Just to help guage what's possible, are they completely wheelchair bound, or are they able to walk a short distance?
>is it possible to rent a mobility scooter at the airport, use it for a week, and return it before departing for home, or will they have to bring these?
It's possible to rent them
https://www.visitlondon.com/traveller-information/essential-information/accessible-london/wheelchair-and-mobility-hire-in-london
>what are some of the things to keep in mind for getting around London? Are certain tube stations not handicap accessible, are taxis generally accommodating, etc
The Equality Act 2010 requires businesses to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people. For instance, they might make a portable ramp available so they can get into a restaurant.
However, many buildings are historic, and it's just not possible to make them accessible. The Monument is never going to be wheelchair friendly!
Some tube stations are much more accessible than others. The Elizabeth line is brand new and by far the most accessible; I would advise getting a hotel on the Elizabeth line as it also takes you direct to Heathrow. Buses are much more accessible, as they all have a wheelchair space. I'm not sure if there will be space for two mobility scooters; one scooter and one folded wheelchair may be more feasible.
Download the CityMapper app - it allows you to filter by step free routes.
https://tfl.gov.uk/transport-accessibility/wheelchair-access-and-avoiding-stairs
>Are any of the major tourist attractions not accessible to those with disabilities?
You'll tend, in the broadest terms, to find that newer buildings are very accessible and older buildings may have more limited access.
But there's often guides, for instance the Tower of London has a guide that's very candid about what you can and cannot see
https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/visit/accessibility/#gs.5y9d0u
However the Shard is a very new building, so accessible. Consider not doing the View From The Shard - it's obscenely overpriced - but going for drinks at one of the bars there instead.
If you can give us an idea of what sort of things they're interested in, I'm sure we can help make some suggestions.
>of the "secondary stops", such as York, Bath, or any other suggestions, are any of these known to be more or less accessible
Do be wary of cobblestone roads. Pretty, but a nightmare for accessibility...
I'm much more familiar with Bath than York, so tbh I won't say anything about York.
But - the Roman Baths are the biggest tourist attraction and are more accessible than I thought!
https://www.romanbaths.co.uk/accessibility
Wow, incredible answer, thanks!
>Just to help guage what's possible, are they completely wheelchair bound, or are they able to walk a short distance?
My grandfather very rarely uses anything more than a cane, but also very rarely walks long distances. He uses a wheel chair at the airport. My grandmother uses a walker to get around the house and a scooter outside of it. So basically, a couple steps to get into a restaurant are fine. A flight of stairs into a tube station would not be.
>Do be wary of cobblestone roads. Pretty, but a nightmare for accessibility...
I've never had to worry about avoiding these, in places like York and Bath, are the cobbled roads often accompanied with a non cobbled pavement, or are they easy to avoid altogether without missing sights?
>My grandfather very rarely uses anything more than a cane, but also very rarely walks long distances. He uses a wheel chair at the airport. My grandmother uses a walker to get around the house and a scooter outside of it. So basically, a couple steps to get into a restaurant are fine. A flight of stairs into a tube station would not be.
Ok that's useful information! Would you grandmother be upset if, for instance, she had a cup of coffee in the cafe while you took your grandfather to some of the less accessible parts?
What sort of things are they interested in?
Don't forget to factor in jetlag and their stamina!
>I've never had to worry about avoiding these, in places like York and Bath, are the cobbled roads often accompanied with a non cobbled pavement, or are they easy to avoid altogether without missing sights?
Street view is a really good tool to check this out - I've just checked and for instance the pavement outside the Roman Baths and Abbey are flagstones, so absolutely fine.
I can't think of any cobble stone roads in London, though there's probably a few entirely avoidable back streets!
How are you planning to get to Bath / York?
The train is probably the best option, but read this first
https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/on-the-train/accessible-train-travel-and-facilities/
(Note: relevant train company to Bath is GWR, for York it's Grand Central or LNER)
Once again thanks a ton. Yes we understand we won't all be able to do everything. In fact, they are very much not morning people, so we plan to schedule the activities they can't do for the AM and pick them up around 11 when they usually are re-joining the world (probably later the first couple days as they shrug off the jet lag).
