Accessible day out in Greenwich

Follow these suggestions for a fantastic trip to Greenwich, which is home to many accessible attractions.
Two people walking in front of the Old Royal Naval College
Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. Credit: London & Partners/Michael Barrow. Image courtesy of London & Partners/Michael Barrow.

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.

Choose between City Cruises or the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, which both offer wheel-on access to the boats, accessible toilets and a space for wheelchairs. Check with the individual river service operators to find out the accessibility of their 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 ready to help passengers embark and disembark. Documents in braille and large print are also available.

Find more guidance on how to get to Greenwich and accessible public transport in London.

Morning: Old Royal Naval College

Two people look at at the ceiling in the Painted Hall, which is decorated in colourful frescoes, within the Old Royal Naval College.

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 magnificent Painted Hall.

Visitors with access needs are able to bring a personal assistant free of charge and you can also download an access map ahead of your visit.

Next, check out the Greenwich Tourist Information Centre, where you can find useful area maps and more information about the best things to do in Greenwich.

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.

Afternoon: Greenwich's maritime heritage

A woman is climbing the stairs to reach the top deck of the Cutty Sark, the iconic ship docked in Greenwich.

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. 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 Greenwich and Peter Harrison 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. 

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 about three hours, and entry is free for a personal assistance. Enjoy this exhilarating experience as you soak up amazing views of the London skyline.

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.

The Double Tree by Hilton London Greenwich is a short distance from Cutty Sark and the National Maritime Museum and has a restaurant that’s open for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. It has ground-floor accessible rooms and allows service dogs.

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 the top things to do in Greenwich.