London strives to make its museums, royal palaces and world-famous attractions accessible to everybody. Whether you have mobility issues or other special needs, nothing will stop you from enjoying the best London has to offer – together with your carer, if you like!
Check out our blog post for the complete guide to the capital’s top accessible attractions, and get exploring.
Did you know London’s newest landmark is fully wheelchair accessible? The London Eye allows two wheelchairs per capsule and eight in total at any one time, so it’s recommended to reserve your place in advance. Marvel at the spectacular view of the city’s skyline on a 30-minute ride – how many London icons can you spot? The London Eye also features T-loop facilities in the ticket hall and a 4D Experience for people with hearing impairments.
Be amazed by the British Museum’s outstanding artefacts, from ancient Egypt to the modern day. Most of the galleries at this free London attraction are step-free and accessible to wheelchair users via lifts. The museum also features regular British Sign Language (BSL) guided tours, as well as handling sessions and touch tours for visually impaired visitors. Carers can also get complimentary access to the paying exhibitions when visiting the museum with a disabled visitor.
Travel back to Elizabethan times at the Shakespeare’s Globe, the beautiful reconstruction of the 16th-century playhouse where many of the Bard’s famous plays were performed. The guided tour and exhibition are wheelchair-friendly, and audio commentaries are available for visually-impaired people visiting the exhibition. Guide dogs are also welcome. Make the most of your visit, and catch a Shakespeare play while you’re here. The theatre boasts an array of special performances, including audio-described performances, BSL-interpreted shows, as well as relaxed performances for people with autism.
Don’t miss the chance to visit Buckingham Palace, the Queen’s official London residence. The palace is fully accessible, but remember to book step-free access in advance on Buckingham Palace’s website. You can also use your own mobility scooter in the Quadrangle and in the Gardens, or inside the palace (provided it’s compatible with the lifts).
Take a sneak peek inside one of the world’s most famous bridges and find out about the turbulent history of its construction. Tower Bridge is one of the most-visited accessible London attractions. The panoramic walkway, located 45m above the river, is accessible to wheelchair users via a lift. Concession tickets are available for disabled people and visitors over 60 years old; companions can visit the exhibition for free. You can also attend a BSL guided tour of Tower Bridge, at 11am on every last Saturday of the month.
Step into the King’s and Queen’s State Apartments and retrace the personal stories of Queen Victoria and Princess Diana at Kensington Palace. The galleries are step-free and fully accessible via lifts. Carers accompanying a disabled visitor are entitled to free entry to the paying exhibitions. Other accessibility features include describer and BSL tours. You can even explore Kensington Gardens on a scenic half-hour tour on an electric buggy (pre-booking required).
Say “Hello” to more than 750 different animal species, from giraffes to penguins and even lemurs, on a leisurely day out at ZSL London Zoo. Most of the zoo is accessible to people with mobility issues, and you can also borrow a wheelchair (pre-booking required). Remember to check out some of the zoo’s unmissable accessible attractions, such as Land of the Lions, Tiger Territory and the Aquarium. Concessions are available for visitors over 60 years old and for people with disabilities; essential carers can enjoy free access to the zoo.
People with mobility issues can enjoy a visit to London’s magnificent St Paul’s Cathedral by entering via the step-free South Churchyard entrance. From there, you can access the cathedral floor, crypts, sacrarium and quire via lifts and chairlifts. Audio descriptive guides are available for visually impaired visitors, and a BSL multimedia tour is included in the ticket price as well.
The V&A is home to a huge collection of fashion, arts, crafts and design from all around the word – you can easily spend a whole day exploring its wonders! Head to Cromwell Road or Exhibition Road to find step-free access to the museum. If you require a personal guide to help you get around the building, you can book one in advance from the V&A website. The museum also organises regular British Sign Language talks, and you can find tactile books for visually impaired visitors in selected galleries.
Come face-to-face with a full-scale Tyrannosaurus and giant whale models at London’s Natural History Museum. All galleries in the Green and Red Zones, and the Darwin Centre, are accessible by lift. BSL tours are bookable for groups with at least two weeks’ notice. The Natural History Museum also regularly hosts Dawnosaurs, a series of events for children on the autistic spectrum which lets them enjoy the display with their families, free from the hustle and bustle of regular open days.
We hope you have a great time exploring these fascinating London attractions with your loved ones or with your carers!
If you’d like to find out more about how Home Instead can help you to find an experienced and compassionate Care Professional in your area, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Discover your care options in London, including live-in care.