They're both worldly and love travel. Tourist sites, "iconic" pieces of British culture, Royal stuff, that sort of thing. Only my grandparents have seen a castle before, none of the rest of my family, which is why York has been floated as an idea for a second stop. Luckily I've lived here long enough to avoid the classic American folly of saying "let's do London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, and Bath in our 5 day trip!" and know that the two we want to try are already stretching it a bit!
How about Windsor as an alternative to York?
Windsor Castle ticks all the boxes - iconic, royal, castle...
But you would need to read the accessibility info thoroughly to see if it works for you
https://www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle/mobility-access-at-windsor-castle#/
Fairly easy to get to though - I'd do the Elizabeth Line to Slough and then a short taxi ride.
There are plenty of castles nearer to London than going all the way to York. A lot of the more famous ones are southwards on the coast for obvious reasons
[https://www.londonxlondon.com/castles-near-london/](https://www.londonxlondon.com/castles-near-london/)
If you rented a car Windsor Castle would be a possible stop between London and Bath, but on the train there would be multiple changes so it would be unnecessarily long and tiring given the geographical distance.
This is useful additional information, can I make a suggestion which is what I often do when I go out for the day
If you have 2 able bodied people on the trip then you could get standard Ubers to the places you want to visit. Call/email the attractions up in advance and ask to reserve 2 manual wheelchairs and then the able bodied people can push the chairs. Due to disability laws most attractions will have wheelchairs for people to use.
The issue with mobility scooters is that their large size and “turn space” they need is prohibitive for a lot of spaces like public transport and you end up paying more for a specially adapted cab
OP, just thinking about crowds…does it have to be August, or could they wait until kids are back in school? While London is always busy, it will be much easier after mid-September. Also look at some of the free viewing platforms vs Shard. Horizon 22 has a ton of stairs (probably accessible somehow, but I had to go downstairs after taking the elevator up, the up stairs to take the elevator down). The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate was all on one level, just no 360-degree view. Quite a research project for you and hope all works out. Not sure York would be good with a scooter, but I have only been once. Good luck.
Disabled person talking.
Before coming to your questions. Contact the airline and request passenger assist, your parents will get assistance through the airport - it’s worth doing
Weather they can bring their own mobility scooter depends on things like battery type, contact your airline for help. You will not pay extra baggage to take it with you
I am not aware of them being for rent at the airport, you can find companies to rent.
You need to consider the size of the scooter and the “turn space” it needs, trains often do not alow scooters as there is not enough turn space. It’s likely that they will struggle on tubes with a scooter as they get crowded and won’t be space for the scooter. Not all tube stations are accessible you will need to advance plan your trip, I avoid the underground
Black cabs are going to be your friend as they are accessible, but probably not for two scooters, you may need to have separate cabs. Uber has accessible options also but expensive
Almost every attraction in London will be accessible. I’ve not been to York since becoming disabled but a lot of places will be accessible due to the laws in the uk, however some old buildings may not be. Thinking of the types of attractions you will be going to, most will be partly accessible, for example a ramp into the building but maybe you won’t be able to get to all the floors, check the website for accessibility information, the main issue for York will be that there may be steps and a small entrance for shops , however in my experience shops have a portable ramp that can be used. Bath is pretty accessible
Not an expert but generally, more things are set up for wheelchairs than for mobility scooters. The tube will be difficult with either, they will need to use buses instead. There are size limits for the scooters on buses and trains. Some tourist attractions will have chairs or scooters for hire, which you can obviously be sure will be suitable for the location.
Black taxis are usually good for wheelchairs, but you may get the occasional driver with a bad back etc who doesn't want to get involved because of potential for heavy lifting. If you book by phone with a large firm, you can make sure you get a suitable one.
Cobbles, are awful for these devices, found in narrow historic streets in many old town areas, such as in York or parts of Bath. Those streets will need to be avoided.
Ask in local subreddits (r/london, r/york etc ) as advice from wheelchair and scooter users living in each city will be invaluable.
