Accessibility

We welcome everyone to Bath Abbey and aim to offer a space for all to enjoy the architecture and atmosphere. Our friendly team of staff and volunteers will be on hand should you require assistance. We are mostly a level access building apart from some of our tours. We have large print guides which are available from our Welcome Desk. We welcome assistant dogs and water can be provided on request. We are working towards becoming dementia friendly and are delivering Dementia Friends information sessions to staff and volunteers. We are also working towards becoming autism friendly and can provide ear defenders on request.

Carers accompanying visitors with a disability are admitted to the Abbey free of charge.

For accessibility queries please contact the team on visits@bathabbey.org or 01225 303315.

Please click on the links below to help you plan your visit:

Accessibility Guide

BaNES Rainbow Resource scheme

We offer free access to card holders and any accompanying carer or support worker.

Families who have children with SEND

A Sensory Explorer backpack is available to borrow without charge. It is available from 24th July and has been designed to provide families with fun and helpful resources to explore the Abbey. Please ask at the Welcome Desk for more information. The backpacks are hanging behind the Desk. Please drop them off outside the shop when you have finished. Contact Polly Andrews, Learning Manager pandrews@bathabbey.org for more information or to give feedback.

Wheelchair access

Bath Abbey (except for Tower Tours) is wheelchair accessible. A wheelchair is available to borrow if required. To reserve one in advance of your visit please contact our Verger Team on 01225 303328 or email vergers@bathabbey.org. There is level access in and out of the building via the main entrance and exit with no steps to overcome.

Visitors with visual impairments

Large print guides are available from the Welcome Desk.

Visitors with hearing impairments

For those who use the hearing loop, the best places to sit to listen to services or the choirs are close to the centre aisle in the first three chairs each side. For best sound from the speakers please sit close to the speakers, in line with the direction it faces.

Visitors with dementia

Bath Abbey is working towards being Dementia Friendly. The Abbey is a member of the Bath and North East Somerset Dementia Action Alliance and some of our staff and volunteers have attended Dementia Friends information sessions. For more information or for help in planning your visit, please contact our Visitor Experience Team at visits@bathabbey.org or by calling 01225 303315.

Visitors with autism

Bath Abbey can be very busy. We recommend visiting at the beginning or end of the day when there are usually fewer visitors. The Abbey is normally quietest before 10.30am and after 4.30pm. Please check the opening times section on our website for details of opening times on the day you plan to visit or contact our Visitor Experience Team at visits@bathabbey.org or by calling 01225 303315.

If you are having difficulty coping with noise in the Abbey please speak to a member of staff or volunteer who will be able to lend you a pair of ear defenders for your visit.

There is more information in our accessibility guide at the top of this page to show you what you will experience when you are visiting Bath Abbey and to help you plan your visit.

Car parking

Bath and North East Somerset Council operate a blue badge scheme and recognise permits issued in other countries.

Access for Blue Badge holders driving into the security zone (City Centre) is via Cheap Street,  and  Blue Badge holders wishing to gain access via taxis or carers, will start from 1 January 2022 and details can be found at www.bathnes.gov.uk/bathcitycentreaccess

Designated accessible parking bays are also available in most city centre car parks. The nearest short stay car park is a five-minute walk away at the Podium in Northgate Street, BA1 5AL, or the Southgate car park in St. James Parade, BA1 1TP.