London ~ 'Visit'
Kew Royal Botanic Gardens
Kew, Richmond TW9 3AE
Free entry for:
- essential carers accompanying visitors with a disability
- registered blind and partially-sighted visitors
Mobility scooters and wheelchairs
- There are a limited number of wheelchairs available to borrow at each gate for you and your essential carer. There’s no need to book, please ask when you arrive
- There are 10 mobility scooters to borrow. Please note, these must be booked in advance and are available on a first come, first served basis. We recommend at least 48 hours in advance. To book please call 020 8332 5121
- You are welcome to bring your own scooter if it is a pavement-use mobility scooter limited to 4mph
- Please note that mobility scooters are not suitable for driving on the grass.
- There is a specialised adult changing facility equipped with hoist and changing bench near Brentford Gate. You will need to bring your own sling and ask for the key at the ticket desk at Brentford Gate.
Free disabled Parking (Postcode for Sat Nav : TW9 3AF ; Ferry Lane Car Park
https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/visit-kew-gardens/accessibility
Natural History Museum
Dawnosaurs
Dawnosaurs runs four times a year for children on the autistic spectrum. The free event lets autistic children enjoy the Museum with their families and siblings, free from the hustle and bustle of the general public.
The events include a wide-ranging programme of activities, including a chance to see, meet and even touch live animals. All activities are supported by experienced and autism-aware facilitators.
Disabled parking
We have a small number of parking spaces on-site for Blue Badge holders. Please book in advance by calling us on +44 (0)20 7942 6230. You can access these spaces via Queen's Gate, SW7 5HD, to the west of the Museum.
There are also twelve Blue Badge parking spaces on Exhibition Road. These spaces are managed by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and cannot be booked in advance. You can park there for four hours between 8.30 and 18.30. Find out more on the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's website.
Royal Museums, Greenwich
Located within a beautiful Royal Park with sweeping views of London and the Thames, Royal Museums is home to 4 must-see attractions; the Royal Observatory, The Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum and Queen's Art House Gallery.
Accessible parking
Museum parking for visitors with disabilities
Limited pre-booked spaces are available for disabled visitors in the Museum car park. Please pre-book, otherwise we cannot guarantee a place.
E-mail: bookings@rmg.co.uk Tel: 020 8312 6608The Bookings office is open Monday-Friday, closed at weekends.Alternative parking in Greenwich
Horniman Museum
100 London Road, Forest Hill, London SE23 3PQ
Limited number of disabled parking spaces on the museum site accessed via security(see website for more info)
Carers are admitted free
City Cruises
See the best views in London on a River Thames sightseeing cruise. Some of our boats are wheelchair accessible. We ask you to contact the reservations team to discuss which boat is the best for you. All passengers on dining cruises must be physically able to walk on to the boats with an able bodied helper and unfortunately no electronic wheelchairs are permitted. Unfortunately there is no disabled access for the Evening Cruise.
MBNA Thames Clipper River Boat
Travel through London by river. All of our boats are wheelchair, mobility scooter and pram accessible by ramp. Mobility scooter owners are to apply for a Mobility Scooter Recognition Scheme before coming on board.
Boats
We can have a maximum of four wheelchairs on our larger boats and can accommodate a further three folding wheelchairs. Electronic wheelchairs are also welcome. Members of our Mobility Scooter Recognition Scheme are able to bring their mobility scooters on board.
Facilities
All boats except the Star, Storm and Sky Clippers have accessible toilets and larger boats have baby changing tables. All piers are wheelchair accessible (excluding London bridge City, Wandsworth Riverside Quarter & Cadogan Pier) Ramps are used for boarding.
https://www.thamesclippers.com/about-thames-clippers/accessibility-information
Wetlands Centre
WWT London Wetland Centre has the following facilities:
Free accessible car parking provision – 12 Blue Badge spaces
Trained assistance dogs welcome
Maps can be enlarged, please ask ahead of your visit
Manual wheelchairs available to loan
Three mobility scooters available (a suggested £5.00 voluntary donation to go towards the maintenance of our scooters would be greatly appreciated). Please call ahead to book.
