London is one of the most visited cities in the world. Exploring the famous sights, rich history and iconic landmarks is a memorable way to spend a day and make the most of your Motability Scheme car, scooter or powered wheelchair. We’ve teamed up with the Rough Guide to Accessible Britain to capture some of our favourite things to do, so just read on to plan an exciting day out in the Big Smoke.
Westminster Abbey
Westminister Abbey is free entry for wheelchair users and their carers
Famously the venue of royal coronations and weddings, Westminster Abbey was most recently the setting for the wedding of William and Katherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. At Poet’s Corner lies the likes of Chaucer, Dickens, Browning and Tennyson and the Abbey, which overlooks the bustling Parliament Square, also hosts a memorial to Sir Winston Churchill. If you’re driving, a drop-off point for Blue Badge holders can be requested in advance. Entry is free to wheelchair users and their carers. Find out more at westminster-abbey.org
St. Paul’s Cathedral
The iconic dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral
One of the Sir Christopher Wren masterpieces, the dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral is still one of the most iconic features of the London skyline. The atmospheric building is best accessed by the south entrance for wheelchair users where there is a lift. Once inside the impressive carvings, sculptures and mosaics are in abundance. Find out more at stpauls.co.uk
Sail through the Capital
Why not see the City by boat?
A river trip is a great way to see the London landmarks in a different way. MBNA Thames Clippers offers unlimited travel between Westminster and North Greenwich with wheelchair accessible boats. Sail past (and under) famous sights including the London Eye, Millennium Bridge, Tate Modern, the Shard, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Cutty Sark and so much more. Find out more at thamesclippers.com
Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park is known for it’s many sights and hilltop views
There are plenty of beautiful green spaces in London and Greenwich Park, the oldest of the royal parks, is one of our favourites. Home to the Royal Observatory and the Queen’s House, other highlights include a Wilderness Deer Park and Flower Garden. The hilltop offers incredible views over east London, although the hill is steep, there is car access from the Blackheath Gate entrance and blue badge parking bays nearby the viewing platform. Find out more at royalparks.org.uk
The full Guide to London
With over 20 different London attractions included in the sixth edition of The Rough Guide to Accessible Britain, you’re sure to find some options you’d enjoy, for a great day out in the English Capital. Find out more and read the full reviews of some of these attractions in the Guide, which has been created in association with the Motability Scheme.
Accessible transport
Whether you’re travelling using public transport or driving, the Guide includes practical information given by experts reviewers. Alongside this, Transport for London has a Journey Planner tool at tfl.gov.uk. Just select ‘edit preferences’ to enter any accessibility requirements to see possible routes for getting across London.
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