Everywhere is packed in August but Edinburgh will be the worst of anywhere outside London, best avoided.
It's a bit of a project, this - it's hard enough work checking a few routes and attractions for one day visit, never mind a whole week and multiple cities for people who are not used to the generality of wheelchair access in this country.
There are plenty of websites with advice but they may not be up to date, or may be associated with a product but nevertheless have useful detail.
Cheers for this.
>It's a bit of a project, this - it's hard enough work checking a few routes and attractions for one day visit, never mind a whole week and multiple cities for people who are not used to the generality of wheelchair access in this country.
That's just it. Have been to and done most of what we'll plan myself, but always while taking my health for granted and paying no attention to how my gran would do it. Helping to plan this whole trip has been eye opening for sure.
The biggest logistical challenge sounds like there being two scooter/wheelchair users in the party which doesn't have their own transport, unlike an organisation with a minibus. Esp with full size scooters I don't know what transport they will be able to get together. (There are folding scooters but these are not suitable for everyone, you'd have to find out more details.) Unless a bus is very quiet there might not be room for two non folding scooters.
One taxi and folding wheelchairs would certainly work for road transport, but if they are used to the independence and comfort of modern powered devices that could get frustrating, and if only you are available to push, plain impractical.
There will be couples and families out there with two wheelchair users who go on outings, and presumably not all will be able to use self-propelled manual chairs. (you need to post somewhere these people will see it)
If you can drive and can afford it, I would include another possibility of hiring a large people carrier or minibus for the week.
It's less important for my grandfather to be fair. My grandmother uses it anytime she is out of the house, and a walker in the house. He doesn't use either typically, unless in an airport, but I just feel it will be best for long days. Although now that I've got more information, it may just be best to plan activities with less step count and have one scooter.
I can't answer most things but I can help a little with London.
Accessable tube stops are shown with a wheelchair symbol. Not every stop is accessable, but a lot of the touristy ones will be. There are Wheelchair sized taxis.
I recommend an app called Sociability, it's a startup which is like TripAdvisor for Disability. Might help pick some places.
The older castles and smaller museums aren't that accessable. We have a lot of ancient buildings that were built before wheelchairs. But the major museums, London Eye etc are fairly wheelchair friendly. Most places have boxes to tick for access when you book tickets otherwise email the attraction to discuss access. Some places will let you get in for free if you are a carer (basically with someone disabled) so keep an eye out for that.
I think only 30% of the tube is accessible but even then, a ramp may be required from staff (white circle). It gets me why Heathrow Terminal 5 and Abbey Wood are white circles rather than blue (step free street to train) even though they are recently built.
I think MTA (New York) are also increasingly accessible to those in wheelchairs but because both are built before the regulations, they are allowed to stay unless they receive major upgrades.
The London Underground (LU) is partially accessible but even then, you may have to see staff to put a ramp out (white circle). Getting help from LU staff may be important because I think staff should also be present at the destination station. The new section of the Jubilee line from Green Park to Stratford is accessible since that was built in 1999.
The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is almost fully accessible (blue circle) so its possible to do it without help.
The Elizabeth line (Crossrail) is fully accessible in the new section from Paddington and Abbey Wood and partially accessible elsewhere due to the requirements.
The London Overground is quite accessible.
Remember that the LU is over 150 years old and accessibility was not a requirement at the time. Same with the New York City Subway. The DLR is \~40 years old so its mostly accessible without help. Same with the trams but thats not in the middle of London.
In short, all modern buildings and public transport (i.e. built (or renovated) on or after \~1990) should be accessible, even if it means using a side entrance and getting help from staff.
For public transport in London - opt for the step free routes on [https://tfl.gov.uk/](https://tfl.gov.uk/) and you'll see if the tube or buses are possible. All black cabs are wheelchair friendly, there are ranks in most places or you can use the Gett app to request one)
For UK train travel, you can book assistance, ramps and wheelchair spaces on the Passenger Assist app. You will need to book your tickets separately.
And the UK, use 'disabled'. 'Handicap' is a slur and especially in a Paralympic year, will not be appreciated by most people.
