5 Accessible Places to Visit in Bristol for Disabled People

By Carrie-Ann Lightley – Wed, 11 August 2021

Bristol is regarded as the capital of the South West of England. Lively yet laid-back, Bristol blends its rich maritime heritage with an innovative, dynamic culture, making it one of the most cosmopolitan centres outside London. Bristol boasts an exciting line-up of entertainment and is host to a wide range of diverse and eclectic festivals throughout the seasons, including the annual Harbour festival and Bristol Pride. Exceptional places to eat and drink are a highlight of Bristol. Globally-inspired street food can be found in St Nicholas Market, and independent cafés and shops line Park Street and Gloucester Road.

But what if you have accessibility needs? How can you be confident that you’ll find places to visit in York that will be accessible to you?

Our list of 5 accessible places to visit in Bristol is here to help you be prepared, whether you need:

step-free access
wheelchair access
ramps and lifts
a hearing loop
audio formats
Braille or large print
staff trained in sign language
details of parking facilities
information on light and noise levels.

For each place on the list we’ve linked to our Detailed Access Guide, which tells you all about a venue’s access. They are all 100% facts, figures and photographs, collected by trained AccessAble surveyors who check out every single place in person.

Bristol Cathedral

Originally founded as a 12th-century monastery church, Bristol Cathedral was heavily remodelled during the 19th century. It's one of Britain's best examples of a 'Hall Church' (meaning the nave, chapels and choir are the same height). Although the nave and west towers are Victorian, parts of the choir are medieval, and the south transept contains a rare Saxon carving of the Harrowing of Hell, discovered under the chapter-house floor after a 19th-century fire.

Key accessible facilities include accessible toilets, hearing loops and ramp access.

Bristol Cathedral Detailed Access Guide

Clifton Suspension Bridge and Visitor Centre

Designed and built in 1836 by a young engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, this 702-foot-long, 250-foot-high suspension bridge gracefully spans the Avon Gorge between Clifton and Leigh Woods.

Key accessible facilities include level access and automatic doors, Blue Badge parking and seats for those who need them.

Clifton Suspension Bridge Detailed Access Guide

M Shed

See amazing film and photographs, listen to moving personal stories, encounter rare and quirky objects and add your own memories of Bristol through the interactive displays. From prehistoric times to the present day, M Shed tells the story of the city and its unique place in the world.

Key accessible facilities include accessible toilets and changing rooms, audio described exhibits and hearing loops.

M Shed Detailed Access Guide

SS Great Britain

Step back in time when you board Brunel’s SS Great Britain. Discover the true stories behind the ship that changed the world. Experience the sights, sounds and smells of life on board for Victorian passengers and crew. Descend under water below the glass ‘sea’ to touch the world’s first great ocean liner.

Key accessible facilities include facilities for assistance dogs, seats for those who need them and accessible toilets.

SS Great Britain Detailed Access Guide

We The Curious

We The Curious was previously known as At-Bristol Science Centre; an educational charity with an aim to “make science accessible to all”, it opened in 2000, and welcomed over 5 million visitors in the past 17 years. At-Bristol relaunched as We The Curious in September 2017, with a new vision that is committed to creating a culture of curiosity. We The Curious is an idea and a place for everyone. Our venue on Bristol’s harbourside is a bit like an indoor festival, with all sorts of different experiences, where you can interact with exhibits, test stuff out and participate rather than just visit. We’re all about empowering everyone to ask questions and get creative - with boundaries removed between science, art, people and ideas - a culture of curiosity.

Key accessible facilities include ramped access, audio described exhibits and hearing loops.

We The Curious 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.

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