Access along the South Bank was improved in the run-up to the London 2012 Paralympic Games, through the addition of smoother walkways, ramps, benches and other features. Many of the area's attractions offer great facilities and services for disabled visitors.
For detailed access information, take a look at AccessAble's South Bank accessibility guide.
Travel
Waterloo station is well connected via the London Underground, train and bus. Waterloo is a partially step-free station (see step-free guides on Transport for London). If you prefer to travel by bus, check out Transport for London's bus accessibility information.
There are several car parks on the South Bank, including under the Southbank Centre and under the Royal National Theatre. Both offer free parking for blue badge holders. Find more information about parking on the South Bank.
Morning: London Eye and river cruise
Start the day with a trip on the famous London Eye for spectacular views of London. The attraction offers discounts and priority entrance for disabled guests. It's easy for wheelchair users and people with walking difficulties to board the London Eye, and there's always a member of staff on hand to help. For detailed information, visit AccessAble's access guide for the London Eye.
If you have time, there are plenty more attractions to visit near the London Eye. The SEA LIFE London aquarium is home to one of Europe's largest collections of global marine life, and has full disabled access with lifts to all levels and disabled toilets on every floor. For detailed information, visit AccessAble's SEA LIFE London aquarium access guide.
The London Dungeon brings London's history to life through gruesome stories and scary characters. The majority of the attraction is accessible to guests with disabilities, although there are some restrictions. For detailed information, visit AccessAble's access guide for the London Dungeon.
See London from the water on a boat trip along the river Thames. City Cruises, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers and the London Eye River Cruise all depart from the London Eye Pier and have wheelchair accessible boats. City Cruises offers discounts for disabled travellers. For more information, see AccessAble's access guide for City Cruises.
Stop off for lunch at Skylon in the Southbank Centre, which has beautiful views of the Thames and is fully accessible through the Royal Festival Hall entrance. Alternatively, try one of the Southbank Centre's many other accessible eateries.
Afternoon: Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe
After lunch, explore the Southbank Centre, which always has lots going on, from free performances to art installations and pop-up gardens. The Hayward Gallery hosts exciting contemporary art exhibitions and is accessible to wheelchair users via a lift from the car park below. Find detailed information in AccessAble's access guide for the Hayward Gallery.
Another must-see for art lovers is Tate Modern, Britain's national museum of modern and contemporary art. Entry to the permanent collections is free, and disabled visitors can enjoy concessionary rates at paid-for exhibitions. The gallery offers a range of facilities for disabled visitors, from touch tours to BSL tours. For detailed information, visit AccessAble's Tate Modern access guide.
Just next door to Tate Modern is Shakespeare's Globe, a faithful reproduction of the open-air playhouse designed in 1599, where many of Shakespeare's plays were performed. You can watch an afternoon performance or visit the Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition and Tour to find out more about this unique building. The Globe has a dedicated access information line and email address. For detailed information, visit AccessAble's access guide to Shakespeare's Globe.
Evening: OXO Tower and the National Theatre
For more amazing views over the river Thames, treat yourself to dinner at the OXO Restaurant on the eighth floor of the iconic OXO Tower. The restaurant serves British and pan-Asian food and has a spectacular 250ft (76m) terrace. There's step-free access via two lifts from the ground floor and accessible toilets. Alternatively, you can find more dining options in nearby Gabriel's Wharf.
When it comes to evening entertainment, you will be spoilt for choice on the South Bank. Two of London's best-known theatres – the National Theatre and The Old Vic – are based here. Both offer a range of features for disabled visitors, including captioned and audio-described performances. Find detailed access information in AccessAble's access guide for the National Theatre and access guide for the Old Vic.
If you're a music lover, make your way to the Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall, one of the world's leading performance venues. The Southbank Centre has four resident orchestras and there are a host of musical performances and festivals throughout the year. For detailed information, visit AccessAble's Royal Festival Hall access guide.
Film fans are well catered for here too, thanks to two venues run by the British Film Institute. BFI Southbank is a world-renowned, four-cinema film centre with a film archive, library and shop, while BFI Imax boasts an impressive 26m-wide (85ft) screen. Both offer spaces for wheelchair users. Find detailed information with AccessAble's guide to accessibility at BFI Southbank and access guide for BFI Imax.