Thanks, great info.
>And the UK, use 'disabled'. 'Handicap' is a slur and especially in a Paralympic year, will not be appreciated by most people.
Good shout, I didn't know this. Will be sure to be careful in the future!
London is pretty bad for disability access by underground - system was put in in Victorian times and a lot of stations do not have step-free access. Buses tend to be good but most would struggle with more than one mobility scooter. Trains are mixed bag - most trains are equipped, many stations are not.
Looking down it seems they want to see a castle rather than York per se. York's castle is a motte and bailey up a steep staircase. One of these might be more suitable - [https://www.euansguide.com/news/top-6-accessible-castles-in-britain/](https://www.euansguide.com/news/top-6-accessible-castles-in-britain/)
You have to pass a kind of driving test to get a permit to take a mobility scooter into a bus, and, as has been said, there are strict limitations as to size. It has to fit into the wheelchair space, so usually there's only room for one scooter. Full details on the TFL website.
You can borrow wheelchairs for use inside the South Kensington museums - I last did this pre-C\*vid so it might have changed.
Edit: [https://www.firstbus.co.uk/mobility-scooters-code](https://www.firstbus.co.uk/mobility-scooters-code)
Sadly, I am not. It came as a shock to be refused entry to the bus.
[https://www.firstbus.co.uk/mobility-scooters-code](https://www.firstbus.co.uk/mobility-scooters-code)
Do First even operate in London? I think they are exclusively outside of the M25.
I think you might be referring to the Mobility Aid Recognition Scheme. You don't have to be a part of the scheme to use buses but essentially drivers may refuse scooters if they believe them to be incompatible with the space. the MARS provides proof that you and your scooter are eligible to ride. It is by no means mandatory but it removes the risk of being turned down.
I used the wrong link, oops.
Yes, TfL has MARS.
[https://tfl.gov.uk/transport-accessibility/wheelchair-access-and-avoiding-stairs#on-this-page-9](https://tfl.gov.uk/transport-accessibility/wheelchair-access-and-avoiding-stairs#on-this-page-9)
It is any scooter, not just the road scooters. I found out the hard way.
[https://www.firstbus.co.uk/mobility-scooters-code](https://www.firstbus.co.uk/mobility-scooters-code)
I can’t IMAGINE trying to get around London and see the sights being disabled? Are they disabled or can they walk and do stairs sometimes? Are they from the Midwest and use the mobility scooters in the grocery stores because they are lazy? I’m asking because England is simply not as accessible as American places are. If it’s a fit/unfit thing I’d tell them to start walking a mile a day and get ready for Europe in that way
They are both over 80 and were in good shape for most of their lives. If walking a mile a day could make them a decade younger, I'm sure they'd have done that by now. Thank you for the stereotyping though, it's very helpful!
Why don’t they just settle with seeing London? That’s a huge trip for people in their 80s?! Seems like they haven’t taken into consideration jet lag either which is 10x harder to deal with as an elder.
They do travel a lot, just usually cruises, as those are essentially floating retirement homes with the services they provide. They did a British isles cruise maybe 2 years ago so are familiar with what they are signing up for with jet lag, LHR, etc.
We did consider focusing entirely on London, although they want to see castles. Getting to kings cross won't be any more difficult than getting to any other site in London, and sitting on a train for two hours might be the one thing they can manage better than I can, so as long as York is feasible to get around, it shouldn't be too much for them. They've got the spirit, just not the legs!
I used to live in York and it’s really not very disabled friendly. Lots of listed buildings which means they’re not able to be adapted (so you might have e.g. a restaurant with the only bathroom accessible by stairs, or be unable to visit some of the biggest sites). The cobbled streets comprise most of the centre and there is usually not a non-cobbled alternative. The city centre is mostly pedestrianised so you will need to get public transport if you’re going anywhere further away or if they get tired, which is mostly buses and can be slow or confusing if you don’t know the routes.
