Things to Do South East

The south east is full of interesting disabled friendly things to do from top attractions and activities to theatres and places of historical interest, plus coastal areas and areas of quaint country villages.

The south east is home to England’s capital, London, with its many iconic landmarks, from Buckingham Palace to the London Eye, to Camden Market, the Tower of London and the Houses of Parliament as well as the famous parks, West End theatre district and more. Many of the museums are free to enjoy and the majority of attractions are accessible for all. The older venues have also worked to improve their accessibility over recent years, so you’ll find that there are a whole host of fun activities you can get involved with, whether that’s doing some sightseeing, visiting an attraction, going to the theatre for a relaxed performance or doing some shopping while in the capital. If you choose to venture around the city using public transport make sure to grab yourself a tube map, as stations with pavement access and accessible platforms are clearly marked, otherwise, station staff are always happy to help and many of them have lifts to help those with mobility restrictions.

If you’re not heading into London, there are still plenty of delights in the other areas of the south east. For beach and coastal resorts, you can enjoy places like Clacton on Sea, Eastbourne, Brighton, Bognor and Portsmouth, as well as areas of Hampshire, where you can enjoy all the British seaside traditions. All these areas have much more going for them than just their proximity to the beach, you’ll also find shops boasting autism friendly hours, theatres with relaxed performances, accessible museums and more with many of them being proud of their inclusivity.

The south east has everything from royal palaces, like those in London and Windsor, to the white cliffs of Dover in neighbouring Kent, to great shopping districts like Brighton’s Lanes and Reading’s malls, to the historic areas of Bedfordshire and the quaint villages of Buckinghamshire. There are even wild horses to be found in the New Forest in Hampshire, which is also a pretty perfect spot for a picnic!

Wherever you are in the south east, you’ll be sure to find something to suit your tastes and budget and each attraction, shopping centre and site of interest will have worked to include as many accessibility provisions as possible, whether that’s hearing loops, admission for guide dogs, level floors or even staff that can communicate in BSL. Many of the top attractions and landmarks in this part of the country also offer concessions on entry for anyone travelling with a carer and spaces for blue badge holders are plentiful. Even regions that have a congestion charge have a concession for blue badge holders.

For those of you that love festivals, you’ll find a whole host of them covering every genre in the south east, from the famous Isle of Wight Festival, to Reading and the many events that take place in parks and seaside resorts all over the region. It isn’t just music either, you’ll find food festivals, literary festivals, comic cons, tattoo conventions, just about everything! The venues are happy to help anyone who has any accessibility concerns and often provide passes to avoid queues, as well as making sure that there are level floors, lifts and that service animals can attend.

Highlights

Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium

At Winchester Science Centre, science is for everyone. Discover how we've created an amazing…

The National Gallery Trafalgar Square

The National Gallery aims to make access to the paintings enjoyable and welcoming to the widest…

WWT Arundel Wetland Centre

This gorgeous nature reserve has accessible boat rides and a stunning reedbed boardwalk. Arundel…

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The National Gallery Trafalgar Square

Address

Trafalgar Square, London, London, WC2N 5DN

Telephone
+44 (0)20 7747 2885

information@nationalgallery.org.uk

London

The National Gallery aims to make access to the paintings enjoyable and welcoming to the widest possible public. There are a range of facilities to help you experience the collection, visit exhibitions and come to events.

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Hertfordshire Zoo

Address

White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, EN10 7QA

Telephone
01992 470 490

info@hertfordshirezoo.com

Broxbourne

The entire site is accessible for most people, offering level pathways across the Zoo. We have our Learn & Play Area with play equipment specially adapted for wheelchair users. At Hertfordshire Zoo we are committed to making our zoo accessible to…

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WWT Arundel Wetland Centre

Address

Offham, South Stoke, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9PB

Telephone
01903 883355

Info.arundel@wwt.org.uk

Arundel

This gorgeous nature reserve has accessible boat rides and a stunning reedbed boardwalk. Arundel Wetland Centre has buggy and wheelchair-friendly pathways, comfortable hides and disabled and parent & baby facilities.

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London Zoo

Address

Outer Circle, Regents Park, London, London, NW1 4RY

Telephone
07966294022

communityengagment@zsl.org

London

Our aim is to ensure everybody has a great day out that is accessible for people of all needs and abilities. Our commitment to accessibility has us working with local people and specialist organisations to learn how we can improve, and make positive…

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Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium

Address

Telegraph Way, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 1HZ

Telephone
01962 863791

info@winchestersciencecentre.org

Winchester

At Winchester Science Centre, science is for everyone. Discover how we've created an amazing experience that's accessible, fun and really magical.

