Page 203 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - England's South Coast

PR A C TIC AL INFORM A TION  201

Heritage and National Trust shops and attractions close,
properties in the practical and transport networks may
information section with the run limited services.
symbols œ and ø.
Travellers with
Admission Prices Special Needs
Museums and sights have varied Facilities for disabled visitors
admission charges, ranging from are steadily improving. New or
under £10 to more than £25 for renovated buildings and public
the most popular attractions. spaces provide lifts and ramps
Tourist information centre on Digby Reductions are often available for wheelchair access, plus grab
Road in Sherborne, Dorset for groups, senior citizens, rails and specially designed
families, children and students. toilets. Buses are also increasingly
which can indicate everything Visitors should ensure that they accessible and transport staff
from a major tourist bureau to a have proof of eligibility with will help disabled passengers if
simple kiosk. They can help you them when buying tickets. Many given advance notice. Although
with anything ranging from major national museums and non-UK residents are not eligible
local attractions and guided some local authority museums for a Disabled Persons Railcard,
walks to hotels and B&Bs. It is and galleries are free, although they can book assistance on
wise to book accommodation donations are encouraged. trains through the provider’s
well in advance, particularly website. Transport for London
if you’re planning to arrive (TfL) (see p213) offers a turn-up-
in high season. Opening Hours and-go assistance service on the
Museums in London tend to Underground, publishes acces-
open late one evening a week, sibility guides and maps, and
Heritage Organizations while those outside the capital produces a travel support card
English Heritage and the may have shorter hours and close for people with communication
National Trust are two one day a week. Opening times problems, which can be
associations which preserve for other attractions vary widely: downloaded from its website.
and protect Britain’s national always check the details before Many museums, theatres and
treasures, including historic you journey to a sight. Last banks provide aids for the visually
castles, stately homes and admission to many attractions impaired. Some also offer ear-
gardens, and vast tracts of is 30 minutes before closing. phones for the hearing-impaired.
countryside and coastline. In most towns and cities, Specialist tour operators, such
Entrance fees for these sights shops are open Monday to as Tourism for All, cater for
are often quite steep, so it may Saturday from 9am or 10am physically disabled visitors.
be worth taking out an annual until 5:30pm. Shops in big city Several car hire firms offer
membership if you are British, centres, particularly London, hand-controlled vehicles,
which allows free access to any generally have longer opening including Avis and Budget (see
of their properties for a calendar hours (see p192). Banks are p211), and wheelchair-accessible
year. Visitors from overseas usually open from 9am to vehicles are available from
can buy an English Heritage 5pm on weekdays, and main specialist firms, including Angel
Overseas Visitor Pass, which branches are open on Saturday Vehicle Hire and Adapted Car
gives access to dozens of sights mornings as well (see p204). Hire. For general information on
across southern England, and On public holidays, also facilities for disabled travellers,
a National Trust Touring Pass, known as bank holidays, banks, contact Disability Rights UK
which also allows entry to offices and some restaurants, or Open Britain.
numerous properties and
gardens. Both passes are
available online and offer
reduced price entry to the
organizations’ many historic
buildings and gardens. Be
aware that many properties
may be closed in winter.
Many of the National Trust’s
properties are “listed”, meaning
that they are recognized as
having special architectural
or historical interest and are
therefore protected from
alterations and demolition.
This guide identifies English TfL staff assisting a wheelchair user on the Underground

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