From palaces to zoos, many of London's parks and open spaces are wheelchair accessible, and some places organise activities specifically for visitors with disabilities.
Take a look at these top outdoor picks to plan your day out in London and find out more with this accessible London guide.
1. Kew Gardens
Discover rare plants, tropical glasshouses, wildflower meadows and formal gardens at Kew Gardens. Visitors with disabilities qualify for concession tickets and companions can enter for free. Learn about the botanical gardens on the monthly British Sign Language tour and bimonthly sensory tours that allow visitors to explore smells and textures.
Most paths are wheelchair friendly, and wheelchairs are available to borrow at all gates. Mobility scooters can be booked in advance. Some attractions are only accessible by manually operated wheelchairs, including the glasshouses and Treetop Walkway.
Find out more about accessibility at Kew Gardens.
2. Stepney City Farm
Meet pigs, goats and bunnies as you learn about life on a working farm at Stepney City Farm. Entry is free and you'll find tours for visually impaired people that delve into the smells, textures and sounds of the farm.
The farm is wheelchair accessible with tarmac paths, though Blue Badge parking should be arranged in advance. Assistance dogs are also welcome to join in the fun.
3. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
Spend a day in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, two adjoining Royal Parks that share the Serpentine lake. Explore many attractions across both parks, from Kensington Palace to Speaker's Corner and The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk.
With 760 acres (307 hectares) to cover, mobility scooter and wheelchair users will appreciate the wide, smooth paths. You’ll find accessible toilets throughout the parks and if you fancy a dip in the Serpentine lido, you can make use of the accessible changing facilities and the ramps and handrails leading into the water.
4. Up at The O2
Relish the challenge of Up at The O2, an exhilarating climb to the top of an iconic landmark. You can usually complete the climb if you can walk unaided, but call ahead to discuss your requirements.
Wheelchair users can also take on this adventure with a wheelchair-friendly climb. You'll climb in a special chair with four guides using a pulley system to help you to the top. Keep in mind that you'll need to move yourself into the chair, or bring an assistant or friend to help, as Up at The O2 staff aren't able to help with the transfer. Wheelchair climbs are available on weekday mornings from late spring to early autumn and can take up to three hours to complete.
Find out more about accessibility at The O2.
5. Lee Valley White Water Centre
Enjoy an action-packed day on the water at Lee Valley White Water Centre. Staff receive disability awareness training and are on hand to ensure that everyone has fun rafting on white water or paddling in a canoe on the lake.
The site features Blue Badge parking spaces, ramp access to the entrance of the centre, space for mobility scooters to move around and a hoist to get into rafts and canoes. Contact the centre ahead of time to discuss any requirements, including requesting BSL-trained staff.
Find out more about accessibility at Lee Valley White Water Centre.
6. Shakespeare’s Globe
Experience a Shakespeare play as Londoners did back when the famous playwright was alive – in the outdoors. Shakespeare's Globe features an open-air centre with room for standing and one wheelchair. There's covered seating around the sides, with back rows offering back support and a box with additional seating for wheelchair users with lift access. Dedicated access volunteers are available at every show to help you to your seat.
There are several BSL-interpreted and captioned performances throughout the year. You'll also find audio-described performances, preceded by tactile introductions to the set, costumes, props and even some of the actors. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxed performance, which has a more casual approach, with visitors able to move about and make noises during the show.
Assistance dogs are welcome and can be looked after by box office staff for the duration of the play, as dogs are not allowed to enter the theatre during the show.
Find out more about accessibility at Shakespeare's Globe.
7. London Zoo
Discover the wonders of the animal kingdom at London Zoo. Come face to face with lions, marvel at creatures from the sea and watch animals slip and slide in the iconic penguin pool. Concession tickets are available for visitors with disabilities and personal assistants can enter for free.
Most of the key attractions are accessible to wheelchair users and wheelchairs are also available to hire. Most paths are tarmac and there is ramp access to many of the buildings, but it's worth noting that the slopes leading to two tunnels in the zoo are quite steep. Guide dogs are not allowed on site, but the zoo can help with other arrangements to ensure you have a safe and fun visit.
