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After receiving high number of e-mail's from people with different disabilities requesting relevant tourist information we have composed this page. If you can not find information that you are looking for, please do not hesitate to send us an email.
We would like to offer you information on how to access London tourist attractions and sights if you are person with any kind of disability. Please, let us know about your experience traveling through the city, give us your comments, or just tell us what London attractions would you like to read about here. It is not our intention to offend any person but to help more people to better understand needs of all people visiting this magnificent city. London has plenty to offer to everybody, and we feel that nobody should feel forgotten just because they can not do all of the things other people can.
Transport in London:
Tube - Underground services: Access to the most tube stations is done through the steps. The system can become very crowded at peak times, and therefore difficult for those with mobility problems. The new Jubilee Line trains on the tube network are wheelchair accessible from all the new stations between Westminster and Stratford - stations can be reached via lifts. Please telephone 020 7308 2800 or 020 7222 1234 to find out more.
www.tfl.gov.uk
Buses - You will have great difficulties with this kind of public transport. It is virtually impossible to take a ride in one of the London buses during morning or evening rush hour.
Black Cab - They have a wheelchair access, and you will be assisted by drivers.
Mini Cab - At the present time, there is not so many Mini Cab Companies who will be able to give you wheelchair access, apart in helping you to enter the car and place your wheelchair in the boot of the car.
Tourists attractions and sights in London:
The British Museum - The Main entrance to the Museum on Great Russell Street has 12 steps with handrails at each side. There are self-operable lifts on both sides of the steps, with bells for visitors to call for assistance if required. There is a level entrance to the Museum on Montague Place and a lift to the different floors in the Museum. http://www.britishmuseum.org/visiting/access_and_facilities.aspx
Imperial War Museum - Ms.J Osborne was kind enough to provide us with the
following comments regarding her visit to this museum. "I thought I'd let
you know that I went to the Imperial War Museum recently with someone in a wheelchair. The
staff couldn't have been more helpful. There is disabled access around the back
(Dyke Street I think, or something similar!), there is access to all the special
effect attractions i.e.. The blitz experience and the trench experience, all we
had to do was ask. There were lifts to every floor for disabled people and disabled
toilets on every floor. The staff at the front entrance even helped me carry my
wheelchair user down to the gardens at the front entrance where we sat to take
in the magnificent building."
http://london.iwm.org.uk
Kensington Palace - The State Apartments at Kensington Palace are on the first floor and unfortunately there is no lift available. Access to the State Apartments is by a shallow flight of 30 steps. Most areas of the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection are on a level access, as is the Orangery restaurant, which has a ramp. http://www.hrp.org.uk/KensingtonPalace/planyourvisit/disabledaccess.aspx
London Eye - Located on the bank of the River Thames near Waterloo Station. The 135-metre high wheel is completely chair accessible - the wheel can be temporarily stopped to allow safe entry. The London Eye goes above and beyond industry standards to ensure that they are accessible to all. It is fully accessible, in addition to the wheel and boarding platform, the ticket office, pier, river cruise and all surrounding areas were designed to meet the needs of disabled people. Features include: entrances that feature widened access and ramps for wheelchair users and their carers, voice and visual alarms, slowed-down boarding for disabled people, fully accessible ticket office, website and site, knowledgeable members of staff who are always on hand to assist guests, t-loop systems in their ticket hall and on the London Eye River Cruise, discounts for disabled guests and free tickets for carers and fast Track service for elderly and disabled guests. Call 0871 781 3000 to pre-book tickets, which must be collected 30 minutes before the flight. The 30-minute journey will give you chance to enjoy magnificent views over London. Please note that during school holidays it is advisable to come early in the morning or later in the evening.
