Accessible London — palaces, museums and the river, honestly documented

Visiting — good to know

✓ Step-free / wheelchair access P Accessible parking WC Accessible toilets ✓ Companion goes free — all visitors

All 19 State Rooms are accessible via ramped entrances and level access routes; complimentary manual wheelchairs are available at the visitor entrance. Step-free access, powered wheelchairs and accessible parking all require advance pre-booking.

For blind & low-vision visitors A formal palace route through large state rooms, courtyards and gardens, with staff-managed entry points; the Changing of the Guard area outside is crowded and barriered, so use staff directions and avoid relying on the forecourt alone for orientation.

Sensory The State Rooms are controlled and orderly once inside, but arrival, security and Changing of the Guard crowds can be very busy, noisy and stop-start; quieter visits are usually away from ceremony times.

Companion concession A free Access Companion ticket is offered for all visit types and can be booked online with standard tickets. For Exclusive Guided Tours, companion tickets must be pre-booked through the Specialist Sales team. Proof accepted: No proof of disability is required — the venue states this explicitly.

Access last checked 11 Jul 2026 — always confirm with the venue.

Visiting — good to know

◑ Partial wheelchair access WC Accessible toilets

Step-free entry is at the North Door (the wheelchair-accessible door); the Nave, Quire, Cloisters and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries (via lift) are accessible. The Henry VII chapel has about a dozen steps, with a stair climber available; a couple of side chapels have single steps. Accessible toilets are in the Cloisters.

For blind & low-vision visitors A complex medieval church with side chapels, tombs, changes in floor texture and some stepped areas; the main accessible route is well managed, but a companion or marshal help is useful for finding specific memorials.

Sensory A hushed but busy working abbey: echoing stone, organ or choir at service times, tour groups and security queues. Dementia-friendly and slower-paced tours are the gentlest way to visit.

Access last checked 6 Jul 2026 — always confirm with the venue.

Visiting — good to know

◑ Partial wheelchair access ✓ Assistance dogs welcome

Most of the standard Palace tour route is step-free, with a lift alternative for the steps at either end of St Stephen's Hall; visitors must bring their own escort as staff cannot provide this. Braille guides and a Changing Places toilet are available. The Big Ben tower tour itself is 334 steps with no lift, though a dedicated accessible Big Ben tour can be requested.

For blind & low-vision visitors A large ceremonial building with security screening, long corridors, lift alternatives and some historic level changes; Big Ben tower tours are stair-only, so confirm the accessible tour route before booking.

Sensory Airport-style security, guided groups and echoing chambers make this a high-attention visit; the accessible Big Ben option and written/text contact routes help reduce uncertainty if arranged ahead.

Access last checked 6 Jul 2026 — always confirm with the venue.

Visiting — good to know

Nearest station: London Fenchurch Street (0.4 km)

◑ Partial wheelchair access WC Accessible toilets ✓ Companion goes free — all visitors

Broadly level in the outer wards with well-defined routes and audible Yeoman Warder tours as orientation, but cobbles are extensive and the towers have steep spiral stairs; the Crown Jewels hall is level.

For blind & low-vision visitors Broadly level in the outer wards with well-defined routes and audible Yeoman Warder tours as orientation, but cobbles are extensive and the towers have steep spiral stairs; the Crown Jewels hall is level.

Sensory A bustling site with crowds, echoing towers and tour-group noise; mornings on opening are quietest, the Crown Jewels queue the most pressured.

Companion concession Each disabled visitor can bring one carer or companion free; one free carer ticket can be added per online booking, and more can be arranged by emailing info@hrp.org.uk with the booking reference. The venue states it always keeps capacity aside and would never turn away a carer. Proof accepted: Blue Badge, Freedom Pass, DLA letter or PIP letter, shown at the Ticket Office on the day; only the concession holder needs documents.

Access last checked 11 Jul 2026 — always confirm with the venue.

Visiting — good to know

Nearest station: Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (0.4 km)

◑ Partial wheelchair access P Accessible parking WC Accessible toilets CP Changing Places toilet ✓ Assistance dogs welcome

Terminal routes are step-free but distances vary considerably: Heathrow publishes approximately 200m to some gates and up to 800m to some satellite gates, with lifts, moving walkways and transfer transport available. Gate and terminal assignments can change.

For blind & low-vision visitors The Heathrow app supports screen readers and interactive maps. Assistance areas, help points, signs and flight information screens support orientation, but the airport is large, bright and busy.

Vision services Heathrow offers Aira support for blind and partially sighted travellers and publishes accessible app and map information.

