Accessible Outdoor Places in London

Abbey Grounds Sensory Trail

Steeped in history, Abbey Grounds is the reputed resting place of King Harold after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Explore hundreds of years of history on the self-guided sensory trail. It stops off at seven points along the way, uncovering the site's invisible past with tactile art sculptures.

The route does involve some bumpy surfaces and visitors in a wheelchair are advised to take an escort. Braille, large print or tactile maps are also available.

Battersea Park Children's Zoo

Set in the beautiful Battersea Park, this small children's zoo is home to all sorts of animals - from farmyard favourites to monkeys, birds and reptiles. There is also a contact area where children can see the animals close up and stroke them. The zoo is fully accessible with signed events on request, Braille information sheets and disabled toilets.

Eltham Palace

A spectacular art deco house in South East London, Eltham Palace was built in 1936 adjoining the original medieval Great Hall. It's set in 19 acres of richly planted gardens with panoramic views over London.

The palace itself has good access including a touch panel display, audio tour, hearing loop and Braille information on request. The gardens are mostly accessible, although there are some uneven surfaces and a deep moat.

Horniman Museum and Gardens

Covering 6.5 hectares (16 acres) of beautiful grounds, the Horniman Museum and Gardens in South East London feature formal landscaped gardens and promise stunning views over London. Highlights include a sunken garden, the analemmatic sundial - where you can tell the time using your own shadow - and a beautiful rose garden. There is also an animal enclosure with turkeys, goats and rabbits and a nature trail.

The Horniman Museum and Gardens are both wheelchair-accessible and have accessible lavatories.

Kew Gardens

One of London's four World Heritage Sites, the impressive Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew are set over 300 acres with more than 30,000 species of living plants.

For the most part, Kew Gardens are accessible for all. There are certain exceptions, such as the galleries in the Palm House and Temperate House.

Several access amenities are on offer but usually require advance booking. These include, for example, disabled parking bays, free wheelchair and mobility scooter hire, and space for one wheelchair on the Kew Explorer tour vehicle. It is also possible to book the Discovery mobility bus for groups with special needs.

Lee Valley Riding Centre

Get a different view of London on horseback. Enjoy a lesson or hack at the Lee Valley Riding Centre where specially trained staff offers a range of lessons and activities including the "Have A Go" sessions.

Lessons are open to anyone with a sensory, physical or learning disability and the centre is fully accessible. Sessions must be booked in advance.

London Wetland Centre

The mosaic of pools, ponds and lakes at the London Wetland Centre recreates 105 different habitats from around the world. Get closer to nature using new technology and TV monitors that let you explore the wilderness areas of the reserve. There are free guided tours and bird feeds daily.

The majority of paths have tarmac and are accessible for wheelchairs. Facilities include low-level access to the ground-floor hides, free wheelchair loans and a fixed hearing loop in the audio-visual theatre.

Open Air Theatre

Set in the beautiful surroundings of Regent’s Park, the Open Air Theatre presents a summer programme of performances in the specially-built theatre. Completely outdoors, the performances go ahead even if it's raining. So make sure you wrap up warm and pack a waterproof! Performances are cancelled only in extreme weather conditions.

The theatre is wheelchair-accessible and there are signed performances available. Guide dogs are welcome and there is also an FM-assisted listening system provided.

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

This reconstructed open air theatre on the banks of the Thames brings the world of Shakespeare to life using interactive exhibits and live demonstrations. A full theatre programme runs between May and September.

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and the exhibition are both accessible. The theatre has provision for wheelchair users and a hearing aid induction loop is available at all performances. Both hearing and guide dogs are welcome.