There are a range of accessible events across Bristol which cater for those with additional needs, including neurodiverse visitors and those with physical disabilities or impairments.
These include assisted theatre shows with signed, audio described or captioned performances, as well as relaxed openings and dementia-friendly events.
Relaxed openings and performances welcome guests on the autism spectrum and those with learning disabilities or cognitive impairments who may benefit from a calmer environment. These typically include lowered volumes, sensory inputs, and house lights kept on. Many of Bristol's attractions also offer visual stories and guides, as well as ‘calm down’ kits for visitors who may need them.
Many of Bristol’s attractions also offer free tickets for accompanying carers – check out our Special Offers page for a full list.
Accessible Events & Openings in Bristol
Calm Sensory Sessions at Brunel's SS Great Britain
These sessions have been designed for neurodivergent children who may benefit from a simpler sensory backdrop when visiting Brunel’s SS Great Britain. During these sessions, many of the museum’s audio-visual and aroma effects are turned off, lighting levels are adjusted, capacity is reduced, and a dedicated sensory room is available.
These sessions will vary throughout the year with some happening on weekends, and some happening on weekdays during school holidays. Check the Brunel’s SS Great Britain website for full details.
Even Calmer Days at Bristol Aquarium
Bristol Aquarium offer one dedicated day every month for guests requiring a more relaxed sensory experience. All music and children’s rides are turned off, and lighting levels increased between 10am and 6pm, allowing visitors to take as much time as they need to explore the Aquarium in full.
Accessible performances at Bristol Old Vic
These performances allow audience members with a range of additional needs to enjoy all the latest shows at the Bristol Old Vic. As well as relaxed performances with a gentler volume and house lights kept on, there are also captioned and signed performances for audience members with hearing impairments, and audio described performances offering live narration through headsets for visually impaired audience members.
Accessible performances at Bristol Hippodrome
The Bristol Hippodrome offers relaxed, captioned, signed, and audio-described performances for many of their longer running or family shows. Find out more by emailing bristoladmin@theambassadors.com.
Accessible performances at Tobacco Factory Theatres
Tobacco Factory Theatres regularly offer accessible performances which are adapted for those with additional needs, including relaxed, signed, and audio described shows.
Accessible screenings at Watershed
Watershed offers relaxed screenings in their cinema which are designed for neurodivergent customers or those living with dementia and their personal assistants. During these screenings, cinema capacity is reduced to 60%, with lights turned up and sound turned down. Yoga mats and beanbags will also be available should any customer wish to lie down, and a separate quiet space will be provided. Find full details on the Watershed website.
Watershed also offers audio description on select films, which features live narration through headsets, and descriptive subtitling, which show dialogue as well as descriptions of other significant sounds. Find full details on the Watershed website.
Accessible Tours at the Royal West of England Academy
The Royal West of England Academy (RWA) runs regular signed, described, and dementia-friendly gallery tours. For more information, head to the RWA’s website or email info@rwa.org.uk.
Dementia-Friendly Events in Bristol
There are a range of events in Bristol and the surrounding area aimed specifically at those living with dementia and their families.
You can find lists of dementia-friendly events, activities and groups in Bristol via local organisations Bristol Dementia Wellbeing Services and LinkAge. These include memory cafés, singing groups and social groups, all of which offer a friendly welcome for anyone affected by dementia. They provide practical information and support, as well as an informal environment in which to learn new skills, listen to guest speakers and make new friends. You don't need to be a resident, and visitors to the city are welcome.
Many of Bristol's community swimming pools offer dementia-friendly sessions overseen by trained staff, offering a calmer environment and appropriate facilities.
Find more dementia-friendly events using the links below:
