Exploring the city

London offers a choice of attractions from world-famous museums and art galleries, parks to palaces. Most of London’s attractions have good disabled access. If our list below does not include the place you’d like to visit, you can always search and see what disabled people have to say about it.

Top 10 Most-Visited Attractions in London

1. British Museum the world’s oldest national public museum, houses artefacts from all over the world, including burial sarcophaguses from Ancient Egypt! One visitor said, “the toilets were clean, tidy, and accessible,” and that “there was a lift specialist for disabled people and a kind security guard helped us use it. It was simple from there.”

2. Natural History Museum – From dinosaurs and giant whales,  to humans and insects, it is the place to go to discover nature. However, Euan’s Guide reviewers often comment on poor access, with one review saying “Natural History Museum isn't very good for wheelchair users”. Top tip:  The Natural History Museum have helpfully introduced free, pre-bookable tickets to help avoid the queues.

3. Tate Modern where art lovers can visit a range of modern art displays. The gallery is in a converted former power station, next to the River Thames with amazing views from the upper floors. One reviewer said that “I spent around two hours here and couldn't find anything that wasn't accessible” and the toilets were “Basically, five star! Clean, red cords as they should be and a Changing Places.”

4. Southbank Entertainment complex, for exhibitions, music, family friendly events and dining next to the River Thames. One reviewer found it very accessible and stated that “Staff were fantastic, outstanding, extremely welcoming and helpful.”

5. V and A South Kensington World famous museum of art, fashion and design. One wheelchair user said that “A brilliant place to visit in a wheelchair - almost everything is just right.”

6. The National Gallery located in Trafalgar Square, specialises in European art from 1250 until 1900. There are many famous and instantly recognisable paintings on display by artists, including van Gough, Canaletto and Monet. One reviewer said that there where “Plenty of lifts, easy to access all areas, ramps where needed. A happy and problem-free experience.”

7. Science Museum Outstanding collection covering science, technology, mathematics to medicine. Top tip from one reviewer was “If there's anything specific you want to see, check before travel to make sure the lifts are actually in use.”

8. Tower of London iconic historic building, home to the famous ravens and the crown jewels. One reviewer reported that “Staff were very helpful but it’s not the easiest place to navigate accessible routes. Signs are up for a lot of things but not wheelchair accessible routes to places.”

9. Somerset House Historic building housing various art exhibitions and for Christmas, the central courtyard is transformed into a skating rink. One skater said that “The winter ice rink has a view area where people can sit, a lounge, and the skate area; all of which are accessible.”

10. Royal Museums Greenwich includes the impressive National Maritime Museum which one reviewer said is "accessible to all".The Cutty Sark the historical sailing ship has had positive feedback about its accessibility, with one review saying that it is "great for visually impaired travellers... and as a blind visitor I felt really included" and one wheelchair user was able to "roll aboard history".The Royal Observatory home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) which a wheelchair user described as "an interesting accessible attraction". The Queen's House which one reviewer described as "a beautiful place for wheelchair users to visit, fully step-free and easy to get around".

Euan’s Guide London Venues of the Year - Award Winning Places to Visit

We couldn’t have a list of places to visit in London and not include the venues we awarded as our venues of the year thanks to their outstanding accessibility!

Wellcome Collection is a long-standing favourite with Euan’s Guide due to so many positive reviews, so we were delighted to award Wellcome the very first London Venue of the Year in 2018. One reviewer found it “An eye opener on Inclusivity. The Wellcome Collection is inclusive, changing place bathroom.” With fascinating exhibitions, accessible tours and Changing Places toilet, the staff are committed to making their building and events as inclusive as possible.

Barbican Centre is step free entertainment complex with theatres, concert halls, art gallery, cinema, restaurants and a Changing Places toilet. During Disabled Access Day 2019, their day long programme of events, won many fans, which led to the Barbican receiving their award. One Deaf visitor said that “This was my first visit to the Barbican and I was very impressed with the quality of the sound via the "T switch" of my hearing aids. For the first time I was also able to hear the audience as well as the stage, which meant I was able to absorb the atmosphere a lot better.”

Places to go with kids in London

Along with the city’s museums, there are more family-oriented attractions in London with disabled access, including cinemas, London Zoo, a magical Harry Potter store, and a LEGO store!

The best parks to see

London has a wealth of public parks and gardens waiting to be explored. From the larger and more famous parks, to smaller, charming garden squares and pocket parks, there’s plenty of places to escape from the crowds.

Kew Gardens, the world-famous Botanical Gardens, are located near Richmond, in West London. In its extensive grounds, conservatories and Palm House, it showcases flora and fauna from around the world. It had a Changing Places toilet. Our reviewer sgmi7 went on a BSL-led guide walk and rated it five stars.

Hyde Park is one of London’s largest parks. It has large lawned areas, the Serpentine which offers swimming and boating, the Diana Memorial Fountain, Rose Garden and Speaker’ Corner, where people can express their views on a wide range of topics. Our reviewer Jeannie said: “Hyde Park is a historic London Park where it is a joy to ride a mobility scooter”.  

Kensington Gardens is adjacent to Hyde Park and often stages exhibitions seasonally. In the grounds are Kensington Palace, the Albert Memorial, the attractive Italian Gardens, the famous Peter Pan statue and the Elfin Oak carved with fairies, elves and animals.

St James’s Park is next to Buckingham Palace. Its centrepiece is a beautiful lake with 30 species of waterfowl and famed for its pelicans. Go to the step-free Blue Bridge for spectacular views of Buckingham Place in one direction and from the other, Horse Guards and the London Eye. Our reviewers have referred to the park as a "green oasis".

Regent’s Park is close to Madame Tussauds, as well as being the home of London Zoo and the Open Air Theatre, it has wide open spaces, a boating lake and the much loved Queen Mary’s Rose Garden, which is usually at its best in the first two weeks in June. One reviewer referred to the park as "tranquility in the heart of London!"

Have you been to London?

Tell us about your favourite places with disabled access! Add a review to Euan’s Guide.

Leave a review

Last updated – January 2022 by Tina, London Ambassador for Euan’s Guide.