There is level access around the site
There are a number of gates with stiff / heavy opening mechanisms. Our roaming volunteers or staff can assist, please ask
Level access hides
Headley Hide has wide turning circle. The door is 78cm wide
Heated Observatory with views across the reserve
Peacock Tower – three storey with lift
Accessible toilets in car park and visitor centre.
https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/london/plan-your-visit/directions/
The View From The Shard
We offer a concessionary rate for guests with disabilities and complimentary tickets for carers. All of our staff receive regular training that includes disability awareness and are on hand throughout The View from The Shard should you require any assistance.
https://www.theviewfromtheshard.com/en/plan-your-visit/disabled-access/
London Zoo
The Zoo is more than 170 years old and contains many old buildings, 12 of which are listed. However, most of the Zoo is accessible for wheelchair users and those with walking difficulties.
Land of the Lions is wheelchair friendly and has a lift available for visitors to use.
Tiger Territory is wheelchair friendly and has a lift available for visitors to access the higher viewing platform.
The Aquarium has wheelchair access via an entrance to the left of the main doorway.
The historic Lubetkin penguin pool (listed Grade 1) has limited viewing for wheelchair users and very small children.
The paths are generally tarmac and there is level or ramped access to most buildings. We should also add that the slopes leading to the two tunnels in the Zoo are rather steep.
Wheelchair Hire
We have a limited number of mobility scooters and wheelchairs available for hire. We recommend booking these in advance by ringing Supporter Services on 0344 225 1826 or emailing info@zsl.org. A deposit of £25 will be required, which will be refunded when the wheelchair is returned undamaged.
A changing hoist/accessible facility is located at the First Aid point. Concession - 60+, student & visitor with a disability (free entry for essential carer)
The State Rooms, Buckingham Palace
The Queen's official London residence and a working royal palace.
Open July - Sept plus selected dates Dec - May.
The State Rooms are fully accessible, but step-free access must be pre-booked by contacting the Specialist Sales team on +44 (0)303 123 7324 or specialistsales@rct.uk. If you require step-free access you can enter at the front of the Palace, where a golf buggy is available, where appropriate, for transportation to the lift facilities. At the end of the tour, if you require step-free access and wish to exit via the Garden you can usually take the buggy from the front of the Palace around to the bottom of the West Terrace. Please note there is a half a mile walk out through the gardens. Alternatively, you can exit using the buggy via the front of the Palace. https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit
Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU
A number of wheelchairs are available (free of charge) for use around the palace. Single-person mobility scooters are available to borrow for use in the gardens. Please ask a member of staff at the entrance for details.
- There are 9 allocated parking bays for visitors with access needs in the on-site car park
- Parking is currently free for Blue Badge holder
https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/visit/accessibility/#gs.5t7rkc
V & A Museum
Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL
There are twelve blue badge parking spaces on Exhibition Road managed by the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea. For more information visit Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea parking. The Cromwell Road and Exhibition Road entrances are both step-free. At the Cromwell Road entrance, a wheelchair accessible door is located between the revolving doors. At the Exhibition Road entrance, an automatic opening door is located at the bottom of the ramp. The Tunnel entrance from South Kensington underground station is not wheelchair accessible.
Tate Modern & Tate Britain Gallery
Accessible car parking
Accessible parking spaces for disabled visitors
There are five accessible parking spaces for disabled visitors to Tate Britain, accessed via John Islip Street. Please book these spaces in advance, giving at least 24 hours notice.
To book:
- Email ticketing@tate.org.uk (please note your name, contact details, vehicle registration number, date and time of visit are required to make the booking)
- Call +44 (0)20 7887 8888 – option 1 (daily 09.45–18.00). Our phone line supports the use of speech recognition apps.
Once you have parked, please enter via the Staff Entrance across the car park, approximately 10-30 meters from the parking spaces. A member of staff will escort you to the public area. If you have booked a mobility scooter or wheelchair, these can be collected from the Staff Entrance.
Wheelchair and mobility scooter provision
Wheelchairs, mobility scooters and walkers are available at the gallery.
If you wish to borrow a wheelchair you can either book in advance or ask a member of staff on arrival (subject to availability). The reservation is free.
If you wish to borrow a mobility scooter please book in advance giving at least 24 hours notice. The reservation is free. You must have driven a mobility scooter before to use one at Tate Britain.
