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Accessible South Bank with Samantha Renke

Disabled actress Samantha Renke, who is a wheelchair user, takes us on a tour of London's accessible South Bank.

Hey AccessAble readers, my name is Samantha Renke, I’m an actress, activist and all round loud northern bird currently living in central London. I was born with a rare genetic condition Osteogenesis Imperfecta or more commonly known as Brittle Bones, I’ve never know life without a wheelchair.

Disabled Actress Samantha Renke

London's South Bank will always have a special place in my heart. After moving to London some seven years ago from rural Lancashire to pursue my career in the creative arts industry, I spent a lot of my formative London years up and down South Bank and even had one of my first ever onscreen performances screened at the British Film Institute.

The two mile procession showcases everything that is in my mind synonymous with London, with stunning views over the Thames, on a sunny day I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else and more importantly as a wheelchair user it’s one of the few places in London I can honestly be completely independent. With limited upper body strength I often find it difficult to navigate the streets of London however, although I’ve not yet tried to, I’m almost certain I’d be able to self-propel the whole two miles and more importantly be able to find a number of accessible bathrooms along the way.

For me as an actress and performer the appeal of South Bank lies in the fact that it has a large collection of largely state funded arts and entertainment venues and events. You will never be stuck for things to see and do here.

I’ve listed four of my favourite places to visit on South Bank below, including links to AccessAble’s Detailed Access Guide for each venue, giving you more information to explore this wonderful part of London without worrying about accessibility.

Coca-Cola London Eye

London Eye

Every now and then I like to play tourist. When you live and work in London you can sometimes become lost in your daily life and forget that you live in a remarkable city with so many amazing things to do and places to explore.

That’s why I often take a weekend out to do tourist things, particularly when I have friends or family visiting, I mean it would be rude not to!

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve enjoyed a ride on the Coca-Cola London Eye. It’s certainly one of the ‘go to’ activities that never disappoints.

Concession tickets are available for disabled people and carers/personal assistants and a separate fast track queue is available. The ticket box office can be a little overwhelming and crowded and I’ve made the mistake of queueing in the wrong line before now. Best to find a member of staff who can quickly show you to the fast track area, there are signs but the staff are always so accommodating its nice sometimes to have your own escort.

There are also accessible bathrooms located at the ticket box office so I’d advise to make sure you visit them before getting on the London Eye because once you are up there, you are up there and the Eye is actually remarkably slow, great for taking in the view not so great if you need the loo.

One word of advice is not to be proud and queue with everyone else, the reason you are asked to the front is this, they actually stop the London Eye to get a ramp out and steady the pod so you can safely get on and don’t feel rushed. The pods themselves are spacious and only have a maximum of 23 people so you never feel overwhelmed or squashed.

Coca Cola London Eye Detailed Access Guide

OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar & Brasserie

Oxo Tower

I’m always on the hunt for accessible venues that show off London’s beauty and that ooze elegance and style to take friends and family or even business associates too. It’s a little like taking your new boyfriend home to your parents for the first time, you want them to scrub up well and leave everyone with a good impression. The OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie is certainly a place to make that first good impression. With easy access from the South Bank, and not one but two lifts that take you to the top of OXO Tower.

The food is on the more expensive side but I’ve tasted the best scallops I’ve ever had in my life at this restaurant so great if you are on a date or for a special treat.

If you aren’t in the mood for fine dining, the OXO Tower has a viewing platform open to everyone overlooking the Thames and what’s best is it’s absolutely free, if you want the perfect Instagram picture but don’t want to spend any money on going up the Shard, then OXO Tower maybe the choice for you.

Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie Detailed Access Guide

MBNA Thames Clippers

Thames Clippers

I’m not one for public transport, as a wheelchair user and someone with Brittle Bones I tend to stay away and prefer to take the door-to-door option of a black cab, which by law are all wheelchair accessible in London. However, I have been somewhat swayed by the Thames Clipper service.

With 16 different ports to stop at from beautiful Greenwich, to the O2 Arena and all the way to Kew Gardens, The Clipper is fast becoming one of my favourite modes of transport for getting around London.

Staff on board have always been extremely helpful and there is an accessible bathroom on board and facilities for food and beverages.

There are concessions if you have a Freedom Pass - unlike Bus or DLR, Clipper tickets are not free with your Freedom Pass and a day ticket, which allows you to get on an off at any stop throughout the day is around £6, its important to remember to have your Freedom Pass with you as the staff do check. Tickets are however, cheaper online rather than buying on the day.

Accessibility on the whole is very good at every clipper dock, though some of the ramps are on the steep side.

MBNA Thames Clippers Detailed Access Guides

Southbank Centre

Southbank Centre

Southbank Centre is for sure your go to destination for a unique place to visit in London. It certainly is a crowd pleaser! The arts centre hosts a festival programme of over 5000 events every year across the genres of art, theatre, dance, classical and contemporary music, literature and debate, many of which are free.

Spacious, good design layout and staff on hand. Southbank Centre also has Changing Places facilities.

There’s a whole host of restaurants including one of my favourites Wagamama and a weekly food market where you can spend a boozy afternoon strolling along the Thames. I’ve also spotted a lot of benches around the area so perfect for those who need a little rest now and again.

Southbank Centre Detailed Access Guides

I hope you've enjoyed my favourite South Bank locations and maybe I’ve persuaded you to give some of them a visit?

Don’t forget to download the free AccessAble App from the Apple Store or Google Play Store. The App has Detailed Access Guides to over 50 venues on the South Bank, giving you factual, reliable accessibility information in your pocket to use on the go.

Actress & Disability Campaigner