Venues & Accessibility
Where to find us, how to get between us, and what to expect when you arrive.
Getting around
Our harbourside venues (Watershed, Arnolfini, Bristol Megascreen, Planetarium) are all within a 5–10 minute walk of each other. The Prospect Building and Wake The Tiger are further out. We’d recommend using a Dott e-scooter or e-bike (available across Bristol via the Dott app), hopping on a bus, or grabbing a taxi. If you have time on your hands, the Bristol Ferry Boat runs from the harbourside to Temple Meads, which is a short walk from the Prospect Building and a 5-minute taxi from Wake The Tiger.
Getting to our venues
By bike: There are many cycle parking locations at the front and back of our harbourside venues. You can find many more parking locations across The Centre nearby.
By bus: The nearest bus stops to the main festival venues are on ‘The Centre’, no more than a 2 minute walk away. Plan your journey by bus at travelwest.info.
By ferry: There is a ferry stop just along from Watershed with regular Bristol Ferry Boat services running from Bristol Temple Meads, Hotwells and around the city centre. Additional services from No7 Boats run at weekends.
By train: The nearest station to the festival is Bristol Temple Meads which is approximately 15 mins walk from the main festival venues. Why not arrive in style and get a ferry directly from Temple Meads?
By car: The closest car parks are Millennium Square Car Park and Trenchard Street NCP parking.
Watershed
Accessibility
The main entrance and Box Office are on the ground floor, accessible via a ramped, electronically assisted entrance door.
There are two Blue Badge parking spaces to the rear of Watershed on Canons Road.
Guide dogs and hearing dogs are very welcome.
The first floor of Watershed is accessible via the lift from the main entrance and includes level access to all areas, including the front of Cinemas 1 and 2, plus a lift to the back of Cinemas 1 and 3, all events spaces, and a large and spacious Cafe & Bar.
All three cinemas have induction loops as do our Waterside 2 and Waterside 3 event spaces.
There are two accessible toilets (with baby changing facilities). One in the top foyer, beside the main toilets, or follow the signs for the Cinemas for the second accessible toilet on your left through the double doors before Cinema 1.
The toilets in the top foyer are for everyone. Some of the fully enclosed cubicles have a sink and mirror in them, some are ambulant (a bit more spacious with supports such as grab rails) and there is also a large family room with plenty of room for a buggy. Just through the Cafe & Bar there are also separate male and female toilets.
Cinema seats are roughly 46cm wide, with wooden armrests on either side of each seat that can’t be moved. Watershed can offer seats without armrests or bean bags as alternatives at the front of the cinema if that is more comfortable for you. Please just call the Watershed Box Office to arrange.
Arnolfini
Accessibility
Access to the main entrance is via automatic doors from the quayside, which has an uneven cobbled surface. There is smooth level access from Prince Street to the Cafe & Bar entrance as well as at the main entrance of Arnolfini from both Prince Street and Narrow Quay.
There are lifts to all floors and level access to all public spaces, including galleries, shop and Cafe & Bar.
Accessible toilets can be found on Floor -1, 0 and 2.
The Prospect Building
There is no on-site parking. Bristol Temple Meads Station is less than a 10-minute walk, or use the postcode BS2 0UJ for taxi drop-off. Entry is via Feeder Road (Gate A) and exit/pick-up is via Chapel Street (Gate D). Clear signage, lighting, and security staff will guide you.
Accessibility
Limited onsite parking is available for Blue Badge holders (book in advance). There are three accessible toilets and a viewing platform. PA tickets are available for eligible visitors and must be approved in advance. For all access queries, contact doorrep@prospectbristol.com.
Bristol Megascreen
Formerly known as Bristol IMAX, the Megascreen is the largest cinema screen in Bristol and the second largest in the South West. Proudly part of Bristol Aquarium and located right in the heart of the harbourside, the 300-seat auditorium features a 19x15m screen with Dolby surround sound and a Christie projector.
Accessibility
Bristol Megascreen is fully accessible for disabled guests. The auditorium is accessible via rear doors reached by a lift, avoiding the stairs. Ask a member of staff on arrival for directions. For more information on Bristol Aquarium’s accessibility, visit bristolaquarium.co.uk/access-statement.
The seats in the Megascreen are 45cm (17.5in) wide and 44cm (17in) deep, with fixed, non-moveable armrests and 38cm (15in) of legroom between rows.
Planetarium
The UK’s only 3D Planetarium, located on Level 1 of We The Curious. The Planetarium features a full dome screen with 360-degree digital 3D projection, 4K Ultra High Definition and 7.1 surround sound. Capacity is 85 in tiered theatre-style seating.
Accessibility
The Planetarium entrance is on the first floor and has step-free level access. The majority of seating is stepped, but there are 2 designated wheelchair spaces at the top of the planetarium with step-free level access and an unobstructed view. Companions sit alongside. There is space for an assistance dog. An accessible toilet is located opposite the planetarium entrance. For full access and support information, visit wethecurious.org/accessibility.
Wake The Tiger
Wake The Tiger is the UK’s largest immersive art experience. This is the venue for our closing party and awards ceremony on Saturday 26th September. Bristol Temple Meads is a 25-minute walk or a 5-minute taxi ride. The nearest bus stop is Paintworks (routes 1, 178, 349, X39). There are 60 parking spaces on site (card only, up to 3 hours for £3) with overflow parking at Bristol Fruit Market nearby.
Accessibility
Please be aware that the venue is a highly sensory experience with low lighting, flashing lights, sound effects, atmospheric smells, and some haze and smoke. There is level wheelchair access throughout the majority of the venue, with lifts alongside both staircases. Visitors with disabilities can bring a carer or support worker free of charge. Only small bags (roughly A4 size) are permitted. This is an over-18 event.
Wake The Tiger’s full accessibility guide is available at wakethetiger.com. For access queries, email info@wakethetiger.com.
Passes, tickets, standby queues and box office hours are all covered in How to Fest.