15 accessible outdoor attractions in Bristol

Bristol Zoo Project is a family attraction that provides fun outdoor adventure, play and learning. Visit to meet amazing animals from across the world. Enjoy nature on the seasonal themed trails, explore the woods and the undercover Fun Fort.

The paths around The Bristol Zoo Project are mostly tarmac and have a minimum width of approximately 100cm. The venue is on a site rich in natural beauty, so please be aware that paths can be loose and uneven.​

Accessibility features include:

• Blue Badge parking close to the entrance
• Accessible toilets
• Mostly level, tarmac pathways around the animal habitats
• Spacious Courtyard Café with room for wheelchair users to manoeuvre
• Assistance dogs welcome in permitted areas
• Large print documents available on request
• Accessible play areas designed for children of different abilities

Find out more about accessibility at Bristol Zoo Project here.

Image - A brown bear sitting in a tree 

Experience one of Bristol's most iconic attractions at Bristol Dockyards: Brunel's SS Great Britain, the world's first great ocean liner. This fascinating ship offers visitors the chance to explore Victorian life at sea through interactive exhibits, authentic sounds and sights, and engaging museums.

Accessibility features include: 

• Step-free access available across most areas of the site.
• All main attractions, including the SS Great Britain Experience, Being Brunel and the Brunel Institute, have step-free access and lifts available.
• Wheelchair-accessible routes across the dockyards, with alternative entrances available to avoid uneven cobbled areas.
• The entrance near The Board Walk café-bar can be used to avoid the cobblestones at the main entrance.
• Blue Badge parking available close to the museum entrance, with designated disabled parking bays available.
• Free wheelchair loans available for visitors who need additional support exploring the site (advance booking recommended).
• Accessible toilets available across the site, including within the visitor centre, museums and on board the SS Great Britain.
• Seating areas available throughout the dockyards, with a café available for visitors needing a rest break.
• Most pathways around the dockyards are level, although some historic areas have uneven, cobbled or potentially slippery surfaces.
• The SS Great Britain features a lift system allowing wheelchair users to access multiple decks of the ship.
• Access maps and guides are available to help visitors plan routes and identify facilities before arriving.
• Staff are available to provide assistance and help visitors plan a visit around their individual access requirements.

 Find out more about accessibility at Bristol Dockyards here. 

Image - An ariel view of Brunel's SS Great Britain at Bristol Dockyards

Lose yourself in the world of plants at the University of Bristol Botanic Garden. Within the grounds there are several interlinked gardens, large glasshouses, and a cafe including terrace seating during the summer months.

The paths throughout the gardens have loose wood chippings, tarmac, concrete and gravel surfaces. Most of the paths are wide enough for wheelchair users. There are slight steep slopes on the paths. There is bench seats situated along the paths for people to rest.

Accessibility features include:

• Blue Badge parking
• Accessible toilets
• Wide pathways throughout most of the gardens
• Seating throughout the site
• Café with indoor and outdoor seating
• British Sign Language and alternative language information available for groups by prior arrangement

 Find out more about accessibility at the University of Bristol Botanic Garden here. 

Image - The giant Amazon waterlily at University of Bristol Botanic Garden

The Wave is a slice of the ocean near Bristol. Research shows that being near the water can reduce stress and restore your mental energy and a visit to The Wave does exactly that. 

Accessibility features include:

• Adaptive surfing sessions
• Beach wheelchairs
• Accessible changing rooms
• Hoists
• Accessible showers and toilets
• Step-free visitor facilities
• Inclusive coaching
• Accessible café
• Blue Badge parking close to the entrance

 Find out more about accessibility at The Wave here. 

Image - An adaptive surfer at The Wave

The Bristol Lido is a cool, urban oasis tucked inside a courtyard of Georgian Terraces, nestled at the heart of historic Clifton, comprising of six treatment rooms, an outdoor heated pool and hot tub, sauna and a steam room.

They also have a restaurant which overlooks the swimming pool and a poolside bar offering small plates and an extensive wine and cocktail list.

Accessibility features include: 

• Step-free entrance available 
• Accessible internal routes
• Wheelchair-accessible outdoor swimming pool - The outdoor pool is accessible for wheelchair users. While there is no pool hoist available, there is a ledge along one side of the pool to assist guests when entering the water.
• Accessible changing facilities 
• Accessible dining options - The restaurant is located on the first floor and is not wheelchair accessible. However, staff can arrange for guests who cannot access the restaurant to dine from the restaurant menu in the café/bar area.
• Accessible toilet facilities 

 Find out more about accessibility at Bristol Lido here. 

