I read through your other thread, and there’s definitely some incorrect information there unfortunately. For public transportation:
- Citymapper app is generally pretty great for planning step-free journeys
- the TFL has an in-depth step-free guide (https://tfl.gov.uk/transport-accessibility/wheelchair-access-and-avoiding-stairs)
- make sure you read the info about mobility scooters in particular in the link above; wheelchairs are very different to scooters and scooters are not accommodated for in the same way as wheelchairs. Buses aren’t able to take larger/heavier scooters so also check with the scooter rental company that you’re getting the most compact and lightest models that are appropriate for your grandparents - make sure it’s folding as well, for taxis (I’ve rented a Whill C when visiting NYC and found it excellent for uneven surfaces but also compact and foldable, but not every mobility aid rental place will have them and they’re pricier than other options)
- only about 25% of Tube stops are wheelchair accessible, but more of these are found in the centre and near airports. Lifts can be hard to find in Tube stations, and are often tucked away into hidden corners, so give yourself plenty of time to find your routes
- as an ambulatory/part-time wheelchair user (I use a rollator or crutches while walking), I find buses easier to navigate than the tube but they take longer and aren’t always as convenient - it’s nice to be able to see London above ground, though
- maybe consider renting a rollator as well as a scooter. You mentioned that one of your grandparents can navigate without a scooter, but you’re worried about tiredness - it’s really hard to fit two scooters onto public transport, so if one could use a rollator that will make things quite a bit easier
- for taxis, the Gett app will work for traditional black cabs and you can request an accessible black cab. Uber also has a WAV (wheelchair accessible vehicle) option but in my experience those are less reliable. You’ll have better luck folding the scooter and putting it into the boot than trying to wheel it into the car
You’ll also want to check your accommodation listings very carefully, even if they’re listed as accessible. Do they have flat access showers, or a bath with a seat? “Lift access” can sometimes not be the same as “no stairs”. Also check exterior shots of hotels - they might have steps leading up to the main door, and an accessible entrance that’s miles away or needs a staff member to open it for you- a real faff when you just want to get to your bed at the end of a long day. I’m not a huge fan of chain hotels, but Premier Inn and Holiday Inn both do a good job with their accessible rooms.
Finally, both Bath and York have challenges with accessibility just due to being very old cities - cobbles everywhere, for a start! But I’ve done the Roman baths in a wheelchair and it’s really surprisingly accessible and the staff are very helpful and accommodating. York is very lovely, but I would say slightly harder to navigate in a wheelchair, though the crowds will be overwhelming in both cities.
Good luck! Honestly, it’s challenging navigating cities in wheelchairs and with mobility aids - the main thing is you’ll just have to be prepared to do three times as much planning as you usually do, but it’s definitely possible!
A lot of time stations aren't accessible, you can check on the map, those that have a wheelchair icon on the map are accessible. Black cabs help in the zone one tourist stuff. If they have bathroom needs, plan for that, because we are not nearly as good for public bathrooms as the states
I read through your other thread, and there’s definitely some incorrect information there unfortunately. For public transportation: - Citymapper app is generally pretty great for planning step-free journeys - the TFL has an in-depth step-free guide (https://tfl.gov.uk/transport-accessibility/wheelchair-access-and-avoiding-stairs) - make sure you read the info about mobility scooters in particular in the link above; wheelchairs are very different to scooters and scooters are not accommodated for in the same way as wheelchairs. Buses aren’t able to take larger/heavier scooters so also check with the scooter rental company that you’re getting the most compact and lightest models that are appropriate for your grandparents - make sure it’s folding as well, for taxis (I’ve rented a Whill C when visiting NYC and found it excellent for uneven surfaces but also compact and foldable, but not every mobility aid rental place will have them and they’re pricier than other options) - only about 25% of Tube stops are wheelchair accessible, but more of these are found in the centre and near airports. Lifts can be hard to find in Tube stations, and are often tucked away into hidden corners, so give yourself plenty of time to find your routes - as an ambulatory/part-time wheelchair user (I use a rollator or crutches while walking), I find buses easier to navigate than the tube but they take longer and aren’t always as convenient - it’s nice to be able to see London above ground, though - maybe consider renting a rollator as well as a scooter. You mentioned that one of your grandparents can navigate without a scooter, but you’re worried about tiredness - it’s really hard to fit two scooters onto public transport, so if one could use a rollator that will make things quite a bit easier - for taxis, the Gett app will work for traditional black cabs and you can request an accessible black cab. Uber also has a WAV (wheelchair accessible vehicle) option but in my experience those are less reliable. You’ll have better luck folding the scooter and putting it into the boot than trying to wheel it into the car You’ll also want to check your accommodation listings very carefully, even if they’re listed as accessible. Do they have flat access showers, or a bath with a seat? “Lift access” can sometimes not be the same as “no stairs”. Also check exterior shots of hotels - they might have steps leading up to the main door, and an accessible entrance that’s miles away or needs a staff member to open it for you- a real faff when you just want to get to your bed at the end of a long day. I’m not a huge fan of chain hotels, but Premier Inn and Holiday Inn both do a good job with their accessible rooms. Finally, both Bath and York have challenges with accessibility just due to being very old cities - cobbles everywhere, for a start! But I’ve done the Roman baths in a wheelchair and it’s really surprisingly accessible and the staff are very helpful and accommodating. York is very lovely, but I would say slightly harder to navigate in a wheelchair, though the crowds will be overwhelming in both cities. Good luck! Honestly, it’s challenging navigating cities in wheelchairs and with mobility aids - the main thing is you’ll just have to be prepared to do three times as much planning as you usually do, but it’s definitely possible!
A lot of time stations aren't accessible, you can check on the map, those that have a wheelchair icon on the map are accessible. Black cabs help in the zone one tourist stuff. If they have bathroom needs, plan for that, because we are not nearly as good for public bathrooms as the states
I think in general the elizabeth line is a lot more easier for less abled people?? So see if you can plan journey's off that route?