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Sunday 22nd November
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 Open doors - the best of new London
 There is every reason to come to London if you have special needs - lots of attractions have been built or improved in the last two years (under new legislation) making the city much more accessible. Here's just a few ideas to help you plan the places to go and things to see.
 British Airways London Eye
 The British Airways London Eye is one of London's most popular new attractions. The 135-metre high wheel's 30-minute flight gives fabulous views over the capital. It is completely chair accessible - the wheel can be temporarily stopped or slowed to allow safe entry. (They cannot, however, lift you in or out and there is a restriction of eight chair users per flight/two chairs per capsule.) Call 0870 5000 600 to pre-book tickets - this line also gives detailed information on the best access routes from Waterloo Eurostar terminal and Westminster tube. It costs £7.00/£7.50 depending when you 'fly', plus 50p booking fee, although they do allow one carer free. There is also a Tussaud's Group booking line (they operate the wheel) call 0870 400 3005, where they have a typetalk facility for hearing-impaired customers. The British Museum
The British Museum* (information line: 020 7636 1555) now has a fabulous new public area, the Queen Elizabeth II Great Court. This great space offers wonderful views, coffee shops, accessible loos and an information desk at the south end that provides plans, large print leaflets and advice about access. The museum offers limited parking in the forecourt, ramps at the entrance, provides sound guides and accepts guide dogs. Lambeth Palace
Lambeth Palace (020 7898 1200) home of the Archbishop of Canterbury, is open to the public on Wednesday and Thursdays in 2001 (except in August). This glorious medieval building has been made wheelchair accessible - including the oldest part of the Palace, the Crypt, plus the historic Chapel and Library. There is an explanatory video about the Archbishop's work and the history of the building, which has subtitles for the audibly impaired. Disabled loos are available at the beginning/end of the tour. London Zoo
London Zoo (020 7722 3333) is improving its access arrangements for special needs groups across the site, most of which is chair-accessible. The new Web of Life exhibition has been designed for maximum disabled access, with low level push button doors and gentle ramps to both levels. There are 65 live animal exhibits, all displayed at a level to help chair users and children. Chair-users' helpers are admitted free, but unfortunately guide dogs are not permitted within the zoo itself (although they can be cared for on the premises). The National Maritime Museum
The National Maritime Museum's attractive new award-winning galleries (020 8858 4422) are fully accessible. The museum has a number of facilities and events for people with special needs - this includes those with learning difficulties. In addition to providing braille and large print guides, the Museum has seven or eight sign-interpreted programmes a year, a pioneering deaf astronomers club and is currently working on astronomy shows for the visually impaired. Many activities are provided for schools and families, and there are child-sized wheelchairs (as well as adult sized ones) which can be borrowed. National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery's new wing is entirely accessible, apart from two landings, (one of which can be reached via a stair climber). The Orange Street entrance to the Gallery is ramped and gives access to the old section, which is mostly accessible. There are also special events for deaf and hearing-impaired visitors. Tate Modern
Tate Modern* (020 7887 8000) is housed in the stunning building converted from Bankside Power Station, overlooking the River Thames - access for chair users is very good. The fabulous exhibits of modern art include works by Hockney, Matisse, Picasso and Damien Hirst. Entrance for wheelchairs, prams and buggies is via the North Entrance (beside the chimney) reached via the river walkway. Access leads directly to Level 2, from where there are lifts - and staircases - to all floors. Assistance dogs are welcome and there are six wheelchairs available (pre-booking required) for use by visitors. * = free entrance (some special exhibitions excepted)
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Madame Tussaud's allows free entry for registered disabled.
Hampton Court Palace and Lo...
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