16 min readAerospace Bristol
Back to Top of List⭐ Best for: Families, aviation enthusiasts and anyone wanting the unique experience of boarding Concorde.
Aerospace Bristol tells the incredible story of Bristol’s amazing aviation achievements, giving visitors of all ages the chance to step aboard Concorde Alpha Foxtrot - the last of the supersonic jets ever to fly.
There is plenty to discover at Aerospace Bristol, from the earliest days of powered flight through to today’s cutting-edge aerospace technology. The museum showcases an impressive collection of aircraft and aerospace innovations, including aeroplanes, helicopters, missiles, satellites, engines and much more.
Accessibility features include:
- Step-free access throughout the museum
- Blue Badge parking
- Accessible toilets
- Changing Places toilet
- Lift access
- Wheelchairs available to borrow
- Accessible café
- Hearing loop
- Assistance dogs welcome
- Wide exhibition spaces
- Accessible access aboard Concorde via lift and viewing platform
Find out more about accessibility at Aerospace here.
💡 Top tip: Visit during one of the museum's aircraft tours or family activity days to get even more from your visit.
Image - Family next to Concorde Alpha Foxtrot supersonic airliner at Aerospace Bristol
Bristol Aquarium
Back to Top of List⭐ Best for: Families with young children and visitors looking for a calm indoor attraction.
Dive into an underwater adventure at Bristol Aquarium, located in the heart of the city, and discover thousands of incredible aquatic creatures across more than 40 naturally themed displays. Explore the spectacular Underwater Tunnel, spot fascinating marine life including sharks, rays, seahorses, piranhas and jellyfish, and discover habitats inspired by oceans and waterways from around the world.
Accessibility features include:
- Step-free access throughout the attraction
- Ramps connecting all exhibit areas
- Accessible toilets
- Wheelchair hire (subject to availability)
- Free carer admission for eligible visitors
- Assistance dogs welcome
- Mobility scooter access
- Even Calmer Days with reduced noise and adjusted lighting for sensory-sensitive visitors
- Detailed Access Guide available before visiting
Find out more about accessibility at Bristol Aquarium here.
💡 Top tip: Book an Even Calmer Day if you're visiting with someone who benefits from reduced noise and lighting.
Image - Botanical House at Bristol Aquarium
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
Back to Top of List⭐ Best for: Free family days out, history lovers and anyone wanting to explore Bristol's collections at their own pace.
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery tells stories of the world from the beginning of time to the present day, with 19 galleries across three floors showcasing fascinating cultures, ancient civilisations, human invention, creativity and the beauty of our natural world.
Accessibility features include:
- Level entrance via automatic doors
- Platform lift from the main entrance
- Passenger lift serving most public galleries
- Wheelchairs available to borrow
- Accessible toilet
- Staff assistance on all floors
- Additional seating available on request
- Assistance dogs welcome
Find out more about accessibility at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery here.
💡 Top tip: Don't miss Doris the Pliosaur and the Egyptian galleries - they're visitor favourites.
Image - Doris the Pliosaurus at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
M Shed
Back to Top of List⭐ Best for: Learning about Bristol's history while enjoying a fully accessible harbourside attraction.
Located on Bristol’s historic Harbourside, M Shed is the city’s museum, telling the story of Bristol from prehistoric times to the 21st century through the voices of the people who have shaped it.
Housed in the former 1950s transit shed, the museum brings Bristol’s history to life with fascinating objects, art, archives and thought-provoking displays, including refreshed exhibitions exploring the city’s history of protest and the toppled Edward Colston statue.
Outside, visitors can discover original working exhibits such as steamboats, trains and cranes - with opportunities to ride or even drive some of them on selected days - before relaxing in the dockside café or taking in the harbour views from the museum’s event spaces.
Accessibility features include:
- Step-free entrance to the museum and café
- Blue Badge parking nearby
- Drop-off point at Museum Street
- Wheelchairs available to borrow
- Reception desk with wheelchair-height section and hearing loop
- Level access to all galleries
- Three accessible lifts with tactile buttons
- Accessible toilets on every floor
- Adult changing bench and hoist
- Folding stools available
- Assistance dogs welcome
- Staff assistance throughout the museum
Find out more about accessibility at M Shed here.
💡 Top tip: Check whether the historic cranes, trains or steamboats are operating before your visit for an extra special experience.