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Petworth House & Park

Address

London Road, Petworth, West Sussex, GU28 9LR

Telephone
01798 342207

michael.cole@nationaltrust.org.uk

Petworth

Access to the House is step-free, with designated parking provided for visitors with disabilities and transport available between the car park and the House. The art collection in Petworth House is on the ground floor with level access.

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Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest

Address

Bedgebury Road, Goudhurst, Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 2SJ

Telephone
01580 879820

bedgebury@forestryengland.uk

Cranbrook

The visitor centre is fully accessible to wheelchair users and includes an accessible toilet, baby changing facilities, and a Changing Places facility for those with additional needs. We have an all-terrain mobility scooter and wheelchair for hire…

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Sadler’s Wells

Address

Rosebery Avenue, London, London, EC1R 4TN

Telephone
020 7863 8000

tickets@sadlerswells.com

London

We believe everyone should have access to dance. So we’re making our venues and experiences more accessible to more people.

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Alice Holt Forest

Address

Bucks Horn Oak, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4LS

Telephone
0300 067 4622

enquiries.aliceholt@forestryengland.uk

Farnham

Near our friendly visitor centre we have an inclusive play area designed for every child to enjoy. Our wheelchair accessible roundabout and basket swing allow children of all abilities to have fun, and create memories in nature.

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Wildheart Animal Sanctuary

Address

Yaverland Road, Sandown, Isle Of Wight, PO36 8QB

Telephone
01983 403883

enquiries@wildheartanimalsanctuary.org

Sandown

The Sanctuary has one manual wheelchair available for free loan. We recommend booking one in advance, particularly during the peak season.

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Paultons Park

Address

Ower, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 6AL

Telephone
02380 814442

Enquiries@paultons.co.uk

Romsey

We welcome visits from guests with disabilities and will do everything possible to ensure they have a safe and pleasurable visit and are able to participate in as many activities as possible.

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National Portrait Gallery

Address

St. Martin's Place, London, London, WC2H 0HE

Telephone
+44 (0)20 7306 0055

info@npg.org.uk

London

We are committed to making our buildings, exhibitions, services and programmes as accessible and inclusive as possible. The Gallery has a programme of accessible events including free monthly Deaf-led tours and British Sign Language interpreted…

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Tower Bridge

Address

Tower Bridge Road, London, London, SE1 2UP

Telephone
020 7403 3761

enquiries@towerbridge.org.uk

London

Once a month on a Saturday, we host Relaxed Opening for anyone who would like to explore the Bridge in a calm, tranquil atmosphere, including people with autism and any other needs, as well as their siblings, families and carers.

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The Cliffs Pavilion

Address

Station Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 7RA

Telephone
0343 310 0030

boxoffice@southendtheatres.org.uk

Westcliff-on-Sea

Work began on the Southend-on-Sea theatre back in the 1930s. World War II stopped the building work and the theatre had its grand opening almost 30 years later in 1964.

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Polesden Lacey

Address

Great Bookham, Great Bookham, near Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6BD

Telephone
01372452048

polesdenlacey@nationaltrust.org.uk

Great Bookham, near Dorking

Mobility scooters are available, but we recommend pre-booking these by calling ahead of your visit to ensure availability. Accessible routes available through the pleasure grounds and formal gardens. Ground floor of house is wheelchair accessible.…

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Aldingbourne Country Centre

Address

Blackmill Lane, Norton, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0JP

Telephone
01243 542075

leahm@aldingbourne.org

Chichester

We are fully accessible for wheelchair users and can cater for anyone with other specific access requirements. We are quieter during the week, and get usually get quite busy at the weekends. Afternoons tend to be quieter than the mornings. During…

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Hackney Empire

Address

291 Mare Street, London, London, E8 1EJ

Telephone
020 8985 2424

Box.office@hackneyempire.co.uk

London

Relaxed performances are specifically designed to welcome people who require a more relaxed environment, including people with a Alzheimer’s, Autism, sensory and communication disorders, or a learning disability. There is a relaxed attitude to noise…

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HMS Belfast

Address

The Queen's Walk, London, London, SE1 2JH

Telephone
020 7091 3067

London

Step on board this iconic London landmark. Navigate your way around the rooms of this floating city, climbing up and down ladders to visit all nine decks.

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The WonderWorks

Address

Hornby Hobbies Limited, Westwood Industrial Estate, Margate, Kent, CT9 4JX

Telephone
01843 233500

wonderworksmargate@hornby.com

Margate

WonderWorks will surprise and delight all generations, connecting them with their passions and the brands they love.

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Gilbert White’s House & Gardens

Address

High Street, Selborne, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 3JH

Telephone
01420 511275

Alton

We have two non-motorised wheelchairs that are available for hire. One standard foldable chair and an off-road wheelchair (pictured below). You can call ahead to book one of the wheelchairs by calling 01420 511275. There is an audio descriptive…

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