About CarrieAnnLightley
Lives in Kendal, United Kingdom
Since Jan 2015
25-34 year old female
13 years in accessible travel. Award winning blogger, travel writer & campaigner, passionate about equal access for all.
Some of London is very accessible, while other parts can be a nightmare for visitors with disabilities. This guide covers my favourite places that are easy to access, along with tips on getting around to make the most of a trip to London.
10 Places
3 City Tips
10 Places
Parks
Neighbourhoods, Historic Walking Areas, Theatres
Architectural Buildings, Government Buildings, Historic Sites
Science Museums
Theatres
Arenas & Stadiums, Sports Complexes
Restaurants
Restaurants
Restaurants
Bars & Clubs
Hyde Park has everything: from events and concerts, to memorials, to sports, to self-guided walks. Visitors can take in public speeches at Speakers Corner, swim in the Serpentine Lido or simply relax and enjoy the nature and wildlife. The park is step-free, with accessible parking and toilets, and lots of seating and refreshment areas.
South Bank has smooth walkways, ramps, benches and many attractions offering great facilities and services for disabled visitors. These include the London Eye and River Cruise, the Sea Life London Aquarium, the London Dungeon, the Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe and the National Theatre. Alternately, South Bank is a great place to people watch and enjoy the many street performers.
The self-guided audio tour offers a fascinating insight into the history and traditions that make up Parliament, while giving you a glimpse of the beautiful art and architecture inside. The tour starts in 900-year-old Westminster Hall, and assistants can escort visitors with disabilities from Westminster Hall to Central Lobby, which is particularly interesting, as the accessible route takes you to areas that other visitors don’t usually get to see. The sheer size of the Palace of Westminster is amazing, and following the same route as the Queen at the State Opening of Parliament is pretty special.
The Science Museum is full of fun, interactive, experiences and has interesting exhibitions for all ages, each accessible to the widest range of visitors possible. Think full wheelchair accessibility, a large print accessibility map, Braille resources, events for deaf audiences and audio described events for partially sighted or blind visitors!
The Noel Coward is a grand, traditional London theatre. Wheelchair users have the advantage of private box seating at a special access price (subject to availability), seating one wheelchair user and one companion. The theatre staff are cheerful, friendly and helpful.
The All England Lawn Tennis Club issues an easy access guide to Wimbledon with the purchase of wheelchair tickets. It's very comprehensive, and contains all the information that a disabled spectator needs to visit the Wimbledon Championships. The grounds themselves are completely flat, with a smooth tarmac surface, ideal for wheelchairs. Each wheelchair ticket comes with a complimentary companion ticket and a wheelchair space and reserved seat. There is ample room in the wheelchair space, even for a large mobility scooter. Our space at court 2 had a fabulous view, and a good patch of sunshine!
Bugis offers authentic Singaporean, Malaysian and Chinese cuisine, just around the corner from Kensington High Street. It's located within the Copthorne Tara hotel, which was one of the first hotels in London to have wheelchair accessible bedrooms. Restaurant staff are attentive and helpful – nothing is too much trouble.
London is the home of the original Hard Rock Cafe on swanky Old Park Lane. Dine and drink here for attentive service, a buzzing atmosphere, American-style comfort food and delicious cocktails.
When I visited Icebar London, as someone who feels the cold easily, I wasn't sure what to expect. I need not have worried, as a specially designed thermal cape fit over my wheelchair, which coupled with wickedly strong cocktails served in ice glasses. Kept me nice and toasty!
A funky atmosphere, imaginative decor, good music and quirky cocktails are all in the offering at Foundation Bar. As the name suggests, it's at basement level, and there's a platform lift along with helpful bouncers to assist those who need it. A spacious accessible toilet is available, and staff are happy to part the crowds on busy nights.