on seating areas with the best hearing loop coverage.
• Some visiting performances and events may use external sound. equipment which is not connected to the hearing loop system.
• You can contact the venue in advance for further advice about hearing support at specific events.

The Cecil Jackson Room is available to hire for talks, meetings and small receptions.

• The room is located in the basement level of the Sheldonian Theatre
• Access to the room is via stairs only
• There are a small number of semi-circular steps between the stairwell and the main room
• The steps do not have handrails, but the edges of the steps have visual contrast
• Doors to the room include glazed panels and can be held open during events

The Sheldonian Theatre is a historic ceremonial building with a large central auditorium and tiered seating areas.

• Events can become busy and noisy, particularly during ceremonies and concerts
• The auditorium includes large open seating areas with tiered wooden bench seating at upper levels
• Circulation routes and staircases can become crowded before and after events
• Lighting levels and sound levels vary depending on the type of event
• Some circulation areas, staircases and seating areas have limited visual contrast
• The building includes historic wooden staircases and hard surfaces which can create echo and background noise