Image - Hot Air Balloons at M Shed
Wake The Tiger
Back to Top of List⭐ Best for: Creative families, immersive art lovers and sensory explorers.
Wake The Tiger is the UK’s largest immersive art experience and the world’s first Amazement Park®.
With over 40 unique spaces to explore, the experience is designed for both the young and young-at-heart. Visitors are encouraged to interact with extraordinary installations, while those seeking a deeper connection can unravel the story behind this imaginative, alternative world.
Accessibility features include:
- Step-free access throughout most of the attraction
- Accessible toilets
- Lift access between floors
- Wheelchair-accessible routes
- Sensory information provided before visiting
- Quiet spaces available
- Free companion tickets for eligible visitors
- Accessibility guide available online
- Staff assistance available throughout the experience
Find out more about accessibility at Wake The Tiger here.
💡 Top tip: Weekday mornings are often quieter than weekends. Wake The Tiger also offers calm sessions for neurodivergent visitors.
Image - The Library at Wake The Tiger
We The Curious
Back to Top of List⭐ Best for: Families looking for interactive learning and sensory-friendly visits.
At We The Curious, Bristol’s science centre and home to the UK’s only 3D planetarium, visitors can climb inside a giant bubble, make themselves appear invisible, and journey through space - all in one visit.
Located on Bristol’s historic harbourside, the centre features over 200 interactive exhibits designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and hands-on discovery for all ages.
Accessibility features include:
- Step-free entrance
- Automatic doors
- Blue Badge parking nearby
- Accessible lifts
- Changing Places toilet
- Step-free access throughout exhibition spaces
- Wheelchair manoeuvring space throughout galleries
- Accessible seating throughout the attraction
- Accessible picnic area
- Visual and interactive displays
- Quiet Room
- Assistance dogs welcome
Find out more about accessibility at We The Curious here.
💡 Top tip: Allow at least three hours to explore all the exhibits and enjoy a Planetarium show.
Image - A child watching someone pour sand in a play area at We The Curious
Arnolfini
Back to Top of List⭐ Best for: Contemporary art lovers and visitors looking for free exhibitions on Bristol Harbourside.
Arnolfini is dedicated to producing and presenting visual arts, performance, dance, film, music, events and workshops, welcoming a broad and diverse audience of all ages.
Accessibility features include:
- Step-free entrance
- Lift access to all public floors
- Accessible toilets
- Wheelchair-accessible galleries
- Hearing loop
- Captioned and relaxed events
- Assistance dogs welcome
- Accessible café
- Large print information available
Find out more about accessibility at Arnolfini here.
💡 Top tip: Combine your visit with a coffee overlooking the harbour in the Arnolfini Café.
Image - The exterior of the Arnolfini contemporary art gallery on the Bristol Harbourside
Bristol Cathedral
Back to Top of List⭐ Best for: History lovers, architecture enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful place to explore.
Bristol Cathedral is one of England’s great medieval churches. Known for its remarkable architecture and historical significance, the cathedral still serves as a place of worship and community.
Bristol Cathedral is a place for everyone and extends a warm welcome to all, regardless of faith or background. Visitors are invited to experience the beauty and diverse life of this place that has stood in the heart of Bristol for almost 900 years.
Accessibility features include:
- Step-free entrance via accessible entrances
- Level access throughout much of the cathedral
- Accessible toilets
- Wheelchair access to the nave and most public areas
- Hearing loop
- Large print service sheets
- Assistance dogs welcome
- Accessible café within Chapter House
- Blue Badge parking nearby
Find out more about accessibility at Bristol Cathedral here.
💡 Top tip: Join one of the free guided tours if available to discover the cathedral's fascinating history.
Image - Exterior of Bristol Cathedral
John Wesley's New Room
Back to Top of List⭐ Best for: Heritage lovers and visitors interested in Bristol's social history.
John Wesley’s New Room, the world’s oldest Methodist building, in the heart of Bristol’s Broadmead.
Known as the room that changed the world, this historic chapel, museum, café and community space marks the place where John Wesley began a mission over 300 years ago that sparked a worldwide movement centred on social justice.
Visitors can enjoy the peaceful 18th-century chapel before exploring the museum’s interactive displays, original furnishings and fascinating stories of anti-slavery, healthcare, welfare rights and education, as well as the expansion of Methodism to America through figures with strong Bristol connections.