Sensory Free Sunflower lanyards are available from assistance areas. Terminals can be crowded, bright and announcement-led; use the assistance service and ask about quieter support if needed.

For D/deaf & hard-of-hearing Reserved seating areas include induction loops. Live BSL interpretation is available through the Convo service in assistance host areas.

Access last checked 16 Jul 2026 — always confirm with the venue.

Visiting — good to know

✓ Step-free / wheelchair access P Accessible parking WC Accessible toilets CP Changing Places toilet

Step-free entry via the Turbine Hall ramp, with all one-way gallery routes step-free (entry via Turbine Hall, exit via Level 1). Wheelchair-accessible toilets are on every floor; a Changing Places toilet is on Level 0 of the Natalie Bell Building. Twelve accessible parking spaces on Park Street must be booked 24 hours ahead.

Access last checked 6 Jul 2026 — always confirm with the venue.

Visiting — good to know

✓ Step-free / wheelchair access P Accessible parking WC Accessible toilets

Step-free main entrance with automatic doors, and lifts provide access throughout the building; one wheelchair space is in the Yard and three (each with a companion seat) are in Gentleman's Box P via lift. Two accessible parking spaces are first-come, first-served. Audio-described, captioned and BSL-interpreted performances run regularly through the venue's Access Scheme.

Access last checked 6 Jul 2026 — always confirm with the venue.

Visiting — good to know

◑ Partial wheelchair access WC Accessible toilets

The Market's public spaces are laid out on a single ground-floor level with no need for lifts or stairs, and the Borough Market Store near the main entrance is fully wheelchair accessible. The historic estate includes some cobbled surfaces and passageways as narrow as 1.5m, with limited dropped kerbs between stalls; the market floor can be uneven and crowded on busy days, so earlier weekday visits are easier going. Four fully-fitted accessible WCs are available during trading hours, no RADAR key needed.

Access last checked 6 Jul 2026 — always confirm with the venue.

Visiting — good to know

Nearest station: London Waterloo (0.3 km)

✓ Step-free / wheelchair access WC Accessible toilets ✓ Companion goes free — all visitors

Boarding is step-free onto a slowly moving, enclosed capsule with room to sit and a solid floor; staff assist, though the South Bank approach is very crowded.

For blind & low-vision visitors Boarding is step-free onto a slowly moving, enclosed capsule with room to sit and a solid floor; staff assist, though the South Bank approach is very crowded.

Sensory One of the busiest, most crowded spots on the South Bank, with queues and noise; the capsule itself is quiet and calm once boarded.

Companion concession One free carer ticket per full-priced ticket, added during online booking (standard, Fastrack or multi-attraction). The disabled guest pays the normal price — there is no separate disabled discount. Proof accepted: One of: DLA or PIP letter, Attendance Allowance or Carer's Allowance letter, ESA or Incapacity Benefit documentation, Blue Badge, Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI) or BD8 card, or a CredAbility Access Card with the +1 symbol; international equivalents accepted.

Access last checked 11 Jul 2026 — always confirm with the venue.

Visiting — good to know

✓ Step-free / wheelchair access P Accessible parking WC Accessible toilets

Both entrances are step-free with lifts bypassing stairs; the Museum recommends the Montague Place entrance on the north side. Most lifts have audio announcements and braille signage, and accessible toilets are in every wing. Free manual wheelchairs can be pre-booked (at least two working days' notice); the Museum cannot provide staff assistance around the galleries, and wheelchairs cannot be taken outside the site.

For blind & low-vision visitors A vast museum with multiple wings, lifts and long gallery runs; Montague Place is the clearest step-free arrival, while the Great Court is the best orientation reset point if the galleries become confusing.

Sensory Big, echoing and internationally busy, especially around the Great Court and headline galleries; quieter rooms exist, but plan breaks and avoid peak school-holiday afternoons if crowds are draining.

Access last checked 6 Jul 2026 — always confirm with the venue.

Visiting — good to know

Nearest station: St Pancras International (0.1 km)

WC Accessible toilets

◌ Step-free / wheelchair access not yet checked — please confirm with the venue.

Access last checked 13 Jul 2026 — always confirm with the venue.

Visiting — good to know

✓ Step-free / wheelchair access WC Accessible toilets

Four entrances (the Getty, Sainsbury Wing, National Cafe and Pigott Education Centre) have level access, reaching 100% of the galleries via lifts and ramps; the main Portico entrance has steps. Transport wheelchairs and a rollator can be booked in advance; a Changing Places toilet with hoist is available. Alternative parking is nearby on St Martin's Street.

