Accessible Britain

LONDON
Greenwich Park, the site of the Royal Observatory, is London’s oldest royal park, and
quite possibly its most beautiful. The views from the hilltop where the observatory
stands are spectacular, taking in the Thames and much of London. Other highlights
include the Wilderness Deer Park and Flower Garden. In the summer of 2012,
Greenwich Park provided a suitably grand backdrop to the Olympic Equestrian and
Modern Pentathlon events and the Paralympic Dressage competition.
The greatest challenge that faces those with limited mobility is the steep hill in the
centre of the park. If gradients are a problem, your best bet is to drive to the upper park:
take the Blackheath Gate entrance on Charlton Way for the nine disabled bays where
Blue Badge holders can park free of charge for up to four hours. There are a number of
wheelchair accessible toilets around the park.
022 WWT London Wetland Centre
Address: Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes SW13 9WT Web: www.wwt.org.uk/london Tel: 020 84094400
Hours: daily Apr–Oct 9.30am–6pm, Nov–Mar 9.30am–5pm; last admission one hour before closing Dates:
closed 25 Dec Entry: [D]£9.50 [C]free [A]£12.75 [4–16s]£7 [under 4s]free [Con]£9.50 [Fam]£35.55
Occupying a 105-acre reserve by a meander of the Thames in southwest London, the
Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust’s London Wetland Centre is a paragon of ornithological
conservation, a mecca for birdwatchers and an international Site of Special Scientific
Interest. A maze of accessible paths and boardwalks takes you around the marshes
and over the lakes to view birdlife from Britain and migrants from around the world.
Apart from the profusion of wild birds such as lapwings, gadwalls and kingfishers you
can also see a collection of exotic water birds from around the world. Six hides are
scattered across the site, enabling you to watch the birds and other wildlife without
being obtrusive. In addition, a large glass observatory provides a panoramic view across
the lake, while the indoor interactive Discovery Centre and outdoor Explore play area
cater handsomely for younger visitors.
There are several disabled parking spots in the car park, adjacent to the main visitor
centre; if you’re using the pedestrian entrance, watch out for raised cracks in the
tarmac, marked by yellow paint. The visitor centre has some heavy doors but they’re
often wedged open; otherwise, staff can assist. The paths are mostly asphalt, with
boardwalks and some compacted shingle, though in the World Wetlands area there are
lots of wildlife gates to be opened and closed. There are several accessible toilets, with
Braille signage, and all but two of the hides are single storey with level entry, as is the
Sand Martin Nest Bank. The nearby Peacock Tower hide has a lift allowing everyone
access to the dramatic views across the water.
FOOD & DRINK aa As well as neatly tended picnic areas, the centre has the Water’s Edge
Restaurant – eat on the terrace and observe the family of swans. The menu is clearly
displayed on a chalkboard.
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