Accessibility features include:
- Step-free entrance
- Lift access to all public floors
- Accessible toilets
- Wheelchair-accessible museum galleries
- Accessible café
- Hearing loop
- Large print guides
- Assistance dogs welcome
- Accessible shop
- Seating throughout the building
Find out more about accessibility at John Wesley's New Room here.
💡 Top tip: Leave time to relax in the peaceful courtyard café after exploring the museum.
Image - Exterior of John Wesley's New Room, Bristol
Royal West of England Academy (RWA)
Back to Top of List⭐ Best for: Art lovers looking for changing exhibitions and inclusive gallery experiences
The Royal West of England Academy (RWA) presents a year-round programme of contemporary and historical exhibitions, featuring painting, sculpture, photography and printmaking by leading artists from the UK and beyond, alongside its permanent collection of works by renowned artists including Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant.
Visitors can also enjoy artist talks, panel discussions, family-friendly activities, creative workshops at the Drawing School and a range of inclusive experiences, including BSL-interpreted tours, tours for visually impaired visitors, dementia-friendly sessions and baby tours, making the RWA an inspiring destination for art lovers of all ages.
Accessibility features include:
- Step-free entrance
- Accessible lift serving all public floors
- Accessible toilets
- Sensory Bags available to borrow
- BSL welcome video
- Accessible welcome desk
- Bag storage
- Accessible seating
- Assistance dogs welcome
Find out more about accessibility at Royal West of England Academy (RWA) here.
💡 Top tip: Check the events calendar before visiting - there are often artist talks, accessible tours and creative workshops.
Image - Person at an exhibition at RWA Bristol
Spike Island
Back to Top of List⭐ Best for: Art enthusiasts wanting to discover emerging artists.
Discover one of Bristol’s leading contemporary art destinations at Spike Island, an international centre for contemporary art located in a former Brooke Bond tea packing factory on the city’s historic Harbourside.
Home to a gallery, café and creative workspaces for artists, designers and creative businesses, Spike Island is a vibrant hub for exhibitions, events and family activities throughout the year. Visitors can engage directly with contemporary art through participation and discussion, while the annual Open Studios event offers a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes as artists open their studio doors to share their work, inspiration and creative processes.
Accessibility features include:
- Step-free entrance
- Lift access
- Accessible toilets
- Wheelchair-accessible galleries
- Accessible café
- Blue Badge parking nearby
- Assistance dogs welcome
- Large print exhibition guides
- Seating throughout exhibition spaces
Find out more about accessibility at Spike Island here.
💡 Top tip: If possible, visit during Open Studios to explore artists' workspaces that are rarely open to the public.
Image - Exterior of the Spike Island art gallery
Watershed
Back to Top of List⭐ Best for: Independent film fans.
Watershed is an independent cinema offering a lively programme of independent film and digital art and creative technology projects, plus regular talks.
As an internationally renowned cultural cinema and the home of BFI Film Audience Network Hub for the South West, Watershed celebrates and screens new films and filmmakers, that would otherwise not be given exposure. It's also home to Undershed, a gallery which specialises in showcasing immersive art experiences.
Accessibility features include:
- Step-free entrance
- Lift access to all public floors
- Accessible toilets
- Wheelchair spaces in all cinemas
- Hearing loop systems
- Captioned screenings
- Audio-described screenings
- Relaxed screenings
- Assistance dogs welcome
- Accessible café and bar
Access screenings at Watershed
- Audio - described screenings
- BSL interpreted screenings
- Descriptive subtitled screenings
- Masked and socially distanced screenings
- Relaxed screenings
- Subtitled screenings
- Access information for Undershed
Find out more about accessibility at Watershed here.
💡 Top tip: Look out for relaxed, captioned or audio-described screenings when booking tickets.
Image - Audience watching film in cinema
Bristol Beacon
Back to Top of List⭐ Best for: Live music lovers.
Bristol Beacon is the city’s largest concert hall, presenting concerts and entertainment by major names in rock, pop, jazz, folk, world and classical music, stand up comedy and light entertainment, as well as local choirs, orchestras and schools.