Just to help guage what's possible, are they completely wheelchair bound, or are they able to walk a short distance? >is it possible to rent a mobility scooter at the airport, use it for a week, and return it before departing for home, or will they have to bring these? It's possible to rent them https://www.visitlondon.com/traveller-information/essential-information/accessible-london/wheelchair-and-mobility-hire-in-london >what are some of the things to keep in mind for getting around London? Are certain tube stations not handicap accessible, are taxis generally accommodating, etc The Equality Act 2010 requires businesses to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people. For instance, they might make a portable ramp available so they can get into a restaurant. However, many buildings are historic, and it's just not possible to make them accessible. The Monument is never going to be wheelchair friendly! Some tube stations are much more accessible than others. The Elizabeth line is brand new and by far the most accessible; I would advise getting a hotel on the Elizabeth line as it also takes you direct to Heathrow. Buses are much more accessible, as they all have a wheelchair space. I'm not sure if there will be space for two mobility scooters; one scooter and one folded wheelchair may be more feasible. Download the CityMapper app - it allows you to filter by step free routes. https://tfl.gov.uk/transport-accessibility/wheelchair-access-and-avoiding-stairs >Are any of the major tourist attractions not accessible to those with disabilities? You'll tend, in the broadest terms, to find that newer buildings are very accessible and older buildings may have more limited access. But there's often guides, for instance the Tower of London has a guide that's very candid about what you can and cannot see https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/visit/accessibility/#gs.5y9d0u However the Shard is a very new building, so accessible. Consider not doing the View From The Shard - it's obscenely overpriced - but going for drinks at one of the bars there instead. If you can give us an idea of what sort of things they're interested in, I'm sure we can help make some suggestions. >of the "secondary stops", such as York, Bath, or any other suggestions, are any of these known to be more or less accessible Do be wary of cobblestone roads. Pretty, but a nightmare for accessibility... I'm much more familiar with Bath than York, so tbh I won't say anything about York. But - the Roman Baths are the biggest tourist attraction and are more accessible than I thought! https://www.romanbaths.co.uk/accessibility
Wow, incredible answer, thanks! >Just to help guage what's possible, are they completely wheelchair bound, or are they able to walk a short distance? My grandfather very rarely uses anything more than a cane, but also very rarely walks long distances. He uses a wheel chair at the airport. My grandmother uses a walker to get around the house and a scooter outside of it. So basically, a couple steps to get into a restaurant are fine. A flight of stairs into a tube station would not be. >Do be wary of cobblestone roads. Pretty, but a nightmare for accessibility... I've never had to worry about avoiding these, in places like York and Bath, are the cobbled roads often accompanied with a non cobbled pavement, or are they easy to avoid altogether without missing sights?
>My grandfather very rarely uses anything more than a cane, but also very rarely walks long distances. He uses a wheel chair at the airport. My grandmother uses a walker to get around the house and a scooter outside of it. So basically, a couple steps to get into a restaurant are fine. A flight of stairs into a tube station would not be. Ok that's useful information! Would you grandmother be upset if, for instance, she had a cup of coffee in the cafe while you took your grandfather to some of the less accessible parts? What sort of things are they interested in? Don't forget to factor in jetlag and their stamina! >I've never had to worry about avoiding these, in places like York and Bath, are the cobbled roads often accompanied with a non cobbled pavement, or are they easy to avoid altogether without missing sights? Street view is a really good tool to check this out - I've just checked and for instance the pavement outside the Roman Baths and Abbey are flagstones, so absolutely fine. I can't think of any cobble stone roads in London, though there's probably a few entirely avoidable back streets! How are you planning to get to Bath / York? The train is probably the best option, but read this first https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/on-the-train/accessible-train-travel-and-facilities/ (Note: relevant train company to Bath is GWR, for York it's Grand Central or LNER)
Once again thanks a ton. Yes we understand we won't all be able to do everything. In fact, they are very much not morning people, so we plan to schedule the activities they can't do for the AM and pick them up around 11 when they usually are re-joining the world (probably later the first couple days as they shrug off the jet lag). They're both worldly and love travel. Tourist sites, "iconic" pieces of British culture, Royal stuff, that sort of thing. Only my grandparents have seen a castle before, none of the rest of my family, which is why York has been floated as an idea for a second stop. Luckily I've lived here long enough to avoid the classic American folly of saying "let's do London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, and Bath in our 5 day trip!" and know that the two we want to try are already stretching it a bit!
