Travelling around London - wheelchair friendly???

tilly's_mum

Hi

Going to London next week to see a specialist about DD2 who has autism, severe learning difficulties and uses a wheelchair (well huge 3 wheel buggy which is longer than a normal wheelchair) to get around outside otherwise she lies on the floor and she is nearly 12 and getting quite big! The clinic is quite near Oxford Street tube station. We are travelling down from Lancashire and I'd really appreciate any tips on getting around London.
Taking DD1 with us, she is really excited about the trip and want to do some tourist things too so may spend a few days down there - any suggestions on wheelchair friendly cheap days out and hotels that are disabled friendly (never stayed in a hotel with DD2 always in caravans!)

Thanks

Cheryl

ABARKIE

Hi,

Have been to London with my partner's daughter, who is in a wheelchair - We used a "standard" manual wheelchair - if there is such a thing!

We stayed in Islington - Jury's Inn.

Found the tube stations not accessible.

The buses we found very good and have ramps that fold out to allow the wheelchair to access halfway in the bus or at the front.

Special area for you on the bus and if occupied by people standing, driver will ask people to move if they show their ignorance and continue to occupy this area.

Would recommend a day travel card.

I think the taxis have to be accessible but we did not use them.

Wetherspoon pubs are usually good for the wheelchair access and facilities.

Hope this helps.

Enjoy your trip

angel

The TFL website has a whole load of information about accessible transport. The Journey planner allows you to select your mobility requirements which is a good help. It seems that as long as you plan then it shouldn't be a problem.

Have fun!

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/transportaccessibility/1167.aspx

greenface

Hi there we went to the smoke last Feb with our family inc teenage wheelchair user who crawls when out of chair.We stayed at the Holiday Inn Bloomsbury(coram street) about 10 minutes comfortable walk along Oxford St .The facilities are top class roomy rooms plenty of space in the breakfast lounge and a great breakkie too clean safe without steps and helpful staff. Tell the desk your car is outside and you have a wheelchair and they will give you a card for your dash to leave it there for free.(even ok to leave it there on last checkout day until about 4-00 )I am not posting this as a secret as there were so many wheelchair users in there (inc tanni grey thompson)

As for getting around London all depends what and where ?
walking (pushing) distance Embankment station 20mins(lift up to) bridge to london eye 10mins more lots to see and do Paliment Bridge (no lift ,long steps back to Houses of paliment 15 mins more horse guards to buck house 15 more back to trafalger 15 more through west end soho half hour or so then British Meuseam then 5 mins to Oxford St or Hotel.All in a walk of about 6/7
miles start after breakfast back in time for tea unless you choose to eat out in many many good restraunts along he way (you know what suits you but dont you just hate fixed chairs and low tables) Weatherspoons attached to side of Hotel for good pub grub

hope you enjoy your travels and the appoinment goes well
we are looking at Beaumont (lancaster)2009 so may need some tips from you

greenface

here is a serious money saver we went to see We Will Rock You in the Dominion Theatre normal adult prices are very expensive about £48 from memory but wheelchair user are £15 with their carer going free AND YOU ARE IN THE BOX RIGHT NEXT TO THE STAGE limted places 3x wheelchairs and carers i think most theatres have the same policies good luck