To book:
Email ticketing@tate.org.uk
Call +44 (0)20 7887 8888 – option 1 (daily 09.45–18.00)
Our phone line supports the use of speech recognition apps.
Please note your name, contact details, date and time of visit are required to make the booking.
The Tate Boat runs between The Tate Modern and The Tate Britain, it is wheelchair accessible (advisable to check on the day that it is operating)
London Bateaux Restaurant Cruise
- Upon arrival at Embankment Pier you will find two ways to access Bateaux London. The main entrance has six small steps up to a ramp that will take you directly down to the Bateaux London reception. Wheelchair and pushchair users should enter via the Thames Clippers entrance to the right of the pier which has ramp access from street level down to the boarding area. Wheel chair users must follow the ramp up to the covered reception area to check in.
- All guests are required to check in at Bateaux London’s reception and exchange your e-ticket and gift voucher if applicable for a boarding pass. The reception is accessed through the main entrance, or via the ramp through 2 x 113cm heavy manual sliding doors which staff members will open for you. Entrance to the boat is via the ramp to the boarding area and over a small bridge to the vessel. Our crew will assist with all members of the public entering and exiting the vessel.
Restaurant, Bar & Bar Area
- Once on board, you will present your boarding pass to the restaurant manager who will allocate a member of staff to seat you at your table. Our tables have a clear height of 65cm, enough to comfortably accommodate a guest seated in a wheelchair, or if you would prefer, we can store wheelchairs away for the cruise and guests can use the restaurant chairs with armrests provided
The National Gallery
Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN
A complimentary carer ticket can be booked with each disabled ticket.
Houses one of the greatest collections of paintings in the world.
Badge-holder parking
There is one designated parking space on Orange Street for National Gallery visitors only.
48 hours advance booking is required on 020 7747 2885.
There are three designated parking bays on St Martin's Street. Please phone Westminster Parking Information Service on 020 7823 4567 for more information.
Public car parks are available nearby in Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square.
https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/visiting/access
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Boat Trip
The boat passes trough some of the most iconic venues of the Olympic Games, through beautifully landscaped gardens.
45 minute tour. Boats are fully accessible with disabled toilets. Dogs welcome
Somerset House
Strand, WC2R 1LA
All exhibitions spaces at Somerset House are fully accessible.
Imperial War Museum
Lambeth Road SE1 6HZ
Step-free access to the museum via the West Entrance. If you're looking at the front of the building, the West entrance is located on the right hand side of the building, just past the café entrance.
PARKING
- Free parking is available on site for blue badge holders, subject to availability
- Book your space by contacting us or by calling 020 7416 5000
- Parking must be booked two working days in advance
Our Changing Places facility is located adjacent to the male public toilets on level 0.
- The key can be obtained from the information desk on level 0.
- Please note that the facility is not staffed and that users must bring their own slings.
- The maximum weight limit of the hoist is 200kg. Operating instructions are displayed inside the room.
The British Museum
Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury London WC1B 3DG
Free to visit, open daily 10.00 -17.30 (Fridays until 20.30)
Parking for disabled people
There are a limited number of parking spaces available for disabled visitors to the Museum. These need to be booked in advance.
To request a space, please e-mail tickets@britishmuseum.org at least 48 hours in advance.You will need to provide your name and contact details; the vehicle registration number, make and model and the date and time of your visit. You will need to bring identification to prove your booking on the day.
We strongly recommend booking via email because our phone lines can be very busy. However, if you would like to book over the phone you can do so by calling +44 (0)20 7323 8181.
London Journey Planner
A very useful tool for planning an accessible route through the streets of London.
Liberty Drives, Hyde Park
Triangle Car Park, Hyde Park W2 2UH
Liberty Drives provides free mobility for anyone who finds it difficult to see all 760 acres of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. There are 7 pick up locations around the parks.
Electric buggies with wheelchair facilities, each seating five people glide around the parks providing half hour rides. It is also possible to be dropped off at a favourite place and be picked up later.
This scheme is supported by donations from the community and operated by volunteer drivers. Groups of people can be catered for by arrangement.
Liberty Drives operates May through to October.
https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde-park/visitor-information/liberty-drives
The London Eye
Fully accessible. Pre-booking a wheelchair time slot is advisable due to a limited number of wheelchairs allowed in each capsule.
