Lord's, also known as Lord's Cricket Ground, is a cricket venue in St John's Wood, London. Lord’s Cricket Ground (“Lord’s”), owned by Marylebone Cricket Club (“MCC”), is situated on St. John’s Wood Road in Marylebone, North London and is a fifteen minute walk from St. John’s Wood tube station and high street. Founded by Thomas Lord in 1787 as the home of Marylebone Cricket Club, the Ground moved to the current site in St. John’s Wood in 1814 and is now the ultimate destination for international players and cricket fans alike. It is the Home of Cricket and the most famous cricket ground in the world. The Ground is steeped in history and charm, with extraordinary architecture and a fascinating collection of cricketing artefacts, paintings and memorabilia, including the iconic Ashes Urn. Lord’s comprises of a seventeen acre site and it is possible to walk around the Ground on an even walkway and is wheelchair friendly. Visitors who are disabled or visually impaired can enjoy the experience of the Ground’s atmosphere on match days as there are special arrangements to ensure the comfort and safety of these particular individuals. MCC is a member of the Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme. There are four large video screens, a public address system, hearing loops (in parts of the Ground) and free WiFi to enable visitors to enjoy the game of cricket just that little bit more. The Ground has several excellent disabled toilet facilities that are located around the Ground and can be easily accessed via RADAR entrance keys from Stewards or Tour Guides. MCC is passionate about delivering equality to all visitors attending events at Lord’s or going on a tour. MCC is continuously working towards improving standards, facilities and attitudes so that less able people can find a host of schemes to help them enjoy their visit to the Ground.
Access
- There is level access within most parts of Lord’s.
- The Extra Covers Food Area and the Harris Garden are accessible via level access roadways
- The Ticket Office, Coronation Garden and The Lord's Tavern Bar & Brasserie (located by the Grace Gate) are served by ramps.
- Every step on each staircase is painted with a yellow line, two inches in width.
- Access to the Grand Stand, Mound Stand, the Lower Tiers of the Compton & Edrich Stands and the Tavern Concourse may be made via short staircases.
- Passenger lifts can be used to access the Upper Tiers of the Grand, Mound and Warner Stands
Applicants are asked to make it clear, when they apply, that their comfort would be enhanced by being provided with tickets which admit to seats at ground level, seats to which access may be made via a short staircase.
Disabled persons’ lavatories
Ground level lavatories are located:
- Pavilion (by the North Door entrance)
- Mound Stand
- Warner Stand
- North Clock Tower
- Grand Stand west
- Grand Stand east
All lavatories at Lord’s have non-slip floors, emergency lighting and audio alarms if required.
Access is by use of a RADAR key. Those not in possession of a RADAR key are asked to contact the nearest steward.
Audio commentaries
- In June 2006, MCC launched an audio description service, which means that blind and partially-sighted fans can now listen to live ball-by-ball commentary on the majority of match days at Lord's.
- Headsets are available from stewards or the Head Steward's Office (which is located at the back of the Mound Stand).
- Spectators visiting Lord's on a Major Match day (Tests and One Day Internationals) are advised to book a headset in advance, to ensure availability. Please contact the Head Steward’s Office: 020 7616 8592
Induction loops
- There is an induction loop fitted within the Grand Stand. Those who have hearing aids fitted should set their devices to the ‘T’ position.
Lifts
- The lifts which serve the Grand Stand, Mound Stand and Warner Stand are accessible from level access roadways.
- All passenger lifts are fitted with emergency telephones, directly connected to the Grace Gate.
- Push buttons within are enhanced with tactile signage to assist blind or partially sighted passengers.
- Low level tactile buttons can be operated by wheelchair users.
Parking
- Although there is no car parking available within the Ground, Set-Down and Pick-Up passes may be obtained.
- Details of car parks situated within a mile or so of the Ground may be obtained from the Club Facilities Department.
- All parking enquiries should be directed to the MCC Club Facilities Department (telephone: 020 7616 8653).
Signage
- Signage inside Lord’s and at the entrances to the Ground have upper and lower case lettering, with a high contrast between the characters and the background colours.
Stewards
- MCC stewards are trained to assist spectators with special needs if required.
Wheelchair Accessible Areas
- On major match days, there are four accessible areas within Lord's specifically for the use of visitors in wheelchairs and their companions. These areas are at the rear and on the grass in the front of the Warner Stand Terrace; at the front of the Mound Stand; and at the rear of the Grand Stand. The accessible areas at the rear of the stands are undercover. Dress Regulations also apply to the accessible area at the rear of Warner Stand Terrace. The ballot for the wheelchair areas takes place in February each year.
- The application form for the Wheelchair Areas is available from the MCC Ticket Office. As a result of space restrictions, each wheelchair user may be accompanied by only one companion.
- Dedicated stewards will be available to assist spectators in both Wheelchair Areas.
- For safety reasons, the Warner Stand Wheelchair Accessible Areas may not be available on non-major match days. Availability of these areas should be checked upon arrival at the Ground.
Persons living with dementia and their carers
- A visitor pack is available from the Head Steward's Office to support people living with dementia and their carers whilst at Lord's, this can be collected on the day or reserved in advance by calling 020 7616 8592.
- This pack contains useful information, meeting points, a place to store tickets and a simple ground map.
- Many of our front line staff and all of our 'Happy to Help' volunteers are trained to support people with Dementia, the majority of our volunteers are also Dementia Friends.
