Accessible Solihull

Solihull is proud to welcome every visitor with inclusive experiences that make exploring the borough easier and more enjoyable for everyone. Whether you’re heading out for a relaxed cinema trip, peaceful walk, or shopping spree, there are thoughtful features and resources in place to support individuals with disabilities, sensory needs, and mobility challenges.

AccessAble Solihull provides detailed accessibility information for venues across the borough – from shops and restaurants to leisure centres and parks. You’ll find practical details about step-free access, door widths, accessible toilets, hearing loops, things to do and nearby transport options. More about AccessAble in British Sign Language, can be found on their website.

Here are just some of the ways Solihull is making accessibility a priority:

Accessibility is at the heart of The Core Theatre. With step-free entry, wheelchair seating, a lift to public levels, and accessible toilets on both floors, the venue ensures every guest can enjoy the arts with ease. The theatre also offers relaxed performances, welcomes assistance dogs, and supports performers with mobility challenges. For those with additional communication needs, documents can be provided in Braille, and a BSL-trained staff member is available if requested in advance—ensuring all visitors feel informed, supported, and included. Visit The Core Theatre website for more information.

Solihull’s transport network is growing more inclusive each year. Many local train stations offer step-free access, and most buses are low-floor and wheelchair accessible, with ramps and dedicated spaces. Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) provides assistance cards and communication tools to help passengers with disabilities navigate the network confidently. The TfWM ‘plan your journey’ feature helps you plan and navigate public transport with resources and tools to make travel easier, including information on accessible routes and assistance services. Residents with disabilities or those over 66 can also benefit from free or discounted travel passes, which can be applied for through the Solihull Council website.

Solihull provides free parking for Blue Badge holders in pay-and-display car parks and designated disabled bays across the borough. This makes it easier for visitors with mobility challenges to access shops, venues, and public spaces. (Time limits may apply, please check Blue Badge T&C’s).

Enjoy a calmer shopping experience at Touchwood every Saturday from 9am to 10am, when lights are dimmed and music is turned off, in partnership with Autism West Midlands. The centre also features prayer rooms and breastfeeding facilities, promoting comfort and inclusion for all visitors.

For those with mobility needs, Shopmobility, located in the Orange Welcome Hall, offers free use of mobility scooters and wheelchairs (with a small refundable deposit), making it easier to explore the town centre with confidence and independence.

Cineworld offers audio-described and subtitled screenings every weekend, ensuring a welcoming cinema experience for all guests. For up-to-date showtimes and details, visit Cineworld Solihull’s website.

Every Saturday from 10am to 11am, Resorts World offers a dedicated quiet hour. With softer lighting and no background music, it’s a more peaceful and accessible space for everyone to shop, socialise, or simply relax.

Solihull Council has created a series of sensory walks, inviting you to experience local parks and green spaces at a slower, more mindful pace. All routes are rated easy and are mostly concrete paths which are step free. The routes are considered accessible via wheelchair and  are ideal for individuals with autism, learning disabilities, or anyone looking to connect with nature in a calm environment. Access the sensory walk maps to plan your visit.

Solihull’s leisure centres go the extra mile to ensure every visitor feels welcome. Both Tudor Grange Leisure Centre and North Solihull Sports Centre feature step-free access, accessible toilets and changing facilities, disabled parking, and pool hoists for supported swimming. Tudor Grange also provides a hearing loop and both sites offer inclusive fitness classes and swimming sessions through the Solihull Gets Active programme. Staff are trained to support a range of needs, and virtual access guides are available via AccessAble.

Accessible toilet facilities are available throughout the town centre and can be easily located using the AccessAble Solihull guide.

Solihull town centre has two Changing Places toilets. One is located at Touchwood Shopping Centre in the Orange Welcome Hall, adjacent to Shopmobility, and the other is at The Core. Birmingham Airport also has one, as do Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre and the NEC. Please check out the Changing Places toilets website for details and more locations.