Special London Attractions For Disabled Travellers

There are many places to visit all across the world. But, seldom do we come across places where every person is equally welcomed. London is certainly among these rare locations. Even with not too high number of tourists who are disabled visiting the city, there are major attractions who have every facility for those who are disabled. We list a few places which are great for those who are disabled. There are plenty more as well.

London is known for numerous reasons. While some remember it as the royal capital, it is known to others as the business hub of UK. London has also got reputation for being the costliest of all cities in the world. However, to those who love travelling, London is by far one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Its affinity with anything related to art and culture has created a niche for itself in the tourism market. The city has deep roots and you can trace them down to various historical events and locations which you will love to if you have an interest in history. London also has a wonderful collection of art from all ages and is a hub of the contemporary artists. This makes it a place attractive to art lovers. However, the thing I found remarkable about the city is the way it tries to accommodate all.

All those who have bee to London already know about its various types of attractions which are quite fascinating to a wide range of travellers with diverse tastes and interests. As already mentioned, whether one is a lover of art or culture of history or simply looking to enjoy the London way of life for a few days, there is something for every person. Whether one is with a low budget or a high one, even though the city is termed as the costliest in the world, there are accommodation options which are meant for both. There are definitely the luxurious hotels and suites which will serve those who have a high income, but then, there are also those such as Park Grand Paddington Court London which have affordable budget packages and ensures that every person gets to enjoy London and its beauty. However, in all the talks about how London is accommodative for all types of travelers, most of us forget about those who are disabled and have greater trouble travelling. London really impressed me when I found that almost all of the major attractions in the city has special arrangements for the disabled visitors. Not only the places of interest, the hotels, like the one mentioned above and London Premier Notting Hill have special entry and facilities which allow the disabled to get in and out of the hotel with ease.

Let us take a look at the places which have special privileges for the disabled.

Ø  British Museum – One of the largest museums in London, which is rated as among the best in the city as well, has special arrangement for those tourists who have disability. The British Museum’s Great Russell Street entrance has just 12 steps along with a handrail. It is certainly for those who can walk with some support. There are also self-operable elevators located on both sides of the stairs which makes it easy for those who are in wheelchairs to access the various levels of the museum. There is limited number of disabled parking spaces available. You will also get wheel chair accessible toilets for the disabled. If a person cannot hear, you will find induction loop hearing aid device which will allow them to listen to all that is being said clearly enough. Guides and assistant dogs are allowed within the museum. Those who cannot hear at all may even attend the signed tour of the museum which happens once every month. British Museum makes sure that no one loses out on the opportunity to check out their fabulous collection.

Ø  St Paul’s Cathedral – The St Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most enchanting locations in the entire city. It is serene and peaceful and locations in the entire city. No wonder it is the favorite among the tourists. The cathedral has got double entrances. The one on the southern side is made for those who will be getting into the cathedral in a wheelchair. It has got no steps and wheelchair can easily access through this entrance. The cathedral crypt and the cathedral floor can be reached using a lift which is accessible from this entrance. Thus, even those who are disabled can easily enjoy the beauty of this place. The cathedral has even taken care of the fact that the café, stores and other places are easily accessible using a wheelchair. If a person is visually challenged, there is the unique “touch & feel” guided tour available for them. A visually challenged person will also get orders of service in Braille as well.

Ø  Kensington Palace – Earlier the Kensington garden was a treat for those who are physically challenged. Now with the improved accessibility to the Kensington Palace, the one that allows direct access to the palace from the garden, it is possible for the physically challenged to access the palace as well. You will find that there is lift available to access every floor of the palace. Those who are visually completely or partially challenged will be able to take a complete described guide tour that will take them through the various parts of the palace. There are leaflets available for the visually challenged as well, printed in Braille for their understanding.

When I was going through these various attractions, I really felt that London is not just another metropolitan city. People do care about others. Even though the number of tourists who are disabled in one way or another might be low, there are places which have taken special care to make their tour an enjoyable and rewarding one as well. The city is truly in every sense a city which has got something to offer to every person visiting it.