5 accessible outdoor attractions in Bristol

The detailed access guides on AccessAble make planning days out quick and easy, whatever your access needs. Here the team recommends some of the most accessible outdoor attractions in Bristol.

From city farms to botanic gardens, we’re lucky to have a wealth of outdoor attractions across Bristol. But what if you have accessibility needs? How can you be confident that you’ll find outdoor attractions in Bristol that will be accessible to you?

Maybe you need step-free access, level paths and smooth terrain. Or you could be searching for venues that have a hearing loop and staff trained in sign language. If you have a visual impairment, you might be interested in attractions that have information in Braille or large print. Even something as simple as knowing the distance from the car park to the attraction.

Our list of five accessible outdoor venues is here to help you prepare – and therefore enjoy a stress-free day out. All the information is from the AccessAble website, where Detailed Access Guides tell you all about a place’s access. They are all 100% facts, figures and photographs. Trained AccessAble surveyors check out every single place in person to verify the information. 

For each place, we have added links to the Detailed Access Guide, so you can check all the information you need.

1. Bristol Zoo Project

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.​

Image - Bristol Zoo Project, credit Evan Dawson

There’s a great range of hot food and drinks in the Courtyard Café, which has ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.

Accessible toilet facilities and Blue Badge parking bays are available. Documents can be requested in large print, and facilities for assistance dogs can be provided.

• Bristol Zoo Project Detailed Access Guide

2. University of Bristol Botanic Garden

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 are bench seats situated along the paths for people to rest.

Image - University of Bristol Botanic Garden

Refreshments including coffee, cake and sandwiches are all available from the café.

Accessible toilet facilities and Blue Badge parking bays are available. Groups are welcome to visit the garden and information in alternative languages, including British Sign Language, can be provided by prior arrangement.

• University of Bristol Botanic Garden Detailed Access Guide

3. Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm

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

Facilities within the grounds include a range of animal enclosures linked by wide pathways, mostly of compacted gravel. There are accessible toilets, a changing place facility, hearing loops, accessible signs using pictorial sentences and accessible play facilities. Activities include two mazes, one more complex than the other; pathways in the mazes can be muddy and are mostly grass or earth surfaces. Seating is available throughout the zoo farm. 

Image - Noah's Ark Zoo Farm

There are many areas within the farm, and all are accessible, although there are some longer or steeper slopes. Staff are available to assist if required. In viewing areas, such as the Elephant Eden, specific areas have been made available for wheelchair users to have an unobstructed view.

Some staff have been trained in Makaton. A room can be made available on request for administering medication or other care needs. A carer can be admitted free of charge, for visitors who require assistance. The zoo is also a member of the sunflower lanyard scheme.

• Noah's Ark Zoo Farm Detailed Access Guide

4. Windmill Hill City Farm

Windmill Hill City Farm is a 4.5-acre green space in south Bristol. At the farm you’ll find a variety of farm animals, community gardens, a play area, picnic areas and a café and farm shop.

The community gardens have compact earth, concrete and muddy surfaces. There are some bench seats situated along the paths for people to rest. The City Farm Café offers full table service. Menus are clearly written and presented in contrasting colours.

The venue does not have its own car park. However, on-street Blue Badge parking bays are available nearby. Accessible toilet facilities are available, alongside a dedicated parent and baby room.

• Windmill Hill City Farm Detailed Access Guide

Image - Windmill Hill City Farm

5. The Avon Centre

The Avon Centre is an equine and nature-based activities centre on the outskirts of Bristol, opposite Blaise Castle. The centre provides the positive experience and proven therapeutic benefits of horse riding to children and adults with a wide range of disabilities. It also provides non-disabled riding lessons for riders aged eight and above.

The main riding arena has an electric hoist available to assist with mounting. There is a hearing loop system available in the main arena.

Accessible toilet facilities are available. Facilities for assistance dogs can be provided, including a toilet area and a water bowl.

• The Avon Centre Detailed Access Guide

If you’re visiting any of these attractions, why not download the AccessAble App from the Apple Store or Google Play Store, so you can have Access Guides in your pocket during your visit. 

For more information from AccessAble about places to visit, stay, eat and drink in Bristol, click the links below.

• Accessible cafes and coffee shops in Bristol
• Accessible hotels and B&Bs in Bristol
• Accessible restaurants in Bristol
• Accessible tourist attractions in Bristol

You can also check out our accessible listings:

• Accessible places to stay
• Accessible places to eat and drink
• Accessible events and openings in Bristol