Accessible Britain

the Painted Hall and chapel. There is
limited on-site disabled parking (book
ahead).
020 National Maritime
Museum and Royal
Observatory
Address: Museum: Romney Road SE10 9NF;
Observatory: Blackheath Avenue SE10 8XJ
Web: www.rmg.co.uk/national-maritimemuseum
Email: access@nmm.ac.uk Tel:
tickets 020 83126608; access 020 83126746
Hours: daily 10am–5pm; last admission 30
FOOD & DRINK aa Salads, sandwiches, light
meals and home-baked cakes are on
offer at the Museum Café in the National
Maritime Museum, in a lovely setting with
wonderful views over Greenwich Park.
The Brasserie in the museum is a pricey
but delicious alternative. Alternatively,
try one of the many eating options at
Greenwich Market, nearby. Although the
centre of the market can be challenging
for wheelchair users, with its crowds
and cobbles, the edges, where many of
the cafés are situated, are more easily
navigated. Monsoon Café (020 8853 4495)
has accessible alleyway seating and is a
popular choice for coffee and cake.
mins before closing Dates: closed 24–26 Dec Entry: museums and observatory free; planetarium [D]£5.50
[C]free [A]£7.50 [3–15s]£5.50 [Con]£6.50 [Fam]£27.50
LONDON
Immediately south of the Old Royal Naval College stands the National Maritime
Museum, whose Maritime Galleries celebrate five hundred years of British seafaring
history. Naval battles, great explorers and sea traders are all covered, with exhibits
ranging from maritime art and model ships to Nelson’s Trafalgar coat. The Sammy
Ofer wing is full of technical wizardry, including an impressive audio-visual “wave”
that tells the story of Britons and the sea. Outside, an uphill stroll through Greenwich
Park brings you to the Royal Observatory, the home of Greenwich Mean Time and the
Meridian Line. While you’re here, learn about the universe, longitude and the history
of time-keeping in the Astronomy and Time Galleries, or catch one of the lively shows
at the new planetarium.
All floors of the Maritime Galleries are accessible, as are the Astronomy Galleries and
planetarium (with dedicated wheelchair seating) at the Royal Observatory. In addition,
wheelchair users can access the Meridian Line and Time Galleries via an external lift in
the Astronomer’s Garden. There are adapted toilets at both sites. The museum’s website
has excellent access information, including downloadable audio and large-print guides.
There are three disabled parking bays at the Royal Observatory and spaces can be
booked at the Maritime Galleries car park (020 83126608).
021 Greenwich Park
Address: Greenwich Park Office, Blackheath Gate, Charlton Way SE10 8QY Web: www.royalparks.
org.uk Tel: 0300 0612380 Hours: winter 6am–6pm, summer 6am–9.30pm (check for exact closing
times) Entry: free; pay-and-display parking, or free for up to 4 hours with Blue Badge.
33