As February half-term approaches, it can be difficult finding things to do that suit all the family. It can be even more challenging if you or a member of your party has a disability.
A recent survey found that more than half of people with disabilities find holidays stressful, making deciding what to do can be even harder. With that in mind, the top 10 most accessible tourist attractions in capital have been revealed by Cool Crutches and Walking Sticks, ahead of the February half-term school break.
The organisation has listed ten attractions’ strengths and weaknesses when it comes to welcoming in members of the public, whatever their additional needs may be.
British Museum
The British Museum takes the top spot by providing a fully accessible experience, for all its visitors. Wheelchair reservations and Blue Badge Parking can be arranged, and there are on-site manual wheelchairs available for borrowing. The museum also offers quieter times for visitors and provides a sensory map for reference.
Throughout the museum, guests can find accessible toilets and seating is available in most areas. The museum also warmly welcomes individuals with assistance animals, and induction loops are installed at the Ticket Desk.
For enhanced accessibility, the the BM offers resources like British Sign Language (BSL) guides, audio descriptive guides, and object handling sessions. They also cater to visually impaired visitors with touch tours and large print guides. For families with specific needs, sensory support backpacks are available and for SEN schools, there are a range of inclusive learning opportunities, including handling sessions and digital workshops.
Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour
Many children love Harry Potter and the good news is that the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour makes significant efforts to accommodate visitors with disabilities. The studio offers free carer tickets and allows assistance dogs on-site.
Whilst there are some areas that may prove difficult for wheelchair users, seating is provided throughout the tour, and lightweight foldable stools are available upon request. The tour also caters to the hearing and visually impaired with digital guides, induction loops, and subtitles.
Visitors with autism and additional needs can utilise the Sensory Room, and those with hidden disabilities can discreetly signal their assistance needs with Hidden Disability Sunflower Lanyards. Free parking with designated blue badge bays and accessible toilets are also available.
Tate Modern
The Tate Modern has prioritised accessibility for all visitors. Each gallery provides detailed accessibility information on their respective pages, covering topics such as accessible car parking, entrances, wheelchair, and mobility scooter provision, facilities, quiet rooms, and assistance dogs.
Specific sections cater to the needs of autistic, blind and visually impaired, deaf and hearing-impaired, and dyslexic visitors.
The gallery also organises access events for deaf and disabled visitors, with sign language, audio description, hearing support, additional seating, and printed resources. There are also audio description recordings available to enrich the experience for blind or partially sighted individuals, providing details about the artworks.
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum features tailored learning sessions can be arranged upon request and wheelchair accessibility at the Exhibition Road entrance. There are also free wheelchairs for hire at the Information desk. Accessible toilets and lifts are available on all floors and the museum warmly welcomes assistance dogs.
For visually impaired visitors, large-print guides and handling sessions with real specimens are offered. Induction loop systems cater to those with hearing impairments, and regular British Sign Language (BSL) signed events are organised at the museum.
Globe Theatre
Shakespeare’s Globe prioritises inclusivity and accessibility, providing provisions for various needs. The theatre’s Access Scheme offers suitable seating, ticket information, and upcoming accessible performances for deaf, disabled, and neurodiverse individuals.
The website also features the Recite Me tool for enhanced accessibility.
Assistance dogs are welcome, and both theatres are equipped with induction loops for hearing support. The Globe also offers captioned and British Sign Language-interpreted performances. Visually impaired visitors can access large print materials and audio-described performances with touch tours. Wheelchair users will find accessibility in the theatre and during guided tours.
Houses of Parliament
The UK Parliament provides various accessibility features for visitors with disabilities. Step-free access is available, and options for hearing and sight loss are accommodated. Wheelchairs can be borrowed, and braille guides can be requested.
There are also induction loop systems to enhance audibility for hearing aid users in public galleries and committee rooms. Visitors with neurodiverse conditions can also request ear defenders or access to quiet spaces.
Accessible tours with alternative routes and options for shorter or split visits are available. The houses also provide induction loops and British Sign Language options for multimedia tours, and sign language interpreters can be arranged for guided tours.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace offers step-free access and companion tickets. Manual wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and rollators are also available for borrowing. Although the flooring may be uneven at times, there is seating and respite options available across The Palace.
In addition, The Palace welcomes assistance animals and accessible parking and transportation options, as well as organising specific guided Tours and Garden Highlight Tours that cater to visitors with specific accessibility needs.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey offers free admission to disabled visitors and their carers on the day of entry. While some areas may be inaccessible to wheelchairs and individuals with reduced mobility, they have provided accessible entrances where possible across the Abbey.
Visually impaired visitors can also enjoy an audio-described tour created with the assistance of VocalEyes. Assistance dogs are welcome, and a hearing loop system covers the entire main building. The Abbey also provides British Sign Language versions of the multimedia tour.
Tower of London
The Tower of London continually seeks to improve its access and facilities for individuals with disabilities. Due to its historic nature, the Tower has limited wheelchair access, with numerous steps, cobbles, and low doorways throughout the venue.
Free carer tickets are available, and a full-colour access guide includes a map with designated routes.
Despite the location’s physical inaccessibility, the venue has worked hard to install induction loops, and they also offer a British Sign Language digital visitor guide and interpreter-led tours. Visitors with hidden disabilities can also opt for a wristband to discreetly notify staff of their possible need for extra help or assistance.
London Dungeon
The London Dungeon offers an interactive theatrical tour through London’s history, however, it isn’t the most accessible. Although guests with disabilities are free to leave and rejoin the tour as needed and wheelchair users can access two levels, the sub-basement area is not wheelchair accessible.
Visitors may need to stand during the 90-110 minute tour, as seating is limited meaning it’s not the most suitable for people with limited mobility. However, the attraction provides an option for visitors with accessibility needs to reserve a free carer ticket.