Access Local

Access Local is a platform designed to make it easier for people to find places that are genuinely accessible.

We are starting in Swindon and Wiltshire, with the aim of building a trusted local directory of businesses, venues, facilities and organisations that have been independently assessed for accessibility and customer experience.

Rather than relying on vague descriptions or a simple “accessible” label, Access Local looks at the details that can make a real difference when someone is deciding whether a place is suitable for them.

How Access Local works
Businesses, venues and organisations can be nominated for inclusion on Access Local.
Places are then assessed using a structured grading framework designed around both accessibility and the overall customer experience.

Each venue receives a profile containing useful information such as:
Accessibility features
Facilities available
Parking information
Opening information
Contact details
Accessibility rating
Customer experience information
Details that may help visitors plan their visit

Users will be able to search for venues by category and location, then view results either as a list or on a map.

The six Access Local categories

Access Local covers six key areas of everyday life:
Shops, Shopping Centres and Supermarkets – Helping people understand how accessible local shopping locations are, from entrances and layouts to facilities and customer support.

Facilities and Parking – Providing clearer information about accessible toilets, parking facilities and other important public amenities.

Hospitality – Covering restaurants, cafés, pubs, hotels and other hospitality venues, with accessibility information to help people plan their