Accessibility
Find out about accessibility at graduation and how to submit a request for a graduate or a guest.
Graduation is a celebration, so the cathedral is decorated and lit to mark the occasion. We do not use fluorescent or flashing lights within the ceremony, however cheering and clapping is encouraged. Like many historical buildings, there are some issues with access and safety, however we will do our best to meet the access requirements of anyone wishing to attend a graduation ceremony.
Submit a requirement
If you or your guests have any access requirements, or if you have any questions about accessibility, please contact the graduation team by the booking deadline. We cannot guarantee that the appropriate arrangements can be put in place for any requests received after the deadline.
The Cloisters
This is where students will register their attendance and collect their graduation robes. Temporary ramps will be in place for the duration of the graduation ceremonies as there is a single step down and back up as well as two steps into the room where you collect your robes. Only students will need access to this area on the day.
The walk is approximately three minutes (150 yards) from the front of the Cathedral/Marquee to the cloisters entrance. Please note the route may have some uneven flooring and does require you to go up and down a slight hill. Members of staff will be on hand to assist with the route on the day should this be helpful.
The main Cathedral
As this is an old building the floor is uneven. If you need any support navigating the building, please speak with us about your requirements for this. Guests and graduates will access this space for the ceremony and for any professional photography.
Graduates will be seated on the stage in the centre of the cathedral, this is accessed via an accessible lift or ramp as well as stairs on either side and the front. Please contact the graduation team if you have any requirements so we can discuss the seating and access options to best suit you and your experience.
Guest seating is allocated in advanced of the ceremony, so if one of your guests requires accessible seats, please contact the graduation team so we can discuss their requirements.
The Marquee
Ramps are available on all except one of the exits (the door closest to the cloisters). The marquee is a temporary structure with a solid, carpeted floor. As you exit the main cathedral and enter the marquee, there is a small, raised metal ‘lip’ where the doors of the cathedral are. Level access is possible by exiting the cathedral and entering the marquee from the outside.
Accessible parking
There is no available parking at the cathedral, however you can park all day in any on-street pay and display parking bay in the city of Bristol, free of charge, providing your badge is on display. The closest on street parking on Deanery Road is approximately 50 yards, or a one minute walk from the Cathedral however, please note this can get extremely busy around graduations.
For more information on where to park with a blue badge, please visit the Bristol City Council website.
See graduation travel to find out more about carparks or other ways to travel to your graduation.
Accessible toilets
Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are located at the end of the Cloisters at Bristol Cathedral. A radar key is not required to access these facilities. Level access is available from the outside of the building, when entering via the car park. Unfortunately, level access is not available from within the cathedral itself or via the back doors of the marquee.
Assistance animals
The cathedral is located on College Green so there is green space immediately outside the venue for them to use. Water is available at the cathedral also. If you or your guests will be bringing an assistance animal, please contact the graduation team so we can discuss your requirements.
Hearing loop
Bristol Cathedral has a hearing loop fitted, so please contact the graduation team with your student number if you need it switched on for yourself or your guests.
Screens and subtitles
Screens are located throughout the main cathedral to assist graduates and guests to view the ceremony. Subtitles will be available onscreen for the duration of the ceremony, excluding when names are read out as students cross the stage.
Sign language
A Bristish Sign Language (BSL) interpreter can be arranged for graduates of guests attending a ceremony. Please contact the graduation team with your student number if you would like us to arrange this so we can discuss any further requirements with you.
Further information
For more information about facilities, please visit the Bristol Cathedral website or contact the graduation team.
You may also be interested in
Graduation day
Everything you need to know about your graduation.
Graduation travel
How to travel to your graduation ceremony.
Dates and deadlines
View upcoming ceremony dates and deadlines for booking your place, securing guest tickets and hiring robes.
Graduation terms and conditions
Graduation terms and conditions for students graduating from UWE Bristol.