5 Amazing Wheelchair Accessible Days Out Near Bristol – Recommended by Wheel With Us
Shane and Marta have submitted this guest post featuring their top five day trip ideas near Bristol, UK, designed especially for wheelchair users. Enjoy the read, and be sure to visit their blog, wheelwithus.com, for more helpful advice and recommendations across the UK and beyond!
Table of Contents
Travelling as a full-time wheelchair user requires careful planning. From checking whether a place is step-free to making sure there’s suitable parking and accessible toilets, these are just a few of the things we consider before heading out for the day.
To make things a little easier, we’ve put together a list of five day trips we’ve enjoyed ourselves, all within about an hour of Bristol. Each place offers something unique, and we hope these notes help you plan a fun, stress-free outing of your own.
Clevedon Seafront – Pier Walks, Sea Air, and Fish & Chips
Clevedon is a classic seaside town just 30 minutes from Bristol, perfect for a relaxed afternoon by the sea. Whether you fancy a stroll along the promenade, a bite to eat with a view, or just watching the waves, this spot is peaceful and refreshingly accessible.
One of Clevedon’s highlights is its historic pier, the only Grade 1 listed (protected status in the UK) pier in the country. It stretches over 300 metres into the sea and offers beautiful views. If you’re a wheelchair user, you can access the pier step-free, and there’s a lift to the Glass Box Restaurant at the entrance. Inside, you’ll also find accessible toilets and a viewing window over the estuary. Just be aware that the wooden boards on the pier have gaps — narrow wheels may need a little extra care.
In summer, outdoor seating is available, and pier tickets are valid for unlimited return visits within a year.
Parking is generally straightforward:
- Free parking along the coast (up to 4 hours)
- A few Blue Badge spaces are available (UK Disabled Parking Permit)
A mostly flat path connects the pier with Marina Lake. At low tide, you can get surprisingly close to the sea. The path starts uneven and steep, so some assistance might be helpful. There’s also an accessible platform by the lake for those who want to get a little closer to the water.
Bath – History, Architecture, and a Touch of Luxury
The historic city of Bath is around 50 minutes from Bristol and offers a mix of Roman heritage, Georgian architecture, and modern charm. While the cobbled streets and older buildings can pose some access challenges, there are still plenty of highlights for wheelchair users.
The Roman Baths
This 2,000-year-old site is one of Bath’s top attractions — and yes, it’s wheelchair accessible.
- Lifts are available to all levels
- Staff are helpful and can guide you along the most accessible route
- An accessibility map is provided on arrival
- Free carers’ tickets available
- Accessible toilets on site
The floor around the Great Bath is very uneven due to its age, but still manageable with care. Only assistance dogs are permitted.
Bath Abbey
Located in the city centre, the abbey offers step-free access and beautiful architecture.
- The museum on the lower floor is also accessible
- Spacious changing room with a hoist
- Free carers’ tickets
Other Ideas in Bath
- Pulteney Bridge – One of only four bridges in the world with shops across its full span. The shops themselves aren’t accessible, but the view is worth it. There’s a river walk nearby via Grove Street, though the pavement is narrow and steep at points.
- The Botanist – Recognisable from First Dates, this restaurant is stylish, welcoming, and serves great food.
Bath Guildhall Market – Offers some interesting shops, and there’s a wheelchair-accessible entrance from the High Street.
Bourton-on-the-Water – The Cotswolds’ Charming Village
Just under an hour’s drive from Bristol, this picturesque village is sometimes called the “Venice of the Cotswolds.” It features a gentle river lined with stone bridges, shops, and tea rooms.
Getting There and Around
- Large car park on Rissington Road with many accessible spaces
- Free for Blue Badge holders
- Wheelchair-accessible toilets in the car park
Things to Do
- Birdland Park and Gardens – A fun spot for all ages. Wide, even paths make it easy to explore, and the daily penguin feeding is a highlight. Wheelchair users get priority at the viewing ramp.
- Accessible toilets and a changing room with a hoist
- Reduced-price carers’ tickets
- Dogs on short leads are welcome
- Flat walk along the river – Scenic and relaxing, ideal for a gentle afternoon outing.
Cotswold Motoring Museum – Home of Brum! A quirky and fun stop if you’re into vintage cars and nostalgia.
Optional Add-On: Bibury
If you’re still up for more, Bibury is a 20-minute drive away and equally beautiful.
- Riverside strolls and Arlington Row are the main sights
- The Trout Farm has a café and some accessible paths (though uneven in parts)
- Roadside parking is free, with a paid car park nearby (£5/day)
- Wheelchair-accessible toilets are available near Arlington Row
Stonehenge – A Bucket List Icon, Made Accessible
One of the most iconic heritage sites in the UK, Stonehenge is about an hour from Bristol and makes for an unforgettable day out.
We’ve visited twice — once on a VIP tour and once with a standard ticket — and both were fantastic.
VIP Visit
- Includes access to the inner circle, outside regular hours
- Fewer people and a more peaceful experience (especially at sunrise or sunset)
- Tickets often sell out in advance
Standard Visit
- The main path around the stones is flat and even
- Shuttle bus from the visitor centre has a ramp (space is tight, so reversing in may be easier)
- Disabled parking available on site
- Accessible toilets and a changing room
- Free carer’s tickets
- Only assistance dogs are allowed
If you’re going on a VIP visit, note that the exhibition may not be open during out-of-hours tours — we explored it on our second visit and found it well worth it.
Wells – England’s Smallest City with Big Character
Just under an hour from Bristol, Wells may be small, but it’s full of historic charm. The cathedral and surrounding attractions make it a lovely day trip destination.
Wells Cathedral
- Mostly wheelchair accessible (except The Chapter House and Library)
- Stunning interior and a 14th-century Astronomical Clock that moves every 15 minutes
- Accessible café via lift
- Disabled toilet on site
- Free carers’ tickets
- Dogs permitted
Vicar’s Close
Next to the cathedral, this picturesque cobbled street is thought to be Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited street. The cobbles are tricky to navigate in a wheelchair, but it’s still worth seeing from the entrance.
The Bishop’s Palace & Gardens
- Step-free entry and accessible gardens with flat paths
- Small lift to the first floor of the palace (some powered chairs may need adjustments to fit)
- Manual wheelchair available to borrow
- Accessible café in the free-entry area
- Dogs are allowed on the grounds (not inside buildings unless assistance dogs)
Joint tickets with the cathedral are available and valid for return visits for a year
Final Thoughts
All of the places mentioned above are within an hour’s drive of Bristol and have been visited and enjoyed by us personally. We hope this list inspires you to get out and explore a little more.
If you’re looking to stay closer to home, don’t miss our article about Wheelchair Accessible Places in Bristol. And for more adventures, you can explore other destinations we’ve visited at wheelwithus.com.
Happy travels 😊
For more UK-based guest posts, why not try ‘Love Where You Live: Accessible Adventures Close to Home‘ by Kyrby Brown.
TWIA
Although all hotel and vacation rental information on this site is thoroughly vetted, we recommend calling ahead to ensure your needs are met.
3 thoughts on “5 Amazing Wheelchair Accessible Days Out Near Bristol – Recommended by Wheel With Us”
Looks so charming!
I’m a native to Bristol, so the only place I’m unfamiliar with is Bourton. I’ve even swam in Clevedon’s marine lake! Somerset is full of beautiful places to visit, we are spoilt living here.
I have visited Bristol a couple of times, and driven past Stonehenge once. My nephew used to board in Wells, hence the visits, but I am sorry to say I have not been to nearly as many places in your beautiful region as the folks from Wheel With Us have!