There is a vast array of accessible attractions in London. The nation's capital can be easily navigated by everyone, regardless of physical ability, with just a few simple adjustments. When planning a day trip or weekend getaway, especially to a bustling city like London, we know it's crucial to think about accessibility. With this in mind, we have put together our disability-friendly guide to visiting London, take a look…
Getting Around and Public Transport
You can get around the city quickly and cheaply by taking the bus, which is far more convenient than the Tube. Buses are often accessible for those using wheelchairs, with ramps and designated seating areas. What's more, you may discover that your preferred bus route passes by more than one attraction on your itinerary. The purchase of an Oyster Card is also recommended. The Oyster Card, an electronic card about the size of a credit card, is the most convenient way to ride the tube and buses in London. You can get one at any train or tube stop at a machine that dispenses Oyster Cards. A wheelchair accessible bus tour is a great way to start your trip. It will give you the opportunity to see all of the tourist areas of London in a short space of time. You'll also have a greater understanding of the city's layout, which will come in handy for the rest of your journey.
The London Eye
Wheelchair access is available throughout the Coca-Cola London Eye. The London Eye is the best site to obtain a bird's-eye perspective of the city, and it also happens to be completely wheelchair-accessible. There is space for two wheelchairs in each capsule, and a total of eight wheelchairs can be accommodated at any given time. Therefore, wheelchair users should plan ahead. Mobility scooters are welcome in the capsules; the ramp, however, is just 37 inches wide. You can get a great bird's-eye perspective of the city from the wheelchair-accessible London Eye.
Changing of the Guard
Tourists in wheelchairs may have difficulty navigating the densely populated pavements, and getting a good view of the Changing of the Guard may require braving big crowds. Views of the Changing of the Guard could be impeded for those in wheelchairs. Visitors who have mobility issues can still take in the ceremony by watching the Inspection of the Guard at the neighboring Wellington Barracks, where they can get close to the perimeter fence without fear of being pushed back.
The Millennium Bridge
The Millennium Bridge is a pedestrian crossing over the Thames River that links the north bank, home to St. Paul's Cathedral, with the south bank, home to the Tate Modern art museum. Wheelchair users in London may easily traverse the Thames on this bridge, which has lifts at both ends. It is also a good photo opportunity at a now iconic landmark.
Museums
London offers more world-class museums than any other European city, so plan museum visits strategically throughout your stay. Seeing them can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a lot of work. Spread out your museum visits so that you can see as much as possible during your vacation. It's possible that you'll have more stamina first thing in the morning than you would after a day of sightseeing.
Tower Bridge
You might be surprised to know that Tower Bridge, one of the city's most-known landmarks and a major tourist attraction, is wheelchair accessible. You can board the lift from either the bridge or the engine rooms to get to your destination. You can also borrow a wheelchair if you need one. Some of the tower's chambers rely solely on natural light, so there will be areas that are darker and more challenging to navigate.
Buckingham Palace
You shouldn't miss the summer opening of the Royal Family's official residence, a fully operational palace. Accessible by wheelchair, there are no ramps or stairs to climb, and wheelchairs can be reserved at no cost. The Quadrangle, the Garden, and the Palace itself are all accessible to mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs.
Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds is one of the city's best tourist destinations because it brings visitors one step closer to some of the world's most famous people. Although there are disabled access ramps, the venue can only accommodate three wheelchairs at a time, so plan ahead if you need to use one. In addition, there is a qualified staff available to assist you in navigating the building and its many levels.
ZSL London Zoo
Is there anyone who doesn't enjoy a visit to the zoo? If it's on par with London Zoo, it's hard to imagine anything better. The bulk of the zoo is wheelchair accessible, and there is even a lift to a viewing platform over Tiger Territory, where you can get a great look at the animals below. Wheelchair visitors can freely explore the aquarium, penguin pool and lion habitat. Wheelchairs can be borrowed for a refundable charge, and there are six designated parking spaces for the disabled. Due to high demand and low supply, wheelchairs should be reserved in advance.
The Shard
The Shard is one of London's most recent and contemporary landmarks. The 310-meter glass building has lifts for a hassle-free visit. From the street, visitors can take the lifts to the ground floor ticket office, then to Level 69 for the observation deck and to Level 72 for the open-air Skydeck. The staff is routinely educated on disability awareness, and you can rent a wheelchair for the day if you need one. Visitors with disabilities enjoy a discounted cost, and their registered carers gain free admission.
There you have it, an assortment of different attractions that boast disabled access ramps. If you are searching for the ideal way to enjoy some time in London, then you may find that these amazing attractions are right up your street. You will find that accommodations for people with disabilities vary widely across London's hotels, eateries, theatres and tourist hotspots. Many of the city's best sights and entertainment options are still accessible with just a little bit of forward planning, though. The accessibility of the transport system is always being upgraded, and there are a variety of measures that may be taken to make traveling around as easy as possible.
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