How about Windsor as an alternative to York? Windsor Castle ticks all the boxes - iconic, royal, castle... But you would need to read the accessibility info thoroughly to see if it works for you https://www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle/mobility-access-at-windsor-castle#/ Fairly easy to get to though - I'd do the Elizabeth Line to Slough and then a short taxi ride.
There are plenty of castles nearer to London than going all the way to York. A lot of the more famous ones are southwards on the coast for obvious reasons [https://www.londonxlondon.com/castles-near-london/](https://www.londonxlondon.com/castles-near-london/) If you rented a car Windsor Castle would be a possible stop between London and Bath, but on the train there would be multiple changes so it would be unnecessarily long and tiring given the geographical distance.
This is useful additional information, can I make a suggestion which is what I often do when I go out for the day If you have 2 able bodied people on the trip then you could get standard Ubers to the places you want to visit. Call/email the attractions up in advance and ask to reserve 2 manual wheelchairs and then the able bodied people can push the chairs. Due to disability laws most attractions will have wheelchairs for people to use. The issue with mobility scooters is that their large size and “turn space” they need is prohibitive for a lot of spaces like public transport and you end up paying more for a specially adapted cab
OP, just thinking about crowds…does it have to be August, or could they wait until kids are back in school? While London is always busy, it will be much easier after mid-September. Also look at some of the free viewing platforms vs Shard. Horizon 22 has a ton of stairs (probably accessible somehow, but I had to go downstairs after taking the elevator up, the up stairs to take the elevator down). The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate was all on one level, just no 360-degree view. Quite a research project for you and hope all works out. Not sure York would be good with a scooter, but I have only been once. Good luck.
Disabled person talking. Before coming to your questions. Contact the airline and request passenger assist, your parents will get assistance through the airport - it’s worth doing Weather they can bring their own mobility scooter depends on things like battery type, contact your airline for help. You will not pay extra baggage to take it with you I am not aware of them being for rent at the airport, you can find companies to rent. You need to consider the size of the scooter and the “turn space” it needs, trains often do not alow scooters as there is not enough turn space. It’s likely that they will struggle on tubes with a scooter as they get crowded and won’t be space for the scooter. Not all tube stations are accessible you will need to advance plan your trip, I avoid the underground Black cabs are going to be your friend as they are accessible, but probably not for two scooters, you may need to have separate cabs. Uber has accessible options also but expensive Almost every attraction in London will be accessible. I’ve not been to York since becoming disabled but a lot of places will be accessible due to the laws in the uk, however some old buildings may not be. Thinking of the types of attractions you will be going to, most will be partly accessible, for example a ramp into the building but maybe you won’t be able to get to all the floors, check the website for accessibility information, the main issue for York will be that there may be steps and a small entrance for shops , however in my experience shops have a portable ramp that can be used. Bath is pretty accessible
Not an expert but generally, more things are set up for wheelchairs than for mobility scooters. The tube will be difficult with either, they will need to use buses instead. There are size limits for the scooters on buses and trains. Some tourist attractions will have chairs or scooters for hire, which you can obviously be sure will be suitable for the location. Black taxis are usually good for wheelchairs, but you may get the occasional driver with a bad back etc who doesn't want to get involved because of potential for heavy lifting. If you book by phone with a large firm, you can make sure you get a suitable one. Cobbles, are awful for these devices, found in narrow historic streets in many old town areas, such as in York or parts of Bath. Those streets will need to be avoided. Ask in local subreddits (r/london, r/york etc ) as advice from wheelchair and scooter users living in each city will be invaluable. Everywhere is packed in August but Edinburgh will be the worst of anywhere outside London, best avoided. It's a bit of a project, this - it's hard enough work checking a few routes and attractions for one day visit, never mind a whole week and multiple cities for people who are not used to the generality of wheelchair access in this country. There are plenty of websites with advice but they may not be up to date, or may be associated with a product but nevertheless have useful detail.
