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Top 10 Wheelchair Accessible Tourist Attractions in London

With the summertime arriving shortly you may be planning your summer vacation. It can sometimes be stressful if you are planning a visit to an unfamiliar city or country and you are concerned about whether the most popular attractions will be wheelchair accessible. London is considered to be one of the most accessible cities across Europe even though the city is so large! This is mainly due to the fact that all taxis and buses have wheelchair ramps whilst the vast majority of popular attractions make considerations for the immobile and individuals with special needs. Here is a list of some of London's top tourist attractions that are wheelchair friendly.

The London Eye

Providing stunning views across London, The London Eye is considered to be the most accessible attraction. The large pods give plenty of room and an entire 360 degree view.  If you are celebrating then you may want to order a bottle of champagne or if you want to feel like a true Brit a glass of Pimm’s can nicely accompany the stunning views and summer weather. Chair ramps provide easy access for wheelchairs and the pods are very simple to safely step on and off. Visit the London Eye accessibility page.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is considered to be the most iconic attraction in London. The palace is the working headquarters of the monarch and a quick tip to note is that if the Royal Standard flag is flying high then the Queen is in residence. Tour guides around the State Rooms are very popular and it is advised to book in advance. Stairlifts are situated around the palace for users who have mobility issues. Mobility scooters can be used throughout the gardens and a number of rollators are free to borrow. Visit the Buckingham Palace Accessibility page.

Tate Modern

If you love modern art then this attraction is for you! With the likes of Damien Hirst, Roy Lichtenstein and David Hockney; you will see some of the most famous works of modern art in the world. The Tate Modern is a great opportunity for kids to be inspired by the weird and wonderful. Visit the Tate Modern Art Museum Accessibility page.

Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens is situated on the edge of London and is the home of the plant life and science conservation centre. A tranquil walk during the British summertime could be the perfect day out.  The various entrances and the most accessible are noted on the guide below. Visit the Kew Gardens Accessibility Page

The British Musuem

Founded in 1753, the British Museum’s remarkable collection of human history.  World-famous objects such as the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures, and Egyptian mummies are visited by up to 6 million visitors per year. The museum is fully accessible and offers a full range of accessibility options including elevators, parking,  allowance of guide dogs and much more. Visit the British Museum's accessibility page

The Natural History Museum

The museum is home to life and earth science specimens comprising some 70 million items within five main collections: Botany, Entomology, Mineralogy, Palaeontology and Zoology. This is an attraction that would be ideal for kids and adults. The museum website has a complete guide on accessibility to help you get around. Visit the Natural History Museum Accessibility Page.

Shakespeare’s Globe

The Globe may by an attraction for an adult crowd. The theatre has an incredible history and experiencing theatre outdoors is something even children would appreciate. Specialised wheelchair areas provide a great view and cater to any needs. Visit Shakespeare's Globe Accessibility Page.

West End Theatres

No visit to London is complete without a visit to London West End which is home the most popular theatre performances in the world. There are a whole host of theatres and performances to choose from and they are often in high demand. It is recommended to book in advance and it must be remembered that many of the buildings are very old so accessibility can sometimes be restricted. Many have ramps, lifts and wheelchair specific areas within the theatre which allow for good visibility. You can learn more about accessibility to West End Theatres by clicking here 

Wembley Stadium

Wembley Stadium is by far the most famous sporting location in the UK, Wembley holds many of the biggest sporting and entertainment fixtures in the country. From soccer matches to pop concerts there is always something for everybody and the venue allows for brilliant spectator views all around. The Wembley Stadium website offers a complete accessibility guide that will help you with parking,  transportation and much more. Visit Wembley Stadium's Accessibility page

Madame Tussauds

Madame Tussauds is the perfect family attraction regardless of age or ability. You can meet your favourite celebrities (even though they are waxworks) and you can re-create your favourite scenes from the movies. For safety reasons, only three wheelchair users can be in the building at one time. Please ring the attraction before booking tickets. Visit Madame Tussauds Accessibility page. This article is provided by of Stannah Stairlifts, Stannah stailifts  provide mobility stairlifts to rent or purchase for the disability community.

WRITTEN ON December 22, 2013 BY:

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