Accessible Attractions
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FEATURED LISTINGS
The following organisations are members of TFA, and are committed to offering accessible services and facilities
English Heritage
English Heritage is committed to helping make the historic environment easy to reach and accessible to everyone, by providing disabled access to all its activities and services, and to ensuring equal opportunities for disabled people as an employer.
Tel: 0870 333 1181 Email: customers@english-heritage.org.uk
Historic Houses Association
The HHA represents the owners of over 1,500 privately owned and managed historic houses, parks and gardens throughout the UK. Some 400 of these welcome visitors to their properties, and are concerned to provide good access for people with disabilities. The HHA has an access adviser who helps members on how best to provide for people with disabilities, covering physical, sensory and mental disabilities.
Tel: 020 7259 5688 Fax: 020 7259 5590
Email: hha@compuserve.com
National Trust
The National Trust welcomes visitors with disabilities to our properties. We also welcome assistance dogs. Our staff and volunteers will do everything they can to ensure that you enjoy your visit.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Tel: 0844 800 1895 Email: enquiries@thenationaltrust.org.uk
National Trust for Scotland
NT for Scotland offers a similar guide to the NT England. A free copy can be obtained by e-mailing the Trust via their website. Alternatively, write to them at their Head Office:
Wemyss House
28 Charlotte Square
Edinburgh
EH2 4ET
Scotland
Tel: 0131 243 9300 Fax: 0131 243 9301 Email: information@nts.org.uk
www.nts.org.uk
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Artsline
Over two decades Artsline has been at the centre of a revolution in arts access for disabled people and has achieved great respect. An extremely useful resource to find accessible attractions in London.
www.artsline.org.uk
Tel: 020 7388 2227 Email: admin@artsline.org.uk or use contact form on website
Colchester and Ipswich Museum Service
Colchester and Ipswich Museum Service is committed to providing and working towards equal physical, intellectual and representational access for everyone regardless of ability, to the monuments and collections in their care. More information about visiting the museums and galleries can be found at their website: http://www.colchestermuseums.org.uk/. Details of access to their museums and galleries can be found if you click here.
Tel: 01206 282939 Email: museums@colchester.gov.uk
Forestry Commission
For information on easy access for wheelchair users and the less able contact Forestry Commission headquarters.
Tel: 0845 FORESTS (3673787) Fax: 0131 334 3047 Email: enquiries@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
The Good Gallery Guide
The Good Gallery Guide is a web site highlighting art galleries that are addressing the issues of equal access to the arts. The site has been created by the Art House with support from the Arts Council of England's New Audience. Each Gallery has been visited by someone with a disability giving a personal not a technical, view of the facilities of the galleries listed.
www.goodgalleryguide.com
Tel: 01924 377 740 Email: info@the-arthouse.org.uk
The London Eye and the London Eye River Cruise
At 135m, the London Eye is the world's largest cantilevered observation wheel and the UK's most popular paid-for attraction. To date over 33 million visitors have been welcomed to the London Eye to enjoy unrivalled panoramic views of the city. We aim to maintain our stellar reputation as a fully accessible attraction and continue to welcome satisfied guests again and again.
The London Eye not only strives to comply and meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 (which replaces the Disability Discrimination Acts of 1995 and 2005 on the 1st October 2010), but the business philosophy aims to deliver a fantastic and awe inspiring service to all customers.
Guests with disabilities or access needs who purchase a can bring a carer for free of charge - someone who understands their specific needs and can assist them on their fun day out. The ticket is also at a discounted price and unlike many other attractions, proof of disability is not required.
Both the London Eye and the London Eye River Cruise are fully accessible, with wheelchair access and toilets for guests with disabilities. It's easy to get on and off the London Eye if you use a wheelchair or have walking difficulties. When you reach the embarkation point, the London Eye is slowed down or stopped to make boarding simple. We have a limited number of wheelchairs available for loan at the customer service desk inside our ticket office in County Hall.
Guide dogs are allowed on the London Eye to assist blind and visually impaired guests. Guests who are deaf or have a hearing impairment may wish to purchase our guidebook or in-flight guide. These guides point out what to look out for on your London Eye flight and the River Cruise is kitted out with four hard of hearing sets for the audio on the Silver Bonito.
The London Eye River Cruise is available all year round and in any weather. The boat has covered and sun deck seating and all areas on the boat are fully wheelchair accessible . You can enjoy a unique 40 minute circular sightseeing cruise on the River Thames with fascinating live commentary that brings the city to life, presented by specialist guides. Highlights include Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. On our London Eye River Cruises, T-loops systems are available in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Dutch, Russian, Japanese and Mandarin.
For more information regarding accessibility at the London Eye and the London Eye River Cruise, see our website http://www.londoneye.com/VisitorInformation/DisabledGuests/Default.aspx.
Or contact Leah Larkin at pressoffice@londoneye.com or 0870 220 2777.
To book tickets, use the disabled booking line.
Call +44 (0) 870 990 8886
9.00am - 5.00pm Monday to Sunday
Email accessiblebooking@londoneye.com
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Nature Reserves
Information for Disabled Visitors and Advice for Disabled Birdwatchers
These two free leaflets are available from:
RSPB
The Lodge
Sandy
SG19 2DL
England
Tel: 01767 680551 Email: enquiries@rspb.org.uk
www.rspb.org.uk
The Society of London Theatre
Trade and legal body for London theatre producers and owners, including all of the West End. We advise, inform and encourage theatregoing through the provision of information, campaigning and promotions.
www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk/access
Tel: 020 7557 6700 Email: enquiries@solttma.co.uk
(Last Updated: 27-07-2010)