alt

Join Rosie Jones and James Acaster in the South West

Land of cheddar cheese, Banksy and lush rolling hills, the west country has given us a lot to be thankful for. And with tons of history, culture and scenic countryside to discover, it’s one of the top accessible places to visit on a short break.

Watch Rosie Jones as she discovers the West Country with James Acaster as part of her Mission:Accessible series with Channel 4. 

And find out more about the locations featured, as well as few extra things to do in Bristol and the South West, with our handy guide…

1

Brean Down

Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset

Rosie Jones using a tramper at Brean Down

For a memorable day out in Somerset, head to Brean Down – a dramatic natural pier overlooking the Bristol Channel. With rare plants, feral goats, a Roman temple and the second-largest tidal movement in the world, there’s lots to discover. Despite the uneven pathways, Brean Down is easy to explore with the all-terrain mobility scooters you can hire from the visitor centre. With the ability to traverse grass, puddles, slopes, mud and sticky-out tree roots, the trampers can help you make the most of this National Trust park.

As availability is limited, it’s best to book your tramper in advance to make sure it’s ready and waiting for you when you arrive. The trampers are free to hire if you’re a member of Countryside Mobility, a previous winner of the VisitEngland Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award. Take a look at their website for information on how to sign up.

Find out more
2

Whistle Punks Axe Throwing

All Saints' Street, Bristol

James Acaster about to throw axe at Whistle Punks

Grab your mates and give your throwing arm some practice at Whistle Punks in Bristol city centre. This axe-hurling venue is proud of its inclusive ethos, that makes sure everyone has the opportunity to take part in this unique activity. Whistle Punks’ managers not only receive deaf-awareness training, but the venue holds specific sessions for wheelchair users, those with mobility challenges and people with visual impairments. Book in advance to make sure you and your group get your own exclusive lane, an instructor who will be able to show you the ropes and enough pizza to feed a village. But the question is, will you hit the target?

Find out more
3

Caving in the Mendips Hills

Mendip Hills AONB

Rosie Jones climbing out of cave with Marcus

Push yourself beyond what you think you’re capable of on a journey through the dramatic Mendip Hills. Donning a boiler suit, helmet and head torch, and accompanied by caving expert, Marcus, you’ll descend into hidden caves to explore life underground. With years of experience of working with people of different abilities, Marcus is able to tailor caving routes to the group, so everyone can have their own slice of adventure, whatever their needs. And there’s no need to rush – you can take your time navigating the passages, figuring out what climbs and squeezes you can and can’t do. You can even slide down slopes on your bum if you need to!

Find out more
4

M Shed

Wapping Road, Bristol

Located on Bristol’s historic Harbourside, the M Shed museum tells the story of Bristol – where objects, recollections and art from its rich 2000-year history hope to inspire conversations about the city’s future. Travelling back in time isn’t a chore here either, as there are lots of accessible features in place that cater to a range of different needs. There are handy designated spaces at the nearby Grove Car Park and all the museum’s entrances are step-free. Inside, there are three wheelchair-accessible lifts with spoken announcements and tactile buttons, and you can even hire folding stools to take with you around the galleries if you need a portable seat.

Find out more
5

SS Great Britain

Gas Ferry Road, Bristol

Brunel's SS Great Britain docked in Bristol

Climb aboard one of the most important ships in the world, designed by Brunel, one of Britain’s greatest engineers. Alive with sights, sounds and smells, this nautical masterpiece will give you a glimpse into its past voyages and the people who lived and worked on board. To make sure all visitors have the best experience possible, the Ship, Dry Dock, Dockyard Museum and Brunel Institute are fully accessible to wheelchair users, and there are alternative access points that miss out any cobblestone paths. And while some cabins may be a bit of a squeeze for standard wheelchairs, there are specially designed chairs on hand to help you explore every nook and cranny. There’s also a tactile model of the SS Great Britain to help blind and partially sighted visitors discover all corners of this historic ship.

Find out more
6

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm

Wraxall, Bristol

An elephant in the water at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm in south west England.

Meet alpacas, skunks and Highland cows, and many more animals at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm. Almost all the viewing areas can be accessed with a wheelchair, and the Elephant Eden play area even has a wheelchair-accessible roundabout. The farm also has a loud announcement system and there are plenty of visual aids (like high-contrast signs and painted picnic tables) to help you get about. There are accessible toilet facilities too, including one with a hoist and adult changing bed. Before you visit, download the zoo’s accessible map for a suggested plan of how to spend your day and don’t forget to stop for a cuddle with the rabbits and guinea pigs.

Find out more
7

Accessible places to stay in the South West

Lower Godney, Wells

Round off your trip to the West Country with a stay in one of the region’s accessible accommodations. Vibrant Double Gate Farm, in Godney, has multiple fully accessible rooms, all with emergency call systems next to the beds. As part of an independent assessment by the National Accessible Scheme, Double Gate Farm is rated suitable for older and less mobile guests, part-time wheelchair users and assisted wheelchair users. Many of the staff have had disability awareness training too, meaning there’s always someone on hand. If you like a bit more privacy, then the tranquil Lakeview Holiday Cottages may be more up your street. The two wheelchair-accessible bungalows are spacious and contemporary, with lowered kitchen worktops and wet rooms. And, as the name suggests, the lodges overlook 12 acres of lake and countryside, helping you truly escape the everyday. 

Please note: While the attractions listed in this article have achieved good levels of accessibility, please be sure to make your own checks and inquiries directly with the attractions before travelling to ensure your individual accessibility requirements can be met. You can also find independently assessed accessible accommodation across the country and further ideas and inspiration in the Access for All section.

For more ideas of accessible places to visit in England, check out Rosie's other Mission: Accessible adventures to London, ManchesterCambridge and Brighton

22 Apr 2022(last updated)

Don’t miss

A family sit on a bench in front of two red telephone boxes

Your guide to spring bank holiday events

Daffodils in bloom in a London park

Easter events in 2024

A view of Royal Shakespeare Company building across the River Avon

Free days out with the National Lottery

Two women on the White Horse Trail, one using a tramper

7 amazing accessible experiences in the North York Moors

A family visit a Sunday market by the river Tyne in Newcastle upon Tyne

Vote for 2024’s Tourism Superstar and win a £250 gift card

AJ Odudu posing on rocks in the Yorkshire Dales

9 ways to escape the everyday in Yorkshire

  • 1

    Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset

  • 2

    All Saints' Street, Bristol

  • 3

    Mendip Hills AONB

  • 4

    Wapping Road, Bristol

  • 5

    Gas Ferry Road, Bristol

  • 6

    Wraxall, Bristol

  • 7

    Lower Godney, Wells

VisitEngland would like to invite you to take part in a short survey about our website, it should take no more than a couple of minutes.

Go to the survey

To add items to favourites …

… you need to be logged in.

If you already have an account, log in.

Or register a

Access your account

Enter your e-mail address or username.
Enter the password that accompanies your e-mail.
Forgot your password? Recover your account
Don't have an account? Register an account