Accessible day out in Greenwich

Follow these suggestions for a fantastic trip to Greenwich, which is home to many accessible attractions.

Discover Greenwich, a fascinating London neighbourhood steeped in history and culture, and be amazed by its stunning architecture, beautiful green spaces and bustling markets. 

How to get to Greenwich

With level access from the river or DLR, Greenwich is ideal for less-mobile visitors.

For a step-free route to Greenwich, take the Jubilee line to Canary Wharf Tube station, then connect to a DLR train to Greenwich. 

Alternatively, cruise down the Thames on a riverboat for a more scenic journey. Greenwich Pier is wheelchair accessible, with level access from the ticket office to the boats.

Check with individual river service operators to find out the accessibility of its boats.

You can also go on a sky-high adventure with the IFS Cloud Cable Car, which stretches over the river and connects the Royal Docks to Greenwich Peninsula.

Access the boarding platform by lift; the cabins are equipped to accommodate most wheelchairs, with staff always ready to help passengers embark and disembark. Documents in braille and large print are also available.

Read AccessAble’s accessibility guides for more information; or check out our advice on how to get to Greenwich.

Find out more about accessible public transport in London.

Morning: culture and shopping

Start your day out in Greenwich at the Old Royal Naval College, located near the wheelchair-friendly Cutty Sark DLR station. After admiring the baroque architecture designed by Sir Christopher Wren, see the beautiful chapel and check out the visitor's centre, where you can find useful area maps and more information about the best things to do in Greenwich.

Look out for the Old Royal Naval College's programme of access events, featuring BSL, audio-described and live subtitled tours. Check out AccessAble’s accessibility guide for more access information.

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Lunch: Greenwich Market 

Next, stop off at nearby Greenwich Market, where you can buy everything from antiques to handmade crafts and gifts – depending on what day you visit. The market has a cobbled stone floor, and is a very popular destination at weekends. Drop by between Tuesday and Friday to enjoy the designer stalls and street food stands when it's quieter.

While you're at the market, pick up lunch or some snacks from one of the many inviting food stalls. There's plenty of choice, from sushi to Portuguese pastries, plus lots of delicious cakes.

If you'd prefer a pub lunch, head to the Trafalgar Tavern. This late-Regency building overlooks the river Thames, and offers a great selection of bar snacks and hearty main meals. It is also wheelchair accessible and permits assistance dogs.

Discover more accessible restaurants in Greenwich.

Afternoon: Greenwich's maritime heritage

Greenwich has many exciting museums to explore during your day out. Head to Royal Museums Greenwich, which includes four fascinating sites: the National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House, the Royal Observatory (with London's only planetarium) and Cutty Sark.

Delve into Britain’s naval history at the National Maritime Museum, and enjoy level access into and throughout the venue. Audio and tactile tours are also available on request.

You can enter the magnificent Queen’s House by a set of stairs, or an alternative step-free route [PDF 1.80MB]. The museum’s interior is entirely step-free with a lift to all floors. Museum guides in large print or braille are also available.

Discover how scientists first mapped the seas and the stars at the Royal Observatory (and planetarium). This Greenwich attraction is situated on a hill in Greenwich Park, so check out the National Maritime Museum website for tips on the least-steep route, and information on facilities for disabled visitors.

Alternatively, head over to Cutty Sark, the world's last remaining tea clipper. There’s level access through most of the vessel, as well as tactile and braille signage guides and British Sign Language videos. You can also download a braille guide before your visit, borrow an on-site wheelchair, or book a BSL tour in advance.

Evening: theatre shows and amazing views

Discover the many things to do in Greenwich during the evening. Catch a show at the popular Greenwich Theatre, which is near step-free Cutty Sark DLR station. The theatre is fully accessible, welcomes assistance dogs, and hosts occasional open-captioned performances for the hard of hearing.

Greenwich is also home to the Up The Creek comedy club, which has a great programme of stand-up comedy and open-mic nights. You can access the venue by four steps.

Alternatively, try one of the many excellent wheelchair-accessible restaurants at The O2. It is just a short DLR and Tube ride away from Cutty Sark or Canary Wharf stations to the step-free North Greenwich station. Tasty options include Frankie & Benny’s, Gaucho and Las Iguanas

While you’re in the area, take a thrilling climb over the roof of the iconic entertainment centre with Up at The O2. There are wheelchair climbs available which take around three hours, and offer a complimentary ticket for one personal assistant. Enjoy this exhilarating experience as you soak up amazing views of the London skyline.

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Accessible hotels in Greenwich

Make the most of your visit by staying at an accessible hotel in Greenwich. This lovely London neighbourhood has many fantastic accommodation options with a range of facilities for visitors with disabilities.

  • Book your stay at De Vere Devonport House, conveniently located in pretty Old Greenwich, near step-free Cutty Sark DLR station. The hotel features disabled toilets and lifts, and six accessible ensuite rooms.
  • Check out the stylish Novotel London Greenwich, situated close to step-free Greenwich railway and DLR stations. It boasts a smart restaurant, lift and eight accessible bedrooms with wheelchair-friendly bathrooms.
  • Enjoy the proximity of step-free Cutty Sark and Greenwich stations while staying at Ibis London Greenwich. Located within easy reach of Greenwich’s attractions, this hotel features good wheelchair access, six accessible bedrooms and access-friendly bathrooms with wide entrance doors. 

Discover more about access facilities in Greenwich with AccessAble’s area guides. Plus, find inspiration for your trip with our top 10 things to do in Greenwich; or go off the beaten track and explore the area’s hidden gems.