3 Accessible Activities this May Bank Holiday weekend

May bank holiday weekend is one of my favourite times of year, mainly because it’s the first of year I get to be out in the garden burning a few sausages on my BBQ. But judging by the bitterly cold April we’ve all been enduring I’m not sure if barbecuing in our shorts will be an option this May Day. So here are three great options to try out this weekend…

1. Celebrate 400 years of “The Bard” with a trip to the Globe. 

23^rd April 2016 was the 400^th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, and why don’t you commemorate the life of our greatest ever playwright with a trip to the globe? 

Shakespeare's Globe is well known for the excellent help and services it provides those with specific requirements. They have a dedicated access line for any enquiries and encourage all visitors with disabilities to contact them beforehand to discuss any personal requirements.

Currently, much of the theatre, including the exhibition space and bars are accessible to any and all patrons. 

The theatre has regular shows aimed at providing a more enjoyable experience for those that are Deaf / hearing impaired or visually imapired / blind. These include captioned, audio described and sign language interpreted performances. There are also a number of Relaxed Performances for those that would benefit from a less overwhelming environment. 

Limitless Travel: Shakespeare’s Globe access guide

2.   Shop, Drop, Eat & Rest your feet at Camden Lock Market

The market offers visitors a wide variety of stalls and traders offering crafts, art, clothes, gifts, games and music, as well as the large selection of food stalls selling cuisine from all over the world. Camden's reputation as one of the most vibrant and trendy neighbourhoods in London makes a visit all the more worthwhile and there is plenty to see and do outside of the market.

Although some of the more narrow lanes can become choked and frustrating to move through on busy days, the Lock Market is nearly completely accessible to all visitors, with a lift situated in the North West corner of Market Hall. A ramp grants access to the building and the majority of the floor space is paved and flat. 

Limitless Travel: Camden Lock Market access guide

3. Sing Happy Birthday Ma’am

Another great event in British History was celebrated this month – the Queen’s 90^th Birthday – and what better way to mark the occasion than a trip down to her abode?

As the official London residence of the British Monarchy, Buckingham Palace is one of the biggest and most visited attractions in the UK. They have done a great deal to make the building as accessible as possible to those with mobility impairments. For those that require step-free or wheelchair access, advanced booking is essential and visitors should contact the Specialist Sales line order to do so. 

The Palace has installed induction loops at most customer interaction points and the multimedia tours are compatible with hearing aids. A printed copy of the tour script is also available on request. British Sign Language (BSL) video tours can be borrowed free of charge and guide and assistance dogs are permitted throughout the building, with water available too. The visitor information leaflet and tour script are both available in Large Print. Finally, Buckingham Palace will try and make visits by those on the autism spectrum as easy and pleasant as possible and request visitors contact a member of staff if there are any issues or difficulties. 

Limitless Travel: Buckingham Palace access guide

If you would like more ideas please visit our featured guide to attractions across London and whatever you do have a great weekend!

Limitless Love