The Museum of London Docklands
Access for visitors with physical disabilities
- Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available to borrow during your visit. Please book them in advance by calling:
020 7001 9844
https://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london-docklands
https://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london-docklands/plan-your-visit/museum-accessibility
V & A Museum of Childhood
Bethnal Green, London
Free on-site parking can be arranged for visitors with specific access needs. The car park is accessed via Victoria Park Square, to the rear of the Museum. To book a space and for more detailed directions, call 020 8983 5200. The nearest pay and display bays can be found on Cambridge Heath Road. The Museum is not in the congestion charging zone.
There is a mobile hoist which may be used by our visitors. Please contact a member of staff if you would like to use this equipment.
Accessible Boat trip
Taking in all of the major sights of London.
Some of our boats are wheelchair accessible. Check with staff at the ticket office or visit Our boats for details of which ones are accessible by wheelchair.
Unfortunately, electric wheelchairs are not allowed.
If you wish to contact our ticket office over the phone, please call +44 (0) 7930 4097
Disabled ticket policy
We offer a 50% discount on the normal fare for Freedom Pass holders, wheelchair users or any other disabled people with a valid disability badge. In addition, we offer 50% discount for one carer per disabled person. This 50% discount applies only to tickets purchased at the ticket office and is not available online.
https://www.thamesriversightseeing.com/information/accessibility
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Hire a mobility scooter for the day to explore the park. Park Mobility is located in the South of the Park, opposite the Info point of the London Aquatics Centre on the bridge next to Westfield Stratford City.
Also, a volunteer driven 'golf buggy' is available (subject to volunteers)
www.queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk
Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens
Kensington Palace, Kensington, London
Concessionary Prices for disabled visitors/carers admitted free.Parking
Accessible parking is available for Blue Badge holders next to the Orangery restaurant. Spaces must be booked in advance by calling +44 (0)20 3166 6199.
The Royal Academy of Arts
Burlington House, Piccadilly W1J 0BD
Features some excellent art exhibitions. All buildings are wheelchair accessible with accessible toilets.
We have a limited number of disabled parking spaces available for blue badge holders to reserve in the courtyard of Burlington House. There is step-free access throughout the RA and wheelchairs and portable stools are available to borrow during your visit.
There are accessible toilets in both Burlington Gardens and Burlington House. Assistance dogs are welcome and our staff and volunteers receive regular training to ensure they’re confident welcoming disabled visitors.
To book a wheelchair or blue badge parking space, please contact our Ticketing team at 020 7300 8090. We recommend booking two weeks in advance of your visit.
London ~ 'Shop'
Westfield Shopping Centre
Ariel way, Shepherds Bush, London W12 7GF
Four hours free parking for Blue Badge Holders. Free wheelchair or motorised scooter hire. Shopmobility is located on Level -2.
https://uk.westfield.com/london/services/all-services/shopmobility/684
London Designer Outlet
Wembley Park Blvd, Wembley HA9 0QL
Shopmobility is available from Guest Services next to Clarks, enabling you to hire, free of charge, wheelchairs and motorised scooters. Please call Guest Services on 020 3744 4470 for your Shopmobility scooter to be brought to your car if you park in Red Car Park.
As you would expect when loaning out such expensive equipment, there’s some paperwork to complete and for that we will need some information from you. We will ask you to complete a Shopmobility hire form and also provide:
- Proof of identification for you or, if you have a carer, for your carer – a current passport, driving licence, or a blue badge
- AND Proof of address – an original of a utility or council tax bill in your name (less than 3 months old)
- £20 cash deposit (refundable) – we do not accept card payments on this deposit
Our expert team will train you on how to use a scooter (first time users) and then you’re good to go! Guests can hire Shopmobility scooters at any time during trading hours; the last hire is issued two hours before the stores close so please check opening hours.
London ~ 'Do'
Adapted Cycling
Dulwich Park and Battersea Park Centre
Excellent range of adapted disability bikes.
London Fields Lido
Hackney, London, E8 3EU
A 50 m Olympic sized outdoor swimming pool open all year round in Hackney, Central London. Café, large sundeck and sunbathing area, disabled toilet, hoist, ramp access, accessible changing room.
Free for disabled visitors and carers.