Many of Bristol’s activities, experiences, and attractions are accessible to all visitors. This includes a range of services and facilities to meet the requirements of any guests with additional needs, including neurodiverse visitors and those with physical disabilities, impairments, or medical conditions.
We’ve put together a list of fun and accessible things to do across Bristol at the bottom of this page, so that you can make the most of your time in our city. Please note that while these businesses offer accessible services and facilities, we advise that you check their AccessAble guides where possible, or contact them directly using the details provided to ensure that they cater for your own specific needs.
Many of Bristol's key attractions are fully accessible to wheelchairs and mobility scooters, including M Shed, Brunel’s SS Great Britain, Bristol Aquarium, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, and Aerospace Bristol. Outside the city centre, the WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre in South Gloucestershire is committed to making their site as accessible as possible, with free accessible car parking, a hearing induction loop, mobility scooters for hire and a Changing Places toilet.
Be sure to check out our accessible accommodation section to find the perfect place to stay while visiting the city, and our list of accessible places to eat and drink to find a delicious meal after a day’s exploring.
Accessible Family activities
Most of Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is wheelchair accessible, including the play areas. You can find an accessible map with a suggested itinerary available to download via the Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm Website.
WWT Slimbridge is an inclusive and accessible destination. A majority of hides are wheelchair accessible, there are fixed and portable hearing loops in key locations around the site, and large print guides and menus are available on request.
Watershed run regular BSL film screenings and events in their fully accessible building. Bristol Hippodrome, Bristol Old Vic and Tobacco Factory Theatres run accessible performances for selected shows and performances.
Bristol Aquarium, Brunel’s SS Great Britain and Wake The Tiger run calm/sensory sessions for those who need a more relaxing sensory experience.
The RWA run sensory, explorative workshops during school holidays and have quiet room for those that might need it. There is also a Happy Pack available to borrow, which contains fidget toys, ear defenders puppet, coloured lenses, widget symbols etc.
All Aboard Watersports offer Paddleability and Visual Impairment Friendly rowing, while Mendip Activity Centre has accessible archery and air rifle ranges.
5 accessible outdoor attractions in Bristol
From city farms and zoos to botanic gardens, we’re lucky to have so many outdoor attractions in Bristol. But what if you have accessibility needs? How can you be confident that the city’s outdoor attractions will be accessible to you? Read the blog below by AccessAble highlighting five of Bristol’s accessible outdoor venues, including Bristol Zoo Project and Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm to help you prepare – and enjoy a stress-free day out!
7 accessible places to visit in the South West with Rosie Jones and James Acaster
Land of cheddar cheese, Banksy and lush rolling hills, the West Country gives us plenty to be thankful for. And with tons of history, culture and scenic countryside to discover, it’s one of the UK’s top accessible places to visit.
AccessAble Accessibility Guides
AccessAble have produced several accessibility guides, all available in one place, to help you plan where you might like to see and do while in Bristol. You can check their website to find step by step descriptions of access at select venues, including information on accessible entrances and toilets, door widths, and much more. Guides often include images to give you a clear idea of the facilities available.
Relaxed openings and performances
Many attractions in Bristol offer relaxed openings for neurodiverse visitors and those with cognitive impairments. Find out more on our dedicated page below:
Special offers for carers
Many of the attractions and activities in Bristol offer free entry for carers and personal assistants. Theatres and cinemas such as Watershed and Bristol Old Vic offer free companion seats for carers when booking a ticket. We've listed many of these offers here. Please contact the individual businesses for further information.
