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Places to go in London
Created: 16/07/2024, Bright Futures @Ruils
Who by? From an old list of events at museums, etc
Why might it be of interest?
The original document had links to museums, theatres, cinemas and things of interest around London where the organisation had specific events for disabled young people – quieter film showings, opening early or late. Much of it is now out of date but many of the same organis
The following information is, I am sure, far from complete, and I would be grateful for any input from our clients where they have had a good experience when taking their disabled young person out and about.
| Places to visit |
| London transport Museum
https://www.ltmuseum.co.uk/visit/families/families-send Opening earlier than usual hours for young people with SEND. Occasional later evenings. Booking essential |
| Science Museum
https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/see-and-do/night-owls Evening events for young people with SEND age 16+ on Saturdays and Sundays across the year. Free but booking is essential. |
| Cutty Sark
https://www.rmg.co.uk/cutty-sark The Cutty Sark is wheelchair accessible but places are limited to 3 visitors at a time. Their accessibility guide says that they have members of staff who are trained to Level 1 BSL and some staff are trained in autism awareness. They do not have a hearing loop on the ship. |
| National Maritime Museum
https://www.rmg.co.uk/national-maritime-museum Free to visit. The accessibility guide says that staff have autism training and a SEND Coordinator to help. There is an email address for enquiries. The museum is wheelchair accessible and staff have training in BSL and hearing loops are situated throughout. |
| Queen’s House
https://www.rmg.co.uk/queens-house Free entry. The Queen’s House in Greenwich is an architectural masterpiece and home to an internationally renowned art collection. Their accessibility guide says they are an autism friendly site with quiet spaces if needed. The house is wheelchair accessible. Some staff are BSL trained and there is a hearing loop throughout the site. |
| The Royal Observatory
https://www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory This location is not as accessible as others. There are restrictions on where a wheelchair can access and while they have some BSL and hearing loop support it does not appear to be as extensive. No mention of autism friendly |
| The Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House and The Royal Observatory are all part of Royal Museums Greenwich. They all have extensive accessibility guides on their websites. |
| London Zoo
https://www.londonzoo.org/plan-your-visit/accessibility London Zoo runs a number of relaxed tours to allow neurodivergent people and other people who would benefit in a calm and safe environment to enjoy the Zoo. The tours take place before usual opening hours or after the zoo has closed. Most of the zoo is wheelchair accessible and they offer audio described tours and BSL tours. The zoo offers a ‘penguin pass’ which enables people who struggle to queue to jump the queue – you can download a pass or get on when you arrive. |
| The Cartoon Museum
https://www.cartoonmuseum.org/whats-on-events/relaxed-mondays Nothing on their website about accessibility in general but they do run ‘Relaxed Mondays’ events which have been specifically designed for children and young people with autism spectrum conditions or sensory processing differences. There is a charge to enter the museum but the Relaxed Monday event is free – booking essential. |
| Museum of London Docklands
https://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london-docklands/plan-your-visit/museum-accessibility Free to visit. This link takes you directly to the accessibility pages where you can read about help available to disabled visitors. Two things that might be helpful to know: · Helping Hosts: Staff available to accompany your group for up to 2 hours – booking essential at least 2 weeks ahead of time · Quiet Sessions: every Monday in term-time, between 3–4.40 pm |
| The Postal Museum
https://www.postalmuseum.org/event/post-early-relaxed-events/ Post Early is a relaxed event that has been co-produced with Ambitious about Autism and a group of their autistic Youth Patrons. It’s not clear how often these events are held. The museum is fully wheelchair accessible. Disabled visitors can book a discounted ticket which includes entry for one essential companion. No evidence is required. The Mail Rail ride may not be suitable for everyone so do read the information about this ride before deciding to include it in your visit. |
| Tower Bridge
https://www.towerbridge.org.uk/your-visit/access Once a month on a Saturday, 9.30am to 11.30am, Tower Bridge host a Relaxed Opening for anyone who would like to explore the Bridge in a calm, tranquil atmosphere, including people with autism and any other needs, as well as their siblings, families and carers. Tours offered include a BSL guided tour and a deaf-led guided tour. Tower Bridge is wheelchair accessible and quiet rooms are available in both towers. |
| Cinema | |||
| CEA Card
This is a national scheme that enables a disabled person to receive a free ticket for someone to accompany them to the cinema. |
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| Accessible Screening
https://accessiblescreeningsuk.co.uk/ This is a site where you can search by location and cinema for the films showing in the next 7 days – and you can specify autism friendly, subtitles, audio described. The disadvantage is that it is only for the next 7 days so you can’t look further ahead.
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Categories: Social & Personal, Social Activities