Accessible guide to south Wales

Be at one with nature as you saddle up for a horse ride with the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA). There are over 450 centres dotted across the UK. Head to the Mount Pleasant location near Bridgend for ponies that are specifically trained to respond via voice. The centre is accessible and has a specialist mounting block, tack which is adapted for riders who, for example, can only use one hand. Those who can’t ride can still get involved grooming and handling the ponies instead at this calm and tranquil setting.  

The Dyffryn Gardens, part of Dyffryn House, are one of the National Trust’s finest collections of Edwardian gardens in Wales. A sprawling 55 acres will keep you entertained with garden rooms, a Paved Court, Reflecting Pool and Mediterranean Garden. Not forgetting the 22 acres of woodland, it’s a great place to visit in all seasons with level access and ramps throughout making it accessible to wheelchair users. There are accessible toilets throughout the gardens, plus wheelchairs and mobility scooters to hire (advanced booking is advised).

These two pretty lakes were created when two old quarries were flooded – it’s now Cosmeston Country Park and a haven for wildlife. There is a wheelchair accessible cafe, accessible board walks, and walkways around the lakes, as well as available audio tours. You can also hire a wheelchair at reception. There are paths around the Medieval Village, though some areas might be a little bumpy.

There is one notable section of the Wales Coast Path in south Wales, the Newport Wetlands Centre Nature Walk. Found within the Newport Wetlands Centre, take the three-mile (5km) accessible Nature Walk from the Visitor Centre towards a section of the Wales Coast Path. Look out for the 120-year-old East Usk Lighthouse and the sculpture trail.

Did you know that the former coal-exporting city of Newport is also home to a Roman fortress and baths? Built back in AD75, Caerleon Roman Baths is one of only permanent fortresses in Roman Britain. Inside the baths you’ll find a multi-sensory experience with music, film projections, touch screen games and more. There is a wooden slatted walkway which some wheelchairs with narrow wheels might find difficult, though the site has one folding wheelchair available for use at the Roman Baths only. There is information in braille, audio points and a portable induction loop.

With a history spanning 2,000 years right through to the present day, Cardiff Castle is alive and packed with fun-filled events. From the outdoor cinema to music concerts, guided tours of the castle and more, there’s plenty to keep you busy. The castle grounds are accessible to wheelchair and mobility scooter users, with level access throughout the visitor centre. The Norman Keep and Castle Apartments are accessed by stairs. Audio guides are available in 10 languages, including a BSL sign-language tour, and you can pre-book touch tours of the castle.

Discover the lifestyles and culture of Welsh people over the centuries at St Fagans National Museum of History. You’ll find over 50 buildings from across Wales that have been carefully rebuilt at this fascinating open-air museum, from a Victorian school to a pub. Wheelchair access is possible for the majority of the site, but the terrain on the Castle side of the museum is steep and may prove challenging. There are accessible toilets and two Changing Places facilities. If you’d like to visit at a quieter time, the museum recommends coming after 3pm each day. 

An easy day trip from Cardiff, the Royal Mint Experience lets you lift the curtain on the home of British coins. There are a small number of wheelchairs available to borrow on-site. There is a restriction on the number of wheelchair users that can be accommodated in one group due to the nature of the tour, so guests with mobility requirements are advised to call ahead to make their booking and secure their free carer ticket where applicable. Every first Sunday of the month there are low sensory tours, with reduced sensory triggers in the exhibition, to ensure that guests don’t feel overwhelmed. 

From live music to international theatre shows, the Wales Millennium Centre also showcases the best of local Welsh talent. This striking building is accessible to all, offering assisted performances, a quiet room, sound enhancement headphones, accessible toilets and a Changing Places toilet, wheelchair spaces and more.

Have you ever wondered what goes into making your favourite TV shows? Every Thursday to Sunday, the BBC opens the doors to its state-of-the-art Cardiff studios for guided tours. You’ll get to see its  enormous newsroom up-close and get the lowdown on the production process. Visitors who use wheelchairs or have other access requirements are advised to call in advance, as are visitors who are D/deaf or hard of hearing and would like a BSL interpreter.  

Treat yourself to some shopping at St David’s Cardiff. The centre has worked with Colostomy UK to make its accessible toilets stoma-friendly and each toilet now includes wall hooks, a colostomy bag shelf, a wall mirror and suitable disposal facilities. Pick up a free Hidden Disability Lanyard from the Information Desk, where you can also collect a sensory backpack, complete with ear defenders, sensory toys and more. Neurodivergent guests may also want to take advantage of the weekly quiet hours, every Tuesday between 2-3pm, during which the shopping centre reduces the amount of music. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be hired for free.