Top 10 Wheelchair Accessible Attractions in London
Here at Roll-a-Ramp we are dedicated to making sure that the lives of wheelchair users are that little bit easier. That is why we design and manufacture a wide variety of wheelchair ramps for physically disabled users to have in their own homes or even to carry around with them.
We understand that it is important to take into account accessibility issues when planning any day or weekend trip, particularly if you are heading to a busy place such as London. With this in mind, we have put together our London accessibility guide, offering up the top 10 attractions that can be found in London with wheelchair ramps or mobility scooter ramps.
Access The British Museum with your Wheelchair
Packed full of amazing artefacts from around the world, the British Museum is a fascinating place to visit if you want to get up close and personal with Ancient Egyptian Mummies. The building itself is mostly step free and has level access at the Montague Place entrance. There are also wheelchair accessible toilets, sign language guides and audio descriptive guides as well. Wheelchairs are also available to borrow at the museum, you just need to email: tickets@britishmuseum.org 48 hours before your trip. There are four underground stations that surround The British Museum, all of which are around 10 minutes away. However, your best option, if you chose to use the underground, is it get off at Tottenham Court Road as it is the only fully accessible station of the four. The British Museum is open daily from 10am – 5:30pm and all the cafes and restaurants in the museum are wheelchair accessible.
Ramps, Ramps, Ramps at National Gallery
A fascinating collection of paintings that span from the 13th to the 19th Century, the National Gallery is not only an amazing place to go but also has four step-free entrances for those that require a ramp. If you’re going for a talk they have disabled access ramps to the front of the theatre. If you are thinking of going by public transport, Westminster station on the Jubilee Line is the closest station with step-free access from the platform to street level. Then take buses 12, 24, 88 or 453. If you have any other questions for concerns contact the National Gallery: Phone 020 7747 2590 or email information@ng-london.org.uk. Visit their website here: www.nationalgallery.org.uk
Lift your wheelchair up to Tower Bridge
One of the most famous bridges in the city and an instantly recognisable landmark, you would be surprised to learn that Tower Bridge is fully accessible. Both the bridge and the engine rooms are connected by a lift, which means that you can start from either of them. Wheelchairs are also available to borrow. Some rooms in the tower are only lit up by natural light, so there will be some darker places in the tower which may be tricky to navigate through. For more information, visit: www.towerbridge.org.uk
Free Wheelchairs at Buckingham Palace
The home of the Queen, this fully working royal palace boasts a summer opening which simply shouldn’t be missed. With wheelchair and step-free entrance, you can even book a wheelchair for free if you require one for your visit. Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs are welcome and can be used in the Quadrangle and the Garden, and are permitted inside the Palace. You can visit the Buckingham Palace ‘Access and Mobility’ page here.
Book your Wheelchair Access Visit Madame Tussauds
One of the most fun attractions in the city, Madame Tussauds allows you to get that little bit closer to some of the biggest names in the globe. Whilst it offers up disabled ramps, there is only the ability to host 3 wheelchairs at a time, which means that you need to book in advance. There are also trained staff to help you get to the different floors if needed. To book a ‘Wheelchair Slot’, click this link and follow the simple steps to complete your booking.
ZSL London Zoo, a wheelchair friendly paradise
Who doesn’t love a good trip to the Zoo? If it is as good as London Zoo then it is hard to beat. The majority of the zoo is wheelchair accessible, in fact, you can even take a lift up to a viewing platform above Tiger Territory, for the ideal viewpoint. The Aquarium, The historic Lubetkin penguin pool and Land of the Lions are all accessible with a wheelchair. There are also six disabled parking bays and wheelchairs are there to borrow for a deposit of £25 which will be given back to you at the end of your visit, they recommend that you book your wheelchair in advanced due to limited availability. Call them on 0344 225 1826 or email them at info@zsl.org.
The Coca-Cola London Eye is a giant wheelchair wheel!
If you want to get the very best view of the city, then the London Eye is the ideal place to head to, and best of all it is fully wheelchair accessible too. You will need to book in advance if you are a wheelchair user as there is only entry for two permitted in each capsule and a maximum of 8 wheelchairs at any one time. Mobility scooters are also allowed in the capsules but just note that the mobility scooter ramp is 37 inches wide. If you have any other questions about visiting London Eye, check out this helpful questions and answer page on their website to get all the information you need!
Plenty of lifts at The Shard
London’s newer, more modern attraction is The Shard. The 310-meter glass structure offers a step-free experience with lifts throughout. There are lifts from the street to the ticketing office on the first floor and then to the viewing platform on Level 69 and the open air Skydeck on Level 72. You can also hire a wheelchair there for the day and all staff are regularly trained in disability awareness to assist you with any problems you may have. In terms of pricing, registered carers are allowed free entry with guests who have a disability, in which they receive a concessionary rate.
Wimbledon
One of Tennis’s most famous grounds Wimbledon provides a high standard of accessible facilities for visitors and spectators. There are reserved spaces for wheelchair users on the Centre, No.1 and No.2 Courts and No.3 Court at The Championships. The large screen on the main grass level has disabled access ramps for both wheelchair and mobility scooter users, as well as a reserved area. Visit their accessibility page here.
SEA LIFE Museum
Shark Walk, Shark Reef Encounter or Penguin Exhibit anyone? The SEA LIFE Museum located next to Westminster Bridge has many great activities for anyone to do and fish from all over the world for anyone to see! There are wheelchairs available to hire and mobility scooter ramps are in place for anyone using one. As well as this there are lifts that go to all levels of the museum and the Behind The Scenes Tour is fully accessible for anyone with a wheelchair or mobility scooter.
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.
So why not try them out for yourself?