Accessibility features include:
- Step-free access to all performance spaces
- Accessible lifts serving all public floors
- Accessible toilets on every level
- Changing Places toilet with a ceiling track hoist and height-adjustable changing bench
- Wheelchair spaces available in performance venues
- Access Register offering priority booking and free Personal Assistant tickets
- Priority entry for visitors who require additional time
- Hearing loop at the Box Office
- Lowered Box Office and bar counters
- Sensory packs available to borrow
- Chill-out room for visitors needing a quiet space
- BSL, captioned, relaxed and audio-described performances
- Large print, Easy Read and audio information
- Step-free route maps and virtual access guides
- Blue Badge drop-off points nearby
Access performances at Bristol Beacon
- BSL interpreted performances
- Closed Captioned performances
- Audio - described performances
- Relaxed performances
Find out more about accessibility at Bristol Beacon here.
💡 Top tip: Join the Access Register before booking to make the most of priority booking and companion tickets.
Image - Exterior of Bristol Beacon
Bristol Hippodrome
Back to Top of List⭐ Best for: West End musicals, family shows and accessible theatre experiences.
The Bristol Hippodrome is one of Bristol’s leading theatres, bringing the magic of the West End and Broadway to the heart of the city. This family-friendly venue hosts an exciting programme of world-class productions, from spectacular musicals and ballet performances to opera, concerts, comedy and children’s shows.
Accessibility features include:
- Step-free entrance via the accessible entrance
- Accessible lifts to auditorium levels
- Wheelchair spaces available in the auditorium
- Accessible toilets
- Hearing enhancement system
- Infrared hearing system
- Companion tickets available for eligible visitors
- Accessible Box Office
- Assistance dogs welcome
- Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Friendly venue
- Accessible bars and refreshment areas
Access performances at the Bristol Hippodrome
Find out more about accessibility at Bristol Hippodrome here.
💡 Top tip: Check the performance schedule for captioned, relaxed, audio-described or signed performances before booking.
Image - Exterior of Bristol Hippodrome at night
Bristol Old Vic
Back to Top of List⭐ Best for: Theatre lovers wanting to experience one of the world's oldest working theatres.
Bristol Old Vic is the oldest continuously working theatre in the English-speaking world, and remains a place of joy, discovery and adventure to this day.
Accessibility features include:
- Step-free entrance with automatic doors
- Wheelchair-accessible foyer, café, bar and Box Office
- Lift access to all public floors
- Accessible toilets on multiple levels
- Wheelchair spaces in the theatre
- Blue Badge parking nearby
- Hearing loop and sound enhancement system
- Guide and assistance dogs welcome
- Access discounts for visitors and essential companions
- Resting Space available for anyone needing a quiet place to rest
Access performances at Bristol Old Vic
- Captioned performances
- BSL interpreted performances
- Audio - described performances
- Relaxed performances
Find out more about accessibility at Bristol Old Vic here.
💡 Top tip: Arrive early to enjoy the historic foyer and café before the performance begins.
Image - Exterior of Bristol Old Vic
Redgrave Theatre
Back to Top of List⭐ Best for: Smaller productions, comedy, dance and community performances.
Hidden away in the beautiful suburb of Clifton the Redgrave Theatre is one of Bristol’s many theatres hosting a wide variety of productions including operas, musicals, stand-up comedy, theatre and dance.
Accessibility features include:
- Step-free entrance
- Accessible seating in the auditorium
- Wheelchair spaces
- Accessible toilets
- Lift access to accessible seating areas
- Blue Badge parking nearby
- Assistance dogs welcome
- Accessible Box Office support for booking requirements
Access performances at the Redgrave Theatre
Find out more about accessibility at Redgrave Theatre here.
💡 Top tip: Check the programme regularly as many performances only run for a limited time.
Image - Exterior of the Redgrave Theatre
Wardrobe Theatre
Back to Top of List⭐ Best for: Fringe theatre, comedy and discovering new productions.
The Wardrobe Theatre is a fringe studio venue and thriving arts hub in the heart of Bristol, showcasing the best theatre-makers, companies and artists from around the UK since 2011. Now proudly celebrating 10 years in Old Market, the theatre continues to grow as a cultural cornerstone of the city’s vibrant independent arts scene.
Accessibility features include:
- Step-free entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible performance space
- Accessible toilet
- Companion tickets available where appropriate
- Relaxed performances on selected productions
- Assistance dogs welcome
- Staff assistance available on request
Find out more about accessibility at Wardrobe Theatre here.
💡 Top tip: Relax in the adjoining Old Market Assembly before or after your performance to complete your visit.
Image - Audience at The Wardrobe Theatre
