Access for all - mobility information
Winchester is historic in nature, and streets can be narrow or uneven, the city is situated on a hill that runs from west to east along a pedestrianised High Street. Some of the routes within the city centre are therefore quite steep, and they are cobbled in places.
The Winchester Accessible trail is available to either download from the website via the button below or paper copies are available from the visitor information centre free of charge.
Things to do, attractions and events in and around Winchester district
Accessibility information has been included in each listing where is has been provided.
Should you have any questions please contact the business directly.
Travel information
By car
Drop off point
Visitors can be dropped off outside the Winchester Visitor Information Centre entrance.
The nearest car park is on Colebrook Street (SO23 9LH). This is 150 metres (0.1 mile) from the VIC entrance. Disabled Parking Badge holders may presently park in any pay and display car park free of charge (except for Middle Brook Street and Brooks Centre car parks) up to the stated car park time limits badge must be displayed. There are certain bays within Winchester High Street (The Broadway) that are solely for use by Disabled Badge holders. These are within 50 metres of the Visitor Information Centre entrance.
Taxi companies
There is a taxi rank directly outside the main entrance of the Visitor Information Centre. Those that can provide wheelchair accessible vehicles are:
Wessex Cars: 01962 877 749
Wintax Cars: 01962 878 727
By train
Winchester Railway station is situated 1.5 km (0.9 miles) from the Visitor Information Centre and is served by both South Western Railway and Cross Country services from London, the Midlands and North of England and the South Coast. There is a taxi rank directly outside the station (exit nearest platform 2) and there are bus stops directly outside with frequent services to the City Centre.
By bus
Most of the bus routes operated by Stagecoach use low floor 'easy access' buses which are wheelchair accessible. The Blue Star bus from Southampton is also wheelchair accessible.
For further information on bus routes please ask the team in person or visit:
www.stagecoachbus.com/timetables
https://www.bluestarbus.co.uk/
The Winchester Park and Ride buses are wheelchair accessible. More information including timetables can be found on the city council’s website www.winchester.gov.uk/parking/parkandride
AccessAble
AccessAble’s Detailed Access Guides tell you all about a venue's access - hotels and guest houses, places to eat and drink, places to visit and much more. They are 100% facts, figures and photographs. We know everyone's accessibility needs are different, which is why having detailed, accurate information is so important. It's why AccessAble send trained surveyors to check out every single place in person and why the information collected has all been decided by the people who use it.
Check out access information for Winchester - before you leave home or on the move using AccessAble’s App and website.
Public Toilets
There are no public toilets within the visitor information centre building. The nearest public toilets are at the front of Abbey Gardens just to the right of the centre.
All public toilets in the city have accessible and baby change facilities and are marked on the city centre maps available from the Visitor Information Centre. The RADAR scheme is in use and keys are available for loan or purchase (£4.75) from the visitor information centre.
The nearest Changing Places Toilet is available at The Arc, Jewry Street, SO23 8SB.
More information about public toilets in and around the district.
Shopmobility
Winchester’s Shopmobility service hires scooters or wheelchairs for a small charge. It is located on the upper parking level of the Brooks Car Park. These must be booked in advance by telephoning 01962 842 626.
Services available in the Winchester Visitor Information Centre
Safe Space
The centre is a designated Safe Space which allows anyone who needs help or support can come in and the team can help them contact their trusted person.
Our team
All staff all have disability awareness and dementia friendly training. If there is anything else you wish to know prior to your visit or you have a question while you are in the city please do not hesitate to contact the team – they are here to help you!
Quiet areas
The centre can provide a quiet area including an area where mothers can breastfeed on request. The Visitor Information Centre is often quieter between 12noon and 2pm or between 4-5pm if you would prefer to visit during these times.