Image - Swimming at Bristol Lido

WWT Slimbridge is a wetland wildlife reserve located on the River Severn estuary, spanning over 800 acres. Slimbridge offers close-up encounters with the world's largest collection of swans, geese, and ducks, as well as flamingos and otters.

Accessibility features include:

• Free accessible parking
• Mobility scooter hire
• Changing Places toilet
• Accessible hides
• Hearing induction loops
• Portable hearing loops available
• Large print guides and menus
• Majority of paths suitable for wheelchairs
• Accessible cafés and visitor facilities

 Find out more about accessibility at WWT Slimbridge here. 

Image - People enjoying WWT Slimbridge 

Located just outside Bristol, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is a unique hands-on zoo and working farm, which won Gold at the Southwest Tourism Awards 2022/23 for accessibility and inclusion. It’s home to big zoo animals including African elephants, white rhinos, giraffe, lions and bears.

Accessibility features include:

• Accessible parking
• Accessible toilets
• Changing Places facility
• Hearing induction loops
• Accessible playground equipment
• Pictorial signage to aid communication
• Wheelchair viewing areas at key animal exhibits
• Seating located throughout the zoo
• Free admission for carers
• Staff trained in Makaton
• Quiet room available for medication or personal care
• Sunflower Lanyard Friendly venue

 Find out more about accessibility at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm here. 

Image - A camel at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm

Westonbirt Arboretum is home to one of the world's most important collections of trees and shrubs. Spanning 600 acres, it provides a peaceful natural environment There is a Treetop walkway, play areas and a Gruffalo trail. 

Accessibility features include: 

• Designated Blue Badge parking close to the Welcome Building.
• Step-free access from the accessible car park to the main visitor facilities.
• Around 10 miles (16 km) of hard-surfaced paths suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, pushchairs and prams.
• Approximately 17 miles of paths across the arboretum, with accessible route maps available to help plan visits.
• Most of the arboretum is wheelchair accessible, although some woodland trails have uneven terrain and are not suitable for wheelchairs.
• Free manual wheelchair hire (advance booking recommended).
• Free mobility scooter hire (advance booking recommended).
• Shuttle bus available for visitors with reduced mobility.
• Accessible toilets throughout the site.
• Changing Places toilet available.
• Step-free access to the Welcome Building, café, restaurant and shop.
• Hearing loop system in visitor facilities.
• Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the arboretum.
• Clear, colour-contrasted signage with pictograms to aid navigation.
• Large print information available on request.
• Sensory Bags available to borrow free of charge, containing:
• A Visual Story is available online to help neurodiverse visitors prepare for their visit.
• Quiet natural spaces throughout the arboretum provide opportunities for visitors who may benefit from a calmer environment.
• Personal Assistants or essential carers receive free admission when accompanying a disabled visitor.

 Find out more about accessibility at Westonbirt Arboretum here. 

Image - A wheelchair user being shown a map by a Westonbirt volunteer 

Avon Valley Adventure Park family-friendly attraction is a great day out for all ages, with a range of farm animals, animatronic dinosaurs and lots of outdoor fun, including a climbing wall, Mini 4x4 Jeeps, mini golf and a miniature railway.

Accessibility features include:

• Accessible parking
• Accessible toilets
• Wide pathways around many attractions
• Accessible play equipment in selected areas
• Companion tickets available where appropriate

 Find out more about accessibility at Avon Valley Adventure Park here. 

Image - Miniture railway at Avon Valley Adventure Park

The Grand Pier has a range of activities, from an amusement arcade and funfair through to cafes and a restaurant. 

Accessibility features include:

• Step-free access throughout the pier
• Accessible toilets
• Hearing induction loop
• Wheelchair-friendly amusement areas
• Accessible food and drink outlets
• Blue Badge parking nearby
• Assistance dogs welcome where appropriate

 Find out more about accessibility at The Grand Pier here. 

Image - Woman in wheelchair with assistance dog on The Grand Pier

Dyrham Park is a 270-acre ancient parkland filled with magnificent trees and breathtaking views reaching right over to Wales. The gardens feature splendid borders, idyllic ponds and a wildflower orchard, while the mansion house is filled with a collection of fine art and Dutch Delftware.

Accessibility features include:

• Blue Badge parking
• Tramper all-terrain mobility scooter hire
• Shuttle transport between the car park and house
• Accessible toilets
• Accessible café
• Level routes around many garden areas

Find out more about accessibility at Dyrham Park here.

Image- Dyrham Park mansion house

Travel the globe within Longleat – stop off at African Village for a chance to see African painted dogs, a herd of Grants zebras and leap with lemurs. Say hi to cheeky monkeys and bring your pack to meet our pack of wolves! Listen out for the Longleat lions’ roars as you explore. 

