Senior travel: London
An easier pace for an older traveller: how many stops fit in a day, which places are step-free, and what the guide says about getting around, medicines and stairs.
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Pace for a day
About 1 stop a day. 5 h out − 45 min rest, divided by an average visit of 98 min (from this city’s guide) + 30 min to move.
Places, easiest access first
- Covent Garden Piazza and MarketStep-free: yes · about 45 minThe piazza is flat and paved; the tube station has a lift but with a queue (check).
- National GalleryStep-free: yes · about 100 minStep-free entrances (Sainsbury Wing) and lifts to all floors; seating in most rooms.
- British MuseumStep-free: yes · about 120 minStep-free entrances and lifts to all main floors; the museum publishes an access guide.
- Natural History MuseumStep-free: yes · about 120 minStep-free entrances and lifts to the main galleries; the museum publishes an access guide.
- Tate ModernStep-free: yes · about 120 minStep-free entrances and lifts to all levels; the museum publishes an access guide.
- Victoria and Albert MuseumStep-free: yes · about 120 minStep-free entrances and lifts; the museum publishes an access guide.
- St Paul's CathedralStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 80 minWhispering Gallery and dome are stairs only.
- Westminster AbbeyStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 80 minA step-free route exists for most of the ground floor; the museum in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries has a lift (check).
Getting around in London
London has step-free buses and the Elizabeth line, and many national museums are fully accessible. Many older tube stations have steps and no lift, so use TfL's step-free map to plan.
- Streets:
- Pavements are level in the centre; kerbs have dropped crossings; cobbles in Covent Garden and around St Paul's.
- Public transit:
- Buses are step-free with ramps; the Elizabeth line, DLR and Jubilee line extension stations are step-free; about a third of tube stations have step-free access.
- Taxis:
- Black cabs are wheelchair accessible by law.
- Toilets:
- Accessible toilets in museums, stations and shopping centres; a few public ones charge.
Medicines and health on the ground
- Travel insurance with medical cover · before flying: NHS hospital care is charged to most visitors at 150% of cost; EU EHIC/GHIC holders get medically necessary care.
- Water:
- Tap water is safe and free; ask for it at restaurants.
- Air:
- Air quality is generally fair; some roads have high traffic pollution. The ULEZ zone helps.
- Weather:
- Layers and a waterproof; summer heat can make the tube uncomfortable.
- Pharmacies:
- Boots and independent pharmacies; some are open late.
- Travel insurance:
- Emergency treatment at A&E is free for everyone, but follow-up care can be charged; take medical cover.
More: how much medicine to pack, medicine times across time zones.
Ask your insurer
Age limits and prices differ by policy and the guides do not hold them, so put these to the insurer before you buy.
- What is the oldest age the policy covers, at purchase and on the last day of the trip?
- Does the price or the cover change after a certain age?
- Are existing conditions covered, and what must be declared?
- Does the cover include medical evacuation and trip interruption?
Not medical advice. This page does not know anyone’s health. Ask a doctor before the trip, and carry a list of medicines and conditions.