Explore the city, London experiences,
December 01 2024
London has some of the most extensive accessible services of any major world city. As such, it has a huge range of options for visitors with disabilities. With wheelchair-accessible hotels in central locations and accessible attractions with strong facilities, the city is able to welcome travellers of all abilities.
London’s transport services also have great accessibility options. You’ll be able to travel between all the most iconic landmarks, with plenty of accessibility information available for all travel networks. To help you plan your trip, we’ve created a guide exploring accessibility in London. In it, you’ll find:
The best wheelchair-accessible hotels in London
Wheelchair-friendly London attractions
Travel tips to help you make the most of your London adventure.
Let’s get started.
As a leading world tourist hotspot, London has an impressive range of hotels designed to accommodate guests with disabilities. You can choose from luxury, mid-range or budget-friendly options, providing facilities like step-free access and adapted rooms - all in central locations.
Thistle Hotel – The Tower is a fantastic option for accessible hotels in London. Designed with your comfort in mind, the hotel has accessible rooms with step-free access, specially constructed wet-room showers and hard flooring throughout.
There are also many other features, such as pull-cord alarms and accessible parking right outside the hotel, to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Located near the world-famous Tower Bridge and River Thames, this hotel has phenomenal views and easy access to London’s top wheelchair-friendly attractions.
Looking for an ultra high-end stay? Located in Covent Garden, the luxurious Waldorf Hilton hotel has top-quality facilities and is set in a classical British Edwardian building.
It has accessible features like roll-in showers and step-free access to all public areas. If you want to be right in the heart of the action, the Waldorf Hilton is one of the best wheelchair-accessible hotels in central London. You’ll be able to explore London’s wheelchair-friendly places to visit right from the front door.
Set near the famous Tower Hill, the Leonardo Royal Hotel London City has spacious wheelchair-accessible rooms and step-free access. In the public areas, there are multiple lifts and a straightforward layout. If you’re looking for disabled access hotels in London and want to be near the Tower of London and surrounding attractions, it’s an excellent option.
For a more budget-friendly option, you might consider the Premier Inn London King’s Cross. As well as being located near major international train stations, it’s also close to London’s top attractions, like the West End.
In terms of accessible facilities, the hotel offers accessible double rooms with wider entry doors. Each comes with lowered baths or wet rooms. The public areas are also simple to navigate, with dining options available.
There are several excellent London hotel options that bring careful designs, a range of facilities and helpful service.
Located near Oxford Street and Hyde Park, the Thistle Marble Arch hotel is the perfect option for a central wheelchair-accessible hotel in London. It’s got a number of spacious rooms that come with all the modern amenities you’d expect.
Above all, the hotel’s accessible rooms are designed for your comfort. You’ll find wide doorways, accessible bathrooms and hard flooring, as well as other amenities. If you’ll be travelling with carers, interconnecting rooms are also available.
The St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel is a good choice for a luxury stay. Its building combines historic character with modern accessibility, with spacious, wheelchair-accessible rooms and step-free access.
The central location makes it a perfect base for exploring wheelchair-friendly places to visit in London. If you’re travelling from far away, this hotel is also next to major international and local options for accessible travel.
For a stylish wheelchair-accessible hotel in London, the Radisson Blu Edwardian in Euston is a good choice. You’ll have accessible lifts, wide hallways and very close proximity to public transport, making it a good option for both business and leisure.
London is home to some of the world’s most famous landmarks and attractions. Many of them have excellent accessible facilities. So, here are some of the top wheelchair-accessible things to do in London:
History fan? The British Museum is a fantastic idea for an accessible tour of London. It offers step-free access, with accessible bathrooms, wheelchair ramps and changing places for visitors.
For simpler entry, the Montague Place entrance has a lift. If you’re driving, Blue Badge parking is also available, subject to availability. Inside, the museum has wide galleries and a well-designed layout, making it one of the best wheelchair-accessible attractions in London.
The Tate Modern is another fully accessible facility. This world-famous art gallery has ramps, elevators and accessible restrooms on every floor. You can also use the gallery’s manual wheelchairs and mobility scooters for free, subject to availability. There are regular specialised tours for visitors with disabilities - please contact the Tate Modern directly for timetables.
While the Tower of London is a historic site with some accessibility limitations, many areas, including the Crown Jewels exhibition, offer wheelchair access. Lifts and ramps make navigating many areas easier. There are on-site accessibility guides, while staff are available to provide assistance during your tour.
Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning installations on show at Kew Gardens in west London. The gardens offer a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city, with seasonal events and facilities, including accessible toilets, throughout.
At Kew, the main attraction is ideal for wheelchair users, with wide, flat paths and step-free access to the Temperate House and the Princess of Wales Conservatory. Mobility scooters are available for hire, and carers receive free entry.
Standing next to the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and The London Eye is another iconic landmark - Westminster Abbey. This historic church has hosted many famous events, including royal weddings, and is open to the public most days.
The main entrance provides accessible entry with wheelchair-friendly routes around the hall. While some older areas of the abbey have limited access, staff are on hand to assist. Carers can also accompany disabled visitors for free.
Of course, Buckingham Palace is a must-visit on any trip to London. You can choose to get stunning views from outside or attend one of the unique accessible experiences inside the palace.
Step-free access is provided via a dedicated entrance at the front of the building. On a tour, wheelchair users can easily explore the State Rooms, where official receptions and ceremonies take place. It’s a great chance to see the priceless art and furnishings that are a part of royal life.
In the summer, you can combine a tour of the State Rooms with a Garden Highlights Tour. This guided walk takes you through the Palace’s impressive gardens, lawns and lake. Alternatively, if you’re visiting in the off-season, the guided tours offer a more intimate experience with smaller groups.
So, how can you get around all these sights safely and comfortably? Thankfully, London is one of the most accessible cities for public transport, with a variety of options to make your journey go smoothly.
First up, all London buses are now wheelchair accessible. You’ll be able to board via ramps, with designated spaces on the bottom floor. If you’re using the London Underground, many Tube stations feature step-free access, and TfL’s Journey Planner helps you to find accessible routes that meet your needs.
Looking for a more private mode of transport? London’s famous black cabs are fully wheelchair accessible and come equipped with ramps and additional safety features. They are a reliable and convenient option for getting around the city.
Finally, it can be a good idea to use your mobile device to make your trip even easier. Interactive apps like AccessAble can help you identify wheelchair-friendly places to visit in London, for example. Its extensive database includes everything you could need, from attractions to restaurants and shops.
London’s infrastructure makes it one of the most accessible major tourist cities in the world. From a great range of wheelchair-accessible hotels in London to iconic attractions and transport designed with accessibility in mind, you’ll have everything you need for a fantastic tour.
