Six accessible days out in London

London is a fabulous place to visit, whether you’re going alone, with family, or even as a group of pool players. But when someone in your family has accessibility needs it can be that bit more complicated to organise. Where can you go once you’re there? It can be daunting to plan a day out with this in mind.

Here are five trips you can take which are accessibility friendly.

Take a trip to ZSL London Zoo

If your family like animals, the ZSL London Zoo is a brilliant place to spend the day. Although the Zoo is more than 170 years old and contains many old buildings, 12 of which are listed, much of the Zoo is accessible for wheelchair users and those with walking difficulties.

Specifically, the Land of the Lions is wheelchair friendly and has a lift available for visitors to use and Tiger Territory is wheelchair friendly and has a lift available for visitors to access the higher viewing platform. The historic Lubetkin penguin pool (listed Grade 1) has limited viewing for wheelchair users and very small children.

The paths around London Zoo are generally tarmac and there is level or ramped access to most buildings although be warned that the the slopes leading to the two tunnels in the Zoo are rather steep.

Learn more about the world’s most curious animals at ZSL London Zoo. Get closer to magnificent lions, cute little penguins and another 750 species as you enjoy a fun family day out in London.

Wheelchairs are available to borrow (advance booking required).

Visit the museums

London is famed for its wonderful museums, many of which are free and go the extra mile to be inclusive of accessibility needs.

The wonderful Natural History Museum – which is a must for all young dinosaur fans – aim to provide a friendly, accessible environment for all our visitors and the widest possible access to our buildings, exhibitions and collections. All D/deaf and disabled people, and their accompanying family members and personal carers can jump the queues to enter the Museum.

The Science Museum is also a brilliant place to visit and interactively learn about the major scientific advances of the last 300 years. You are able to borrow a wheelchair on the day, or book one in advance, and explore the Science Museum’s displays through fully wheelchair-accessible galleries. Find tactile map booklets and large print gallery books at the entrance to the Information Age gallery. The museum also hosts British Sign Language events and object-handling sessions throughout the year.

The British Museum is home to extraordinary artefacts from all over the world, from prehistoric to modern times. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures and Ancient Egyptian mummies. The museum is wheelchair-friendly, with level access at the Montague Place entrance, and step-free access throughout most of the building, via lifts. Other accessibility features include accessible toilets, British Sign Language guides, and audio descriptive guides. Call the museum in advance to hire a wheelchair for your visit.

Go to the football

If you have a sports fan in the family, you could spend your trip taking in the beautiful game.

The accessibility of Premier League stadiums varies however many of the big London clubs score very well in terms of accessible entry and seating with the top clubs all offering accessible entry and seating. Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal both feature in the top ten accessible football stadiums.

Take a look round Madame Tussauds

Where else can you get up close and personal with world’s greatest celebrities and well known personalities, from Her Majesty The Queen to Queen Bey, or Prince William to Will.i.am, but at Madame Tussauds London, Britain’s most famous waxwork musuem?

Fortunately, all of the museum’s galleries are accessible to wheelchair users via lifts, except the Spirit of London ride. Helpers can visit Madame Tussauds London for free, as long as they provide the necessary documentation.

Madame Tussauds is designed to be fully accessible and one carer is welcome to accompany a disabled visitor free of charge as long as they have the necessary documentation They allow guide dogs, seeing eye dogs and hearing dogs into the attraction. If you are visiting with a wheelchair user, you need to notify them at least 24 hours and book a timeslot.

Take a stroll through London’s many parks

Despite being such a densely populated city, London has a surprising number of beautiful parks that play host to many unique events. This makes them a brilliant place to visit if you love music and festivals, and it’s a great place to take your friends and family members when you’re looking for an accessible day out in London.

But when the music dies down and the parks are free and open for everyone, it makes for one of the most relaxing things to do alone in London. While there’s nothing wrong with bringing a few friends, some people prefer a nice stroll through London’s major parks such as Hampstead Heath and Battersea Park while admiring the scenery. They’re easy to get to, filled with beautiful sights, and they’re not too busy unless you’re going on a major holiday date. It makes for a brilliant activity and you can add things to it such as a picnic with friends and family, or even a quiet afternoon bathing in the sun while reading a book.