If there’s one thing for sure, it’s that London really is a magical place during the winter. The glittering lights, the hustle and bustle of excited shoppers and festive sounds from all angles make it one of the best places to visit if you’re looking for some festive cheer.
However, for anyone with accessibility needs, we understand that your trip to London takes some careful planning, especially when you’ve got to keep in mind how busy the city is at this time of year.
Here, Strive Mobility lists 9 accessible things to do in London this winter.
1. Christmas at Kew Gardens
First up on the list is Kew Gardens, which happens to be one of London’s most beloved botanical havens. Each winter, the gardens transform into a stunning display of twinkling lights, installations, and plenty of interactive displays. Between 13th November and 5th January 2025, you can stroll through the glittering tunnels, admire the extraordinary illuminations and be amazed by lakeside reflections….and don’t forget to look out for Father Christmas!
There are plenty of food and drink stalls along the way, as you make your way through this 3km botanical trail.
Kew Gardens offer wheelchairs on a first come first served basis, but you can hire a mobility scooter if you need to. Kew also offer “Quiet Access” sessions for those that would benefit from a more suitable sensory experience.
Kew Gardens station (District Line) is about 500m from Victoria Gate and is the closest option for those with mobility needs. Kew Gardens car park also has 11 accessible parking spaces which can be used for free (for anyone with a Blue Badge).
NOTE(S): while the paths are paved, they could become slippery on rainy or icy days.
2. The Southbank Winter Market
If you’re looking for something a little different, the Southbank Winter Market – which runs from 8th November to 26th December this year – might be an option to consider. It offers plenty of festive food and drink, as well as the chance to enjoy the festive lights and atmosphere of the market.
This takes place on Queen’s Walk, Southbank Centre and is totally free.
All of the exhibits, performance spaces and amenities like toilets, bars and restaurants are accessible to everyone. Sensory adapted experiences or larger electric wheelchair spaces at the Royal Festival Hall can be prebooked. Assistance dogs are welcomed at the Southbank Centre.
The closest station is Waterloo Station, with frequent buses and taxis available to take you to the attraction. Alternatively, there are 4 free Blue Badge parking spaces available on a first come, first served basis.
3. Ice Skating at Somerset House
If you’re looking for an experience that will take your breath away, consider ice-skating at Somerset House! Every year during the winter, their ice rink turns into a magical courtyard that’s truly like no other.
Somerset House offers 2 dedicated wheelchair accessible skating sessions across the season, so that wheelchair users can safely enjoy the experience with a carer or companion.
However, wheelchair users can also skate on public sessions ideally by providing 2 weeks’ notice, so that the venue can ensure sufficient staffing is in place. PA/carer tickets are available for free.
The venue is accessible for wheelchairs, with a ramp providing full access to the viewing area, The Skate Lounge and The Chalet.
Getting there shouldn’t be a problem either, as there are accessible routes from Covent Garden, with lots of buses in the area that are wheelchair accessible.
4. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Next up on the list is Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, which is perfect for those seeking more of a thrill. Attendees can also enjoy a plethora of food stalls and market areas if rides aren’t something you want to take part in.
Many of their rides are wheelchair accessible, however some attractions will have a limit to how many wheelchairs can be accommodated. Essential Companion Ride Wristbands are available for free.
The high energy amusement park provides wheelchair accessible entrances and pathways, making it easy to navigate. The Red Gate at the north of the site is generally the quieter entrance. There is an enclosed, heated, music free area just nearby this entrance. There are 2 high dependency change units on site and accessible toilets at most of the toilet block locations. The change units and accessible toilets can only be accessed using a radar key, so remember to take your key with you.
For those that have sensory requirements, attend on a quieter day (usually earlier in the week) for a smoother experience. There is a downloadable access guide to make planning your day even easier.
The nearest station is Marble Arch but this can get very busy, so it might be worth considering walking from Green Park which is a step free station with lift access.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland starts on 21st November and runs until 5th January 2025. The venue is open from 10am – 10pm.
5. The British Museum’s Winter Exhibits
If you’re not comfortable outdoors during this time of year, then visiting one of the British Museum’s Winter Exhibits might be more suited to you. Each year, they host a range of winter exhibitions and because it’s completely indoors, you can stay a little warmer.
Most areas of the museum have lifts or level access, but at the time of writing there were a hand full of galleries which were not easily accessible. You can contact the museum ahead of time to check which areas may be restricted from an accessibility perspective.
Manual wheelchairs are available to borrow, but these need to be pre-booked with at least 2 workings days’ notice. There are accessible toilets in the Great Court (level 0), but unfortunately the museum does not have a Changing Places toilet. Service, assistant and emotional support animals are welcomed at the Museum
The British Museum is a 5 minute walk from Tottenham Court Road station and 7 minutes from Russel Square station. There are 2 entrances to the museum: the Main entrance, which is on Great Russell Street and the North entrance, which is on Montague Place; this entrance has lift access.
There are a small number of parking spaces available for Blue Badge holders, and these must be booked in advance.
Like with most places at this time of year, weekends tend to be busy, so if you’re looking for a quieter and calmer experience, visiting in the mornings of a weekday might be better suited to you.
