London is one of the top destinations in the UK and indeed the world. It is home to numerous and varied attractions from the London Eye to the royal family. It also has a long and fascinating history – is it any wonder that so many people want to visit?
Preparation and planning are key if you want to make the most out of a trip to the capital. Luckily, the majority of London’s top attractions and hotels now understand that it’s both their responsibility and to their benefit to be accessible to as many visitors as possible. Nevertheless, in nearly all cases it’s best to look up anything you really want to visit in advance. Most attractions have their own websites with accessibility sections that are updated on a regular basis. Write a list of the things that are ‘musts’ for you, so you know to target them first.
A very promising sign is that there are truly too many accessible hotels and attractions in London to mention them all here. So here’s a selection of the best:
Top Wheelchair-Accessible Museums in London
London boasts some of the world’s finest museums, many with excellent accessibility features:
The British Museum
The British Museum offers:
- Multiple accessible entrances (lifts at one access point, level access at another)
- Most galleries and exhibitions are fully wheelchair accessible
- Limited free Blue Badge parking spaces (advance booking required)
Other Notable Accessible Museums
London’s commitment to inclusive design extends to many cultural institutions:
- Imperial War Museum – Comprehensive accessibility throughout
- Natural History Museum – Accessible entrances and elevators
- Victoria & Albert Museum – Level access and dedicated facilities
- Science Museum – Interactive exhibits with universal design
- RAF Museum – Spacious galleries suitable for mobility equipment
Wheelchair-Friendly Art Galleries
Tate Modern
The Tate Modern features:
- Multiple level entrances for wheelchair users
- Lifts connecting all gallery floors
- Accessible toilets throughout
- Convenient location near the wheelchair-accessible Millennium Bridge
Additional Accessible Galleries
Art enthusiasts with mobility requirements can also enjoy:
- The National Portrait Gallery – Fully accessible spaces
- The National Gallery – Adapted facilities and entrances
- The Saatchi Gallery – Contemporary art in an accessible setting
London’s Accessible Parks and Open Spaces
Kew Gardens
London has many wonderful green and open spaces. Kew Gardens is beautiful and most of it is accessible to wheelchair users. However read the website carefully – getting off at the train station might be the trickiest bit
Kew Gardens offers extensive wheelchair accessibility throughout its botanical displays, though train station access requires planning.
Other Green Spaces
London provides numerous accessible outdoor environments:
- Hyde Park – Glorious on a summer day and paved pathways ideal for mobility scooters
- Trafalgar Square – Fully wheelchair accessible public space
- Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park – Modern design with accessibility as a priority
Popular Attractions with Wheelchair Access
The London Eye
This iconic attraction features:
- Level wheelchair access to observation pods
- Magnificent panoramic views of London
- Accessible restroom facilities
- Details available online
St Paul’s Cathedral
While not completely accessible due to its historic architecture, St Paul’s Cathedral offers access to significant portions, including:
- Main cathedral floor
- Selected upper levels via elevator
- Adapted facilities for visitors
London Zoo
The historic nature of London Zoo presents some accessibility challenges, as many of the buildings inside it are listed, however much of it is still accessible.:
- Many exhibits are wheelchair accessible
- Some historic listed buildings have limited accessibility
- Dedicated accessible routes throughout the grounds
Accessible Theatre Experiences
Many of London’s theatres are in old buildings that offer limited wheelchair spaces and you may have to book ahead, but it’s worth it for that special show. For example, Shakespeare’s Globe does have a few wheelchair spots but not many.
Book here: www.shakespearesglobe.com/your-visit/access/booking-access-theatre-tickets#general.
Wheelchair-Friendly London Hotels
Hotels: London has many old buildings, which includes a lot of its hotel stock. So sadly you can’t just turn up and assume there will be access. This is changing as hotels modernise and refurbish, but in the meantime, make good use of sites like disabledgo.com and disabledholidays.com or check individual hotel sites carefully before you book (ringing a real person to double-check details is a good idea if you can bear it).
Once you start looking, there are lots of options. A few examples include London Southwark Tate Modern Premier Inn, which has level access to the hotel and is close to Tate, as you might imagine from the name. Or if you prefer to be nearer to the museums in Kensington, how about the Holiday Inn, Kensington Forum, with its eight accessible rooms? Meanwhile, The Hilton Wembley boasts luxurious rooms with roll-in showers.
Mobility Equipment Solutions for London Visitors
Enhance your London experience with appropriate mobility equipment:
- Wheelchair hire for navigating London’s attractions
- 3-wheel walkers for added stability during extended visits
- Mobility scooters for covering larger distances between sites
Related Resources
- Accessible Travel Within London: Complete Guide for Mobility Users
- The Blue Badge Scheme: How to Apply
- How to Choose the Ideal Walking Aids
- Taking a Mobility Scooter Abroad
At Direct Mobility, we offer convenient equipment rental delivered directly to your London accommodation. Browse our complete range of mobility products or contact us at 020 8370 7888 or hire@directmobility.co.uk for personalized recommendations to make your London visit comfortable and enjoyable.