Interested in finding a live-in carer in the Bristol area? Use our postcode search to find a live-in carer near you.
Getting about in Bristol
Bristol has an excellent, well-connected, public transport system, perfect for those who want to get around but don’t want to drive.
Bristol Temple Meads (BS1 6QF) and Bristol Parkway (BS34 8PU) are the two main railway stations in the city. Both offer direct connections to other major cities including London and Birmingham. They are both wheelchair friendly with ramp availability and friendly staff on hand to assist wheelchair passengers or those with mobility issues.
First Bus and Stagecoach operate frequent services within the city centre and to the outskirts. Metrobus who also operate within Bristol also provide a service that is fast, reliable, and frequent. For those with a concessionary card travel is free outside peak hours and most of the modern buses serving Bristol have ramps for easy access whether in a wheelchair or for those with reduced mobility. There are also a good number of local taxi companies offering a reliable transport alternative.
Bristol ShopMobility (BS2 9AB) offers a good selection of equipment for those who have mobility issues. It can be rented for use within the city centre.
Destinations
Bristol is home to plenty of places to visit and has lots of green open spaces that are ideal for a day out. There really is something for everyone.
Parks and museums
St George Park (BS5 7AA) is located on the eastern edge of the inner city. This is a park that dates back to Victorian times and has well laid out, flat, paths for navigating around the park and its lake. There are areas suitable for picnics, including some benches and you will find both a kiosk and a café within the park grounds.
Brunel’s SS Great Britain (Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Rd, Bristol BS1 6TY) is a maritime museum ship that looks at both the history of the area, and also the story of the SS Great Britain. Due to the nature of the museum being within a ship, not all of it is accessible to those in a wheelchair or with mobility issues. However, there are staff on hand to direct visitors and alternative ways into some exhibits. There is also support for those visitors who have sight or hearing issues.
Cinemas and theatres
The entertainment scene in Bristol is a thriving one with a number of cinemas and theatres offering a range of screenings and performances.
The ODEON Bristol (BS1 2DS) is a good option with plenty of accessibility options for those in wheelchairs or with reduced mobility. The cinema also offers those with a Cinema Exhibitors’ Association (CEA) Card a free companion ticket. Some of their showings are suitable for those with hearing or sight issues. Their website has a wheelchair friendly option to allow visitors to pick screens with wheelchair spaces.
Bristol Hippodrome (St Augustine’s Parade, Bristol BS1 4UZ) is a large theatre which hosts a range of West End productions. They pride themselves on being an accessible theatre and as such offer a wealth of adaptations to suit those with reduced mobility, sight or hearing difficulties and those visitors in wheelchairs.
Other activities
Community centres can be the hub of a city when it comes to social activities and events for older residents. They are also a great place to meet like-minded friends. There are a number of community centres in Bristol including the Easton Community Centre (BS5 6AW) and the Windmill Hill Community Centre (BS3 4LW) They offer classes, social groups, and even cultural events with something for everyone.
Coffee shops and cafes
If you are looking for somewhere to meet up with friends and family or just simply treat yourself then coffee shops and cafes are a great place to head to. There are plenty of both in Bristol.
Boswells Coffee Co (The Galleries, Broadmead Gallery, The Mall, Bristol BS1 3XB) – since 1972 this café has been serving great tea and coffee to the people of Bristol. They also serve a fantastic selection of light bites and sweet treats as well.
Cafe At The New Room (36 The Horsefair, Broadmead, Bristol BS1 3JE) is located in John Wesley’s New Room which is the oldest Methodist building in the world, located right in the heart of Bristol city centre. It was founded in 1739 by John Wesley. As well as it’s award-winning café you can also visit the 18th century Chapel, the Museum about John & Charles Wesley’s life and work and a vast reference Library. A trip for tea could turn into a whole day out!