For blind & low-vision visitors A large gallery arranged around wings and levels, with level entrances away from the stepped Portico; lifts and ramps reach the galleries, and the main stair/portico should not be treated as the accessible route.

Sensory Usually calmer than the square outside, but blockbuster rooms and Trafalgar Square entrances can be crowded; the cafe and quieter side galleries make good reset points.

Access last checked 6 Jul 2026 — always confirm with the venue.

Visiting — good to know

◑ Partial wheelchair access WC Accessible toilets

The smoothest way into the Market Building is via Russell Street's ramps and the bottom of James Street. The pedestrianised piazza, James Street, King Street and Floral Street have cobbled or block paving, worn and uneven in places — a slip or trip hazard for some. Toilets are by St Paul's church portico (50p) and inside the Market Building (£1). Covent Garden, Leicester Square and Charing Cross Tube stations are all stepped access only; the nearest step-free station is Tottenham Court Road, about 1km away.

For blind & low-vision visitors A pedestrian district with cobbled and block paving, ramps into the market building and many street-level distractions; Tottenham Court Road is the nearest step-free Tube option, so the last approach may be a city walk.

Sensory High-stimulation at peak times: buskers, crowds, restaurant queues, market noise and uneven movement in every direction. Early morning is much calmer than afternoons or theatre times.

Access last checked 6 Jul 2026 — always confirm with the venue.

Visiting — good to know

◑ Partial wheelchair access WC Accessible toilets

The Planetarium and Astronomy Centre galleries are fully accessible via lift, and the ground floor of the Meridian Observatory (including the Meridian Line) is wheelchair accessible; wider access is more limited given the hilltop site. Two paths lead up through Greenwich Park from the Sammy Ofer Wing gates — the less steep is recommended for wheelchair users, around 25 minutes with a pusher. A limited number of free wheelchairs can be pre-booked; free admission is offered to accompanying carers.

Access last checked 6 Jul 2026 — always confirm with the venue.

Visiting — good to know

✓ Step-free / wheelchair access WC Accessible toilets ✓ Companion goes free — all visitors

Wide, level pathways with hard, mostly smooth tarmac and gravel surfaces throughout. Loan wheelchairs are available at every entry gate with no need to book; mobility scooters can be borrowed with advance booking (own pavement-use scooters up to 4mph also welcome). The Temperate House, Alpine House and Princess of Wales Conservatory are accessible by wheelchair and scooter; the Palm House is wheelchair accessible but not scooter accessible. An adult changing facility with hoist is near Brentford Gate.

For blind & low-vision visitors A very large garden with wide, mostly smooth paths and strong landmarks such as glasshouses, gates and the lake; distances are the main challenge, so choose a gate and loop rather than trying to cover everything.

Sensory Generally one of London's calmer major attractions, with birdsong, glasshouse humidity and open lawns; school holidays and glasshouses can be busier, while outer paths stay quieter.

Companion concession Essential companions, personal assistants and support workers accompanying disabled visitors get free daytime garden entry, as do registered blind and partially sighted visitors; disabled visitors themselves pay the concession rate. Ticketed evening events handle companion tickets separately at checkout. Proof accepted: No proof is published for free daytime companion entry. For ticketed events documentation may be requested: DLA/PIP, Attendance or Carer's Allowance letter, Blue Badge, BD8/CVI, Access Card, or international proof.

Access last checked 11 Jul 2026 — always confirm with the venue.

Visiting — good to know

◑ Partial wheelchair access P Accessible parking ✓ Companion goes free — all visitors

A historic building with large amounts of uneven flooring and staircases in places; access is restricted in some areas. Palace wheelchairs and electric buggies are offered first-come, first-served (not pre-bookable); powered We-Go wheelchair tours with a volunteer guide can be booked (£5 per tour) for the two miles of halls, galleries and gardens. 10 Blue Badge parking bays are free on site.

For blind & low-vision visitors A sprawling palace-and-gardens site with cobbles, courtyards, long corridors, uneven historic floors and some restricted rooms; staff-guided wheelchair tours are the safest way to unlock the harder areas.

Sensory Large, historic and absorbing rather than quiet: courtyards, school groups, echoing halls and long distances can tire visitors, while the formal gardens offer calmer space between interiors.

Companion concession One carer or companion admitted free per disabled visitor — book one online per order, arrange more by emailing info@hrp.org.uk, or ask at the Ticket Office. The venue states it always keeps capacity aside and would never turn away a carer. Proof accepted: Examples the venue gives: Blue Badge, Freedom Pass, DLA or PIP letter, shown at the Ticket Office on the day.

Access last checked 11 Jul 2026 — always confirm with the venue.