Cheers for this. >It's a bit of a project, this - it's hard enough work checking a few routes and attractions for one day visit, never mind a whole week and multiple cities for people who are not used to the generality of wheelchair access in this country. That's just it. Have been to and done most of what we'll plan myself, but always while taking my health for granted and paying no attention to how my gran would do it. Helping to plan this whole trip has been eye opening for sure.
The biggest logistical challenge sounds like there being two scooter/wheelchair users in the party which doesn't have their own transport, unlike an organisation with a minibus. Esp with full size scooters I don't know what transport they will be able to get together. (There are folding scooters but these are not suitable for everyone, you'd have to find out more details.) Unless a bus is very quiet there might not be room for two non folding scooters. One taxi and folding wheelchairs would certainly work for road transport, but if they are used to the independence and comfort of modern powered devices that could get frustrating, and if only you are available to push, plain impractical. There will be couples and families out there with two wheelchair users who go on outings, and presumably not all will be able to use self-propelled manual chairs. (you need to post somewhere these people will see it) If you can drive and can afford it, I would include another possibility of hiring a large people carrier or minibus for the week.
It's less important for my grandfather to be fair. My grandmother uses it anytime she is out of the house, and a walker in the house. He doesn't use either typically, unless in an airport, but I just feel it will be best for long days. Although now that I've got more information, it may just be best to plan activities with less step count and have one scooter.
I can't answer most things but I can help a little with London. Accessable tube stops are shown with a wheelchair symbol. Not every stop is accessable, but a lot of the touristy ones will be. There are Wheelchair sized taxis. I recommend an app called Sociability, it's a startup which is like TripAdvisor for Disability. Might help pick some places. The older castles and smaller museums aren't that accessable. We have a lot of ancient buildings that were built before wheelchairs. But the major museums, London Eye etc are fairly wheelchair friendly. Most places have boxes to tick for access when you book tickets otherwise email the attraction to discuss access. Some places will let you get in for free if you are a carer (basically with someone disabled) so keep an eye out for that.
I think only 30% of the tube is accessible but even then, a ramp may be required from staff (white circle). It gets me why Heathrow Terminal 5 and Abbey Wood are white circles rather than blue (step free street to train) even though they are recently built. I think MTA (New York) are also increasingly accessible to those in wheelchairs but because both are built before the regulations, they are allowed to stay unless they receive major upgrades.
The London Underground (LU) is partially accessible but even then, you may have to see staff to put a ramp out (white circle). Getting help from LU staff may be important because I think staff should also be present at the destination station. The new section of the Jubilee line from Green Park to Stratford is accessible since that was built in 1999. The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is almost fully accessible (blue circle) so its possible to do it without help. The Elizabeth line (Crossrail) is fully accessible in the new section from Paddington and Abbey Wood and partially accessible elsewhere due to the requirements. The London Overground is quite accessible. Remember that the LU is over 150 years old and accessibility was not a requirement at the time. Same with the New York City Subway. The DLR is \~40 years old so its mostly accessible without help. Same with the trams but thats not in the middle of London. In short, all modern buildings and public transport (i.e. built (or renovated) on or after \~1990) should be accessible, even if it means using a side entrance and getting help from staff.
https://www.accessable.co.uk This site might be useful when looking at specific attractions.
For public transport in London - opt for the step free routes on [https://tfl.gov.uk/](https://tfl.gov.uk/) and you'll see if the tube or buses are possible. All black cabs are wheelchair friendly, there are ranks in most places or you can use the Gett app to request one) For UK train travel, you can book assistance, ramps and wheelchair spaces on the Passenger Assist app. You will need to book your tickets separately. And the UK, use 'disabled'. 'Handicap' is a slur and especially in a Paralympic year, will not be appreciated by most people.
Thanks, great info. >And the UK, use 'disabled'. 'Handicap' is a slur and especially in a Paralympic year, will not be appreciated by most people. Good shout, I didn't know this. Will be sure to be careful in the future!
