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London for the less abled

My mom was partially disabled so perhaps I notice this more than some, but just want to share a heads up that if you have mobility issues you will sadly have issues in London. Since many of the buildings are quite old, or are renovated versions of old buildings, the restroom situation is not ideal. You'll be climbing stairs in most cases either up or down a flight; I saw some locations that had added handicapped restrooms on their ground floor but I just took it for granted after a while that there would be stairs involved. And if you try to visit somewhere like the Chesire Cheese (or the Chuck E. Cheese as I took to calling it), it had one of the steepest and narrowest staircases I've seen in years, it would be tough enough for someone who had had only a half pint.

You'll also encounter issues in tube stations, especially if you're transferring lines. The walkways and tunnels are obviously original and not only can slope up and down but sometimes you think you're fine and then you'll encounter a small randomly located staircase. Again, this is just what happens with old construction but it's something to be aware of.

Posted by
1960 posts

For the architecture with historical significance, it’s understandable that the building may not be accessible to those with mobility challenges. And one wouldn’t want to alter a historic pub that is not necessary for one to access.

When it comes to the Tube stations and how many of them have no working escalators with stairs sometimes the only apparent option— more needs to be done to bring London’s infrastructure into the 21st century. Sometimes, there are elevators— if you can find them.

The buses with the ramp that emerges to accommodate passengers with wheelchairs— those are fantastic!

Posted by
308 posts

When it comes to the Tube stations and how many of them have no working escalators

As of today, 4. (There are 272 tube stations).

Posted by
141 posts

I have congenitally malformed knees and, as a result, PAIN PAIN PAIN when taking too many stairs. As a result, I hate the tube with the heat of 10 thousand suns. I mean - stairs up to an escalator at the top of which are more frigging stairs!?!?! BITE ME! Gah!!!

That said, the TFL app has a “step free” setting that allows you to plan journeys that are accessible. It is frequently the case that you can get off the tube a stop or two away from your destination - step free, using lifts - and then only have a short walk to where you want to be.

I do not have issues walking on the flat, so this can work for me. If you have trouble walking distances on a flat sidewalk, it would be worth looking for a scooter or walker, I think.

Traveling by bus is my go-to. All buses have ramps for buggies and chairs. Black cabs are also equipped with ramps, and all have plenty of room for chairs and other assistance devices.

As for pubs and other venues, yep - it can be a super pain! There are websites that list restaurants and pubs that are accessible. And you can always call ahead and ask - that is what I do. It is also worth asking at the bar if there’s an accessible loo - a surprising number of times I have discovered that there is, but I needed a key, or couldn’t see the door from the area in the pub where I was sitting.

It is doable, but DANG you are correct. Having infrastructure that goes back so many centuries pretty much guarantees that there are going to be stiffish challenges.

Posted by
33708 posts

the step free map and guide on TfL is a real aid to my wife. I will say that in our experience the worst offender is the Central Line.

Yes the loo issue is true and important and yes, if asked, a number of places have an accessible one on the ground floor.

Not every bus driver is really at ease with the ramp. Better than it used to be, not perfect.