Accessibility features: 

• Accessible parking spaces are available in designated areas close to visitor facilities.
• Manual wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available to hire (subject to availability), with advance booking recommended.
• An accessibility map highlights disabled parking, wheelchair-accessible routes and key facilities around the park.
• Seven accessible toilet locations are available throughout the park.
• A changing facility with an adjustable changing bench and hoist is available near the Main Square.
• Radar keys are required for accessible toilets, with a key available from Guest Services if needed.
• The Adventure Castle is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, with accessible play equipment including a wheelchair swing.
• The Safari Bus has a hearing loop available for visitors who are hard of hearing.
• The Safari Bus has one wheelchair space available, which must be booked in advance through Guest Services.
• Longleat House has an accessible entrance via the rear of the building for visitors with limited mobility and wheelchair users.
• Due to fire safety restrictions, a limited number of wheelchair users can access Longleat House at one time, so visitors are advised to contact Guest Services when planning a visit.
• The Jungle Cruise is accessible for wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility, with a wide queue route, ramp access onto the boat and designated wheelchair spaces.
• The Longleat Railway has a specially adapted carriage which can accommodate one wheelchair user and their companion.
• Sensory bags are available to borrow from Guest Services, including items such as ear defenders, fidget toys, sensory aids and emotion communication tools.

Find out more about accessibility at Longleat here.

Image - Wallabys at Longleat 

Mendip Activity Centre is an outdoor adventure destination offering activities for all ages and abilities. From adrenaline-filled experiences to family-friendly adventures, the centre provides opportunities to try everything from skiing and snowboarding to climbing, archery, water sports and bushcraft.

Accessibility features: 

• The main activity centre building has lift access.
• An accessible toilet is available in the main activity centre building.
• The café-bar is accessible via the lift.
• Some activity areas can be accessed using all-terrain off-road wheelchairs.
• The archery and air rifle ranges have been designed to be physically accessible, with parking available close to the activity areas and wheelchair access possible.
• Specialist equipment and adapted sessions are available for some activities, including:
  • Skiing and snow sports
  • Rock climbing
  • Abseiling
  • Canoeing and other water sports
• Mendip View Lodges includes an accessible bedroom and bathroom for visitors using the accommodation.
• Mendip Basecamp has two family accessible toilet and shower rooms, although paths around the campsite are uneven and may be challenging for some wheelchair users or visitors with mobility aids.

Find out more about accessibilty at Mendip Adventure here.

Image - Snowboarding on the dry ski slope at Mendip Activity Centre

Puxton Park is a family-friendly adventure attraction offering a mix of indoor and outdoor activities for visitors of all ages. The park combines farm experiences, adventure play, animal encounters and seasonal events. You can explore the indoor soft play area, outdoor adventure zones, meet farm animals, enjoy tractor rides and take a trip around the park on the miniature railway.

Accessibility features:

• Wide, level pathways throughout the park suitable for wheelchair users and mobility aids.
• Blue Badge parking spaces located close to the entrance.
• Step-free access to the park entrance and indoor areas.
• Accessible toilets available across the site, including:
  • Playbarn
  • Reception
  • Party rooms
  • Animal Discovery Barn
  • Meadows Restaurant
• Wheelchair hire available free of charge (advance booking recommended).
• Carer tickets available for visitors who require additional support.
• Accessible miniature train allowing wheelchair users to explore the park.
• Accessible tractor rides with onboard commentary.
• Wheelchair Trampoline designed to allow wheelchair users and visitors of all abilities to take part.
• Accessible roundabout suitable for wheelchair users, including manual and electric wheelchairs.
• Accessible animal encounters providing opportunities for visitors to interact with smaller animals.
• Hard-surfaced routes across the park make attractions easier to access.

Find out more about accessibility at Puxton Park here. 

Image - Children on bright yellow slide at Puxton Park 

Windmill Hill City Farm is a beloved community space found in the heart of Bedminster.

Accessibility features: 

• Step-free access across the farm's public buildings and venues.
• Accessible toilets available on site.
• Wheelchair-accessible pathways, including recently re-paved gardens to improve access for wheelchair users.
• Wheelchair access to the café, main farmyard, animal housing and gardens.
• Accessible visitor centre, with staff available Monday to Friday to assist with enquiries.
• Audio tour designed for visually impaired visitors, with sensory descriptions at 12 points around the farm.

Find out more about accessibility at Windmill Hill City Farm here.

Image - Puppet show at Windmill Hill City Farm