In this article, I explain how to enjoy London if you're disabled, with practical tips and advice.
Here you'll find
- What you can do in London with a disability
- Visits to focus on
- Information on possible reductions
- Practical tips for enjoying the capital
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about London for people with disabilities, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
London for people with disabilities: article summary
Is London suitable for people with disabilities?
We can say it with a straight face: London is perfectly accessible to people with disabilities.
For over 10 years (and the organization of the Paralympic Games in 2012), the British capital has made a point of facilitating travel for wheelchair users, as well as those of individuals with various disabilities (blind, partially sighted, deaf, hard of hearing, etc.).
Just think of the flat sidewalks in all the central districts, the access ramps placed in strategic locations, and the provisions made on all public transport networksto understand the importance London places on its disabled visitors.
I present to you the types of services available on sitefrom the moment you arrive, before we talk about the monuments and activities you'll want to take part in. stay in London.
Are there any services for disabled people in London?
Accessibility is a watchword in London and the following services will help you organize your trip and anticipate what's in store.
These include :
- Download free accessibility guides to get around on public transport, depending on the nature of your disability (on the Transport For London official website). Audio guide to stations, locations of adapted toilets, zoomed-in map, guide to ramps and barrier-free/step-free zones, it's extremely comprehensive.
- Using a journey planner (available here) for an adapted itinerary
- A badge Offer me a seat can be requested (here) to ensure you have a seat on public transport
- Ask for help from trained staff and take advantage of free assistance services (in airportstrains (DLR) and metro stations)
- Easy climbing buses (over 9,000) and streetcarsequipped with access ramps and dedicated disabled parking spaces
- Take a cab (Black Cab) with sufficient space for any equipment. It is possible to travel with a guide dog at no extra charge
- Follow the podotactile strips laid out on the ground at the stops of the various means of transport
- Travelling with an assistance dog, on all types of transport
- Take advantage of adapted signage (color coding, audible announcements, etc.) in transport and tourist areas
Good to know : For certain services at airports or train stations, it may be necessary to book assistance the day before.
What to do in London with a disability
As we've seen, getting around London is a breeze, thanks to the many facilities available for people with disabilities.
It remains to be seen which monuments, routes and activities to choose, for a successful trip to the British capital.
Adapted itineraries
You can choose to visit the main squares in priority (Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Soho Square, etc.and/or treat yourself to a shopping spree on the Oxford Street.
There's nothing to stop you visiting London gardens, its most beautiful parksor some of its atypical neighborhoods, accessible to all. I'm thinking of Soho Shoreditch or to Camdenand offer a wealth of discoveries for the curious.
Monuments and attractions
A large number of activities and monuments are accessible to people with disabilities.. Here are a few suggestions:
- Westminster Abbeywith audioguides, Braille information and the possibility of borrowing a wheelchair.
- Saint Paul's Cathedralwith easy access, elevator to the crypt and guided tours adapted to your needs
- Cutty Sarkwith signage and services perfectly adapted to all needs
- The original Madame Tussauds MuseumÂ
- The British Museumwhich not only boasts one of the world's most admirable collections, turns out to be 100 % free!
- The Shardthe sensational attraction that includes staff trained to meet the needs of people with disabilities
- Visit Harry Potter Studioswho edited its own accessibility guide
- And much more, in a city with many wonders to discover!
Good to know Assistance dogs will be accepted in most areas, unless otherwise stated.
Original activities?
You can attend a match at the Wembley Stadium310 wheelchair spaces, sensory rooms for people with autism and sign language transcription for major events (concerts, shows, etc.).
You can also visit the Windsor Castle, offers guided tours for people with various disabilities Deaf, hard-of-hearing, blind, visually impaired, PRM, autism.
Tips and tricks for enjoying the city
Here's some additional information you may find useful in preparing your stay in London. Discounts, free admission, accommodation tips, here's what you need to know.
Are disabled people eligible for reduced fares in London?
Yes ! Discounts are available for disabled people and their companions in London.. From the outset, a discount of 50 % is available for the companion on a Eurostar journey.
Next, you should know that London's buses and streetcars are 100 % free for wheelchair users. However, the accompanying person must pay for the ticket.
Here are a few other discounts you should know about:
- Free tours for disabled persons and their companions are available for Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral
- Discounts on admission are available at The Shard and the big wheel London Eyeone free ticket for the disabled person and one free ticket for the accompanying person
- A free ticket is provided for the accompanying adult to Harry Potter Studios and Madame Tussauds.,
- A discount (approx. £10) is available for London Towerfor the disabled person; the attendant pays nothing
I invite you to consult the current prices for the attractions that most appeal to you, to find out about any discounts and special offers for disabled visitors.
Where to stay?
London offers a wide range of hotels, including many fully accessible establishments. However, please contact your chosen hotel before booking. This will ensure that you have everything you need.
You'll choose the best neighborhood / the best hotel depending on its proximity to the sites you plan to visit, and possibly its proximity to an accessible metro station.
Which transport to choose?
As mentioned, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to getting around Londonon a highly practicable network.
If you're looking for maximum comfort, cabs are a practical option for getting around quickly, in specially adapted vehicles.
What to do in London in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special London guide.
It's free and in PDF format.
All you have to do is tell me below which e-mail address you'd like to receive it at.
EDIT: you can't enter your email?
Take the quiz at the top of this article and you'll be able to register your email address to receive the special London guide!
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