Find out more about accessibility at London Zoo.
8. WWT London Wetland Centre
Experience the joy of nature with vast open spaces, lakes and wildflower meadows at WWT London Wetland Centre. This urban oasis is teeming with wildlife to spot, from chicks and ducks to otters and lizards.
Visitors with access needs can use reserved parking bays close to the centre. Wheelchairs are free to borrow and electric scooters are available for a small donation, both must be booked in advance. Most trails are tarmac and flat, aiding wheelchair users. Assistance dogs are welcome at the nature centre and large-print guidebooks can be requested in advance.
Find out more about accessibility at WWT Wetland Centre.
9. Battersea Park Children's Zoo
Take the kids for a day out at Battersea Park Children's Zoo. Designed with the little explorer in mind, the zoo is home to lots of open space and animals including wallabies and exotic birds.
The zoo is fully wheelchair accessible and registered assistance dogs are welcome to join the family fun. Download the zoo's sensory map [PDF 236 KB] (or pick up a copy from the shop on request) which outlines areas with smells or loud noises, as well as dark areas and where to head to if you're in need of some quiet time.
Find out more about accessibility at Battersea Park Children's Zoo.
10. South Bank
Spend a day exploring London's scenic South Bank. Enjoy spectacular views from the London Eye, take a boat trip along the water and pop into one of the many accessible London attractions, including Tate Modern and SEA LIFE London Aquarium – it's the perfect location for an accessible day in London.
It's a good area to explore for those with limited mobility and wheelchair users, as it benefits from smooth walkways, ramps and plenty of benches to stop for a rest.
Find out more about accessibility on London's South Bank.
11. Lee Valley Riding Centre
Head to Lee Valley Riding Centre and learn to trot, canter and gallop on a friendly horse. The centre offers riding sessions for visitors with disabilities, where specially trained members of staff can help you master the art of riding in 30-minute sessions, with up to five people.
The centre benefits from onsite parking and most of the cafes are accessible with moderate ramps. Contact the centre ahead of booking to ensure the class suits your needs.
Find out more about accessibility at Lee Valley Riding Centre.
12. London Stadium tour
Follow in the footsteps of star athletes and musicians on a tour of London Stadium. The former Paralympic and Olympic Stadium is now a multi-use venue that hosts world-famous sporting events and concerts. Highlights from the tour include a trip down the players’ tunnel, access to the changing room and exclusive video content.
The tour is fully accessible to wheelchair users and audio information is available.
Find out more about accessibility at the London Stadium.
13. Hampstead Heath
Feel at one with nature as you explore ancient woodlands, vast grasslands and open fields at Hampstead Heath. The Parliament Hill Fields area offers paved and flat areas for those with access needs, in addition to boasting some of the best views across London.
Disabled parking bays are available in its four car parks, with one car park for disabled parking only. Visitors with limited mobility can book free electric scooters from the Lido in advance. There are also accessible toilets throughout Hampstead Heath.
Find out more about accessibility at Hampstead Heath.
14. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Relive the spirit of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games with a trip to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Home to iconic sporting stadiums, the park itself is now a beautiful place to explore with green expanses and pretty waterways.
Designed to be as accessible as possible, the park’s surfaces are hard and smooth with wheelchair-friendly slopes. There are also plenty of benches for taking a rest. The Park Mobility Centre offers wheelchairs, mobility scooters and sighted guides to hire, in addition to a free park buggy service.
Find out more about accessibility at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
15. Walthamstow Wetlands
Explore the largest wetlands in Europe at Walthamstow Wetlands, which stretches 521 acres (211 hectares) in north east London. The area is a natural nature reserve which hosts diverse wildlife, from rare waterfowl to majestic birds of prey. It's open to visitors from March to October.
There is a concrete pathway through the site which is suitable for wheelchair users and those with walking difficulties.
The Engine House visitor centre has a platform lift and accessible toilets with ramp entry. There are four parking bays for Blue Badge holders.
16. Chiswick House and Gardens
Delight in the splendour of the Grade I-listed gardens surrounding Chiswick House, a stunning neoclassical villa. Alongside Italian gardens, a lake and statues, the gardens feature a conservatory that is home to a world-renowned camellia show in early spring.
There is a long gravel path to access Chiswick House, but disabled parking closer to the venue can be arranged. Most paths have a smooth gravel surface and the conservatory is fully accessible to wheelchair users.
Find out more about accessibility at Chiswick House.
17. Spitalfields City Farm
Make friends with the animals at Spitalfields City Farm, including cats, pigs, goats and ferrets. In addition to being home to several rare breeds, the farm encourages wildlife and insects to flourish in the gardens.
Mobility scooters can be used in public areas and there is ramp access to some parts of the farm for wheelchair users. Assistance dogs are also welcome, although the team suggest calling ahead to make sure there's no free roaming livestock on the site at the time of your visit.
18. Eltham Palace
Delve into the history of English Heritage's Eltham Palace and Gardens. Once the site of a medieval palace, the wealthy Courtauld family saved it from decline and transformed the site into a lavish art deco home. The gardens feature a stunning herbaceous border, a moat with London’s oldest working bridge and sensory experiences for visually impaired visitors.
Wheelchairs are available to loan and assistance dogs are welcome. Inside Eltham Palace, you can find interactive displays with tactile objects to handle and audio tours.
Find out more about accessibility at Eltham Palace.
19. Horniman Museum and Gardens
Engage with urban wildlife in the gardens of the Horniman Museum. Admire rare plants from North America and South Africa in the Grasslands Garden, say hello to furry friends on the Animal Walk and spot minibeasts on the Nature Trail.
The Butterfly House is fully wheelchair accessible and there are concrete paths throughout the garden, though some of these are steep and may be unsuitable for wheelchair users on wet and frosty days. Blue Badge parking is available.
Find out more about accessibility at the Horniman Museum and Gardens.
20. Rooftop bars in London
Enjoy a cocktail perched on one of London's accessible rooftop bars. Settle in with a drink among the wildflowers at the Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden at Southbank Centre. The roof garden has lift access and staff are trained in assisting blind and visually impaired visitors. Assistance dogs are also welcome.
Alternatively, take in views of St Paul's Cathedral at the roof terrace on top of the One New Change shopping centre. On the roof, you'll find Madison bar, where you can order a glass of bubbly to enjoy with tapas. The roof terrace is accessible by lift and has ramp access for wheelchair users, as well as welcoming assistance dogs.
Accessible outdoor events in London
British Summer Time Hyde Park
Head to Hyde Park in summer to feel the beat of your favourite bands with British Summer Time Hyde Park, one of London's best music festivals. This fun-filled summer event aims to be fully accessible for all festival-goers.
Facilities include a viewing platform for wheelchair users, BSL performance interpreters, hearing loops, a quiet space, dog spending areas, charging points for power chairs, lowered counters and an access manager to help with any queries. Personal assistants are eligible for free tickets.
Find out more about accessibility at British Summer Time Hyde Park.
Regent's Park Open Air Theatre season
Experience the magic of Regent's Park Open Air Theatre during its summer season. Nestled within the trees of the stunning Royal Park, the venue is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility and spaces can be booked for wheelchair users and their companions. Some performances are captioned, while others feature audio descriptions of key visual elements of the play. Assistance dogs are also welcome.
Find out more about accessibility at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre.
Buckingham Palace summer opening
Admire royal gardens with a trip to Buckingham Palace during the summer opening. After visiting the opulent State Rooms, take a turn around the garden that features a rose garden, a summer house and the tennis court that King George VI and Fred Perry played on in the 1930s.
The State Rooms and gardens are wheelchair accessible, with multilingual induction loops and free BSL video guides. Large-print guides are available and assistance dogs are welcome.
Find out more about accessibility at Buckingham Palace.
For more outdoor fun, discover accessible things to do in Greenwich or explore the top accessible attractions in London.