London’s Transport Museum - Museum is fully wheelchair accessible with ramps and lifts throughout. There is also an audio guide for the visually impaired and a special information pack for students with learning difficulties. www.ltmuseum.co.uk
The National Gallery is wheelchair accessible, with the exception of the Portico entrance and mezzanine level. http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk
The Natural History Museum is wheelchair accessible, apart from the Earth Lab. Flat entrance is from Museum Lane. http://www.nhm.ac.uk
St Pauls Cathedral - Access to the cathedral for wheelchair users and visitors with mobility issues is via the North side of the Cathedral. For details please ring 020 7236 4128 (recorded information line) or 020 7246 8350 (Mon-Fri, 9-5pm). www.stpauls.co.uk
The Science museum is wheelchair accessible, except for the flight/ships gallery and rides. The Museum map is available on entry to the Museum from the information and ticket desks. The Map provides information about the location of stairs, lifts, ramps, eating areas and toilets. A Museum floor plan is also available on the network of touchscreen terminals located throughout the museum. Museum staff are on hand to give assistance and can also provide help with the lifts for groups of visitors. www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
The Tate Britain- at Millbank presents the world's greatest collection of British art in a series of new displays and exhibitions. There are four entrances to Tate Britain:
- The Manton Entrance is on Atterbury Street on Level 1 and can be reached by ramp or steps down, with central handrails. There are automatic sliding doors for level entry. Access to the main gallery areas on Level 2 is by lift or stairs.
- The entrance on Millbank on Level 2 is reached by a flight of 18 unmarked steps. This is followed by two wider marked steps. There are handrails at the edge of the main flight of steps. There is a revolving door flanked by two side doors at the top.
- The Clore Gallery entrance at Level 1 is to the right of the main gallery on Millbank. It has level access to the Auditorium and a lift to the main gallery areas on Level 2.
- The North Entrance on John Islip Street at the back of the gallery has ramp access and parking for disabled visitors which must be booked in advance.
Wheelchairs - Wheelchairs are available to book in advance, or ask a member of staff on arrival. To book, email ticketing@tate.org.uk or call 020 7887 8888, Monday – Friday 10.00–17.00. www.tate.org.uk/
Tate Modern - The Main Entrance to Tate Modern is on Holland Street. Entry to the gallery is via a ramp which extends down into the Turbine Hall and Level 1. A flight of steps with a handrail runs alongside the length of the ramp. Access to the rest of the gallery is via escalator, lift and a staircase to all floors. Entry for wheelchairs, prams, and buggies is via the River Entrance or via the Café Entrance situated next to the Main Entrance ramp. www.tate.org.uk/modern/ Assistance dogs are welcome and there are six wheelchairs available upon request (pre-booking required) for use by visitors. Entrance is free except for special exhibitions, when disabled visitors can buy concessionary tickets and if they are accompanied, their escorts are allowed in free. Fully accessible toilets are located on each floor.
Vinopolis - City of Wine - 1 Bank End, Bankside, SE1. Take tube to London Bridge. Dedicated to the pleasures of good food and drink, visitors can spend an afternoon sampling and learning about wine and spirits from around the world. Vinopolis Classic package includes a tour, 5 wine tasting tokens and the chance to sample a perfectly prepared Bombay Sapphire cocktail. Upgraded packages offer guests the chance to sample a variety of other unusual wines and spirits from around the world or have an introduction into the secrets of wine tasing. Tickets from £11 per person. Open from 1200 until 2100 - Monday, Friday and Saturday, 1200 until 1800 all other days (last entry 2 hours before closing time). Call 0870 241 4040 for further information and up to date opening hours.
Tower Bridge - 0207 403 3761 has step-free access throughout the five floors, via a lift. Panoramic views across London can be had from the walkways, while the exhibition brings the story of the bridge to life. Helpers are admitted free.
The Tower of London - This is not one of the best accessible attractions in London. The only area with 100% wheelchair access is the Crown Jewels. Visitors are advised to request the free access guide which is available by calling Visitor Services on 0207 488 5693.
Westminster Abbey - Tube: Westminster or St James's Park. Running special tours which lasts approximately 90 minutes.