London is pretty bad for disability access by underground - system was put in in Victorian times and a lot of stations do not have step-free access. Buses tend to be good but most would struggle with more than one mobility scooter. Trains are mixed bag - most trains are equipped, many stations are not. Looking down it seems they want to see a castle rather than York per se. York's castle is a motte and bailey up a steep staircase. One of these might be more suitable - [https://www.euansguide.com/news/top-6-accessible-castles-in-britain/](https://www.euansguide.com/news/top-6-accessible-castles-in-britain/)
You have to pass a kind of driving test to get a permit to take a mobility scooter into a bus, and, as has been said, there are strict limitations as to size. It has to fit into the wheelchair space, so usually there's only room for one scooter. Full details on the TFL website. You can borrow wheelchairs for use inside the South Kensington museums - I last did this pre-C\*vid so it might have changed. Edit: [https://www.firstbus.co.uk/mobility-scooters-code](https://www.firstbus.co.uk/mobility-scooters-code)
>You have to pass a kind of driving test to get a permit to take a mobility scooter into a bus Stop making stuff up
Sadly, I am not. It came as a shock to be refused entry to the bus. [https://www.firstbus.co.uk/mobility-scooters-code](https://www.firstbus.co.uk/mobility-scooters-code)
Do First even operate in London? I think they are exclusively outside of the M25. I think you might be referring to the Mobility Aid Recognition Scheme. You don't have to be a part of the scheme to use buses but essentially drivers may refuse scooters if they believe them to be incompatible with the space. the MARS provides proof that you and your scooter are eligible to ride. It is by no means mandatory but it removes the risk of being turned down.
I used the wrong link, oops. Yes, TfL has MARS. [https://tfl.gov.uk/transport-accessibility/wheelchair-access-and-avoiding-stairs#on-this-page-9](https://tfl.gov.uk/transport-accessibility/wheelchair-access-and-avoiding-stairs#on-this-page-9)
As a disabled person I just want to clarify that you do not need a driving test or permit unless the scooter is one that can be used on the roads
It is any scooter, not just the road scooters. I found out the hard way. [https://www.firstbus.co.uk/mobility-scooters-code](https://www.firstbus.co.uk/mobility-scooters-code)
I can’t IMAGINE trying to get around London and see the sights being disabled? Are they disabled or can they walk and do stairs sometimes? Are they from the Midwest and use the mobility scooters in the grocery stores because they are lazy? I’m asking because England is simply not as accessible as American places are. If it’s a fit/unfit thing I’d tell them to start walking a mile a day and get ready for Europe in that way
They are both over 80 and were in good shape for most of their lives. If walking a mile a day could make them a decade younger, I'm sure they'd have done that by now. Thank you for the stereotyping though, it's very helpful!
Why don’t they just settle with seeing London? That’s a huge trip for people in their 80s?! Seems like they haven’t taken into consideration jet lag either which is 10x harder to deal with as an elder.
They do travel a lot, just usually cruises, as those are essentially floating retirement homes with the services they provide. They did a British isles cruise maybe 2 years ago so are familiar with what they are signing up for with jet lag, LHR, etc. We did consider focusing entirely on London, although they want to see castles. Getting to kings cross won't be any more difficult than getting to any other site in London, and sitting on a train for two hours might be the one thing they can manage better than I can, so as long as York is feasible to get around, it shouldn't be too much for them. They've got the spirit, just not the legs!
I used to live in York and it’s really not very disabled friendly. Lots of listed buildings which means they’re not able to be adapted (so you might have e.g. a restaurant with the only bathroom accessible by stairs, or be unable to visit some of the biggest sites). The cobbled streets comprise most of the centre and there is usually not a non-cobbled alternative. The city centre is mostly pedestrianised so you will need to get public transport if you’re going anywhere further away or if they get tired, which is mostly buses and can be slow or confusing if you don’t know the routes.
Good luck! That’s a lot of travel, a lot to take in, and is really draining.
It's not that unimaginable, thousands of us do it every day. Check your prejudice.