We want your visit to the Aquatics Centre to be as memorable as possible. Make sure you’re prepared for your London 2012 experience – and don’t forget to plan and book your travel in advance.
Get information on visiting the Aquatics Centre during the Paralympic Games
When to arrive
Aim to be at the Olympic Park around two hours before your session starts so you have plenty of time to go through airport-style security screening and get to the Aquatics Centre.
Plan your journey to the Olympic Park (Aquatics Centre)
You should aim to arrive at the Aquatics Centre 90 minutes before your session starts. Make sure you’re in your seat at least 30 minutes before the start time on your ticket for the build-up to competition.
Please note that recommended arrival times are for guidance only. There is no re-entry.
Collecting tickets from this venue? See the latest London 2012 box office information
Safety and security
When you get to the Olympic Park, you’ll be asked to go through airport-style security screening. With so much going on and thousands of people arriving at the same time, you should expect to wait.
In general, please try to bring as little as possible with you – it will help you get through security screening more quickly.
One soft-sided bag is allowed per person – for example, a medium-sized handbag or small backpack (maximum 25 litres). The bag should be small enough to fit under your seat or on your lap. There is nowhere to store luggage.
You cannot bring in the following:
- Liquids, aerosols or gels in quantities larger than 100ml. This includes drinks, perfume and other cosmetics and gels
- Alcohol
- Glass bottles larger than 100ml (excluding medication contained in glass bottles)
There are also restrictions on the size and use of some items inside the venue, including:
- Excessive amounts of food
- Large flags, oversized hats and large umbrellas
Download the full list of prohibited and restricted items and restrictions on liquids, aerosols and gels
Find our more about safety and security at the Games
For the comfort of the athletes, the Aquatics Centre is kept extremely warm – make sure you wear thin layers and drink plenty of water. Free drinking water is available.
The climb to the top tiers inside the venue is steep. Take care and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
Services and facilities
The Aquatics Centre has a wide range of services and facilities, including plenty of food and drink stands, toilets and baby changing facilities, the Games Mobility service, plus the London 2012 Shop.
'Spectator medical' icon: The icon for 'Spectator medical' on the venue map resembles the red cross emblem. The red cross emblem is a protective symbol and its use is restricted by law. The sign used to signify first aid and other health care services at the venue is a white cross on a green background.
Download a map of the Aquatics Centre
Explore our map of the Olympic Park
Food and drink
There’s a great variety of affordable food and drink available to buy inside the Aquatics Centre, from healthy and filling meals to tasty treats.
Read about our commitment to providing sustainably, locally sourced food
Payment
The only way to pay is by Visa (debit, credit or prepaid card) or cash. ATM cash machines are available inside the Olympic Park, and these only accept Visa. There are no ATM cash machines available inside your venue. Please note that you can only pay for official programmes by cash in the Aquatics Centre.
Recycling
Help us make London 2012 the first zero-waste Games – please recycle while you’re at the Games.
Recycling in venues couldn’t be easier. All food and drink packaging will feature a green, orange or black symbol – so all you have to do is put your packaging in the matching coloured bin.
Lost property
If you lose something during your visit to the Olympic Park, or find something that doesn’t belong to you, visit an information point on the day or contact the London 2012 Lost and Found Claim Centre
Any questions?
If you’ve got a question about your visit to the Aquatics Centre, ask our virtual agent
On the day, you can visit a London 2012 information point for venue and sports information, transport updates, lost and found services, pushchair and wheelchair storage and more. Our Games Makers are always happy to help.
If you have a ticketing query, please go to the ticket resolution office at the venue or visit the London 2012 Ticketing website
Spectator guides
Download the Diving spectator guide
Download the Swimming spectator guide
Download the Synchronised Swimming spectator guide