6. Covent Garden’s Christmas Lights and Markets
Many people visit London during the winter, purely to get in the mood for Christmas. If this is what you’re looking for, then Covent Garden’s Christmas Lights and Markets is the perfect choice. It’s known for its beautiful Christmas lights and decorations, as well as the market stalls selling just about every festive treat you could imagine.
This year, the 60-foot Christmas tree, with its 30,000 lights, will be lit on Tuesday 12th November. Santa’s sleigh will be parked on the Piazza, so don’t forget your camera.
Covent Garden is wheelchair accessible through the main square, and there are ramps around that can help you navigate your way through. The walkways are spacious, allowing for generous room when browsing. Covent Garden has wheelchair accessible toilet facilities in Tavistock Court, to the side of Jubilee Market.
The nearest accessible station is Tottenham Court Road, which is approximately a 12 minute walk to Covent Garden.
It’s also worth noting that some of the streets are cobbled, so we would suggest using any accessories to make the ride more comfortable. We’d recommend considering wheelchair cushions to help with any bumpy rides.
7. London Zoo
A slightly different, yet special experience to consider this winter, is London Zoo. The Zoo decorates the park with animal themed lights and seasonal decorations – perfect for animal lovers who are looking for an exciting way to enjoy Christmas.
From 23rd November to 5th January 2025, the Zoo will be hosting some special eco-friendly activities for families.
The Zoo also has accessible activities, such as British Sign Language Tours, Audio Described Tours and Relaxed Opening Tours, which takes place before the Zoo opens to the public.
London Zoo is nearly 200 years old, however, aside from just 12 listed buildings most of the Zoo is accessible for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. It also has a 12sqm changing place toilet facility which is secured with a RADAR key. This facility is equipped with a ceiling track hoist as well as a height adjustable changing bench and washbasin. Users will need to bring their own sling in order to use the hoist. In addition to the changing place toilet, there are 4 additional accessible toilets located around the Zoo.
The Zoo also hires out a limited number of wheelchairs and 2 mobility scooters (these need to be pre-booked).
Camden Town and Regent’s Park stations are the closest to the Zoo, but they lack full accessibility. However, there are lots of accessible buses that can take you to the Zoo. There is 1 disabled parking bay in front of the entrance, however Blue Badge Holders can park for free on the main road for up to four hours.
8. Tower of London’s Medieval Winter Festivities
Another magical attraction during the winter is the Tower of London, thanks to its medieval and seasonal displays and decorations. You can roam around and learn how Kings and Queens of the past celebrated Christmas.
It’s important to note that parts of the tower can be challenging to access due to the age of the building. However, the Jewel House (where the Crown Jewels are housed) has level access and a moving walkway. For those that are able to walk using aids, we’d recommend using a rollator to see the areas that aren’t wheelchair accessible.
A wheelchair is available for free and is available on a first come, first served basis. There is a lift in the White Tower; this takes you to the shop in the basement. The main areas are flat and give wheelchairs ample access throughout. Carers can attend for free, but it’s worth booking tickets in advance due to how popular the venue is. As with many any of these listed venues, visiting the Tower in the morning allows for a calmer experience.
The Tower of London offers British Sign Language tours as well as Self-led Audio Described Tours.
The nearest accessible station is Tower Hill or Tower Gateway (DLR); both are fitted with lifts to street level. Alternatively, you could us the Thames Clipper River bus for accessible travel and a scenic view on the way!
Because the streets are cobbled or slightly inclined, it’s advisable to make sure any wheelchairs are ready for different types of surfaces.
9. The London Eye
For a view of London’s sparkling skyline from 135 meters (443ft) high, why not jump on the London Eye! It is Europe’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel and hosts over 3.5 million people a year, making it the UK’s most popular paid attraction.
What was originally built as a temporary attraction, the Eye – which was originally known as the Millenium Wheel – was granted a permanent license in 2002. The London Eye is comprised of 32 capsules, each representing one of London’s 32 boroughs.
It takes 30 minutes for one full rotation and at a speed of only 0.9km/hour, the London Eye doesn’t even have to stop to let people on or off (although it does pause to allow disabled and elderly people to enter and exit the capsules safely).
For those who have difficulty queuing or standing for long periods of time, there is an accessible Fastrack entrance with the use of an access card. The London Eye offers full wheelchair/mobility scooter accessibility and up to two wheelchairs are allowed onto any one pod at a time. Note, the width of the boarding gate and ramp is 37 inches. It is recommended to book a wheelchair time slot in advance.
Waterloo is the closest underground station to the London Eye, although Embankment, Westminster and Charing Cross are also within a short distance. For anyone travelling by car, there are dedicated parking spaces for Blue Badge holders at the South Bank parking by Apcoa.
Planning ahead for your winter fun in London is essential but as you can see, many places are more than accommodating!
As you plan your visit to London this Winter, Strive Mobility can help you with your accessibility needs. Our website offers a range of products and services designed to make your stay in London as comfortable and convenient as possible. Visit Strive Mobility to learn more about our offerings and to book the necessary equipment for your trip.
With the right preparations and resources, you can enjoy all that London has to offer, creating unforgettable memories in one of the world’s most beautiful and accessible cities.
Please note, this information was gathered through online research, including blogger reviews and the attraction’s websites, and we haven’t necessarily visited each venue.
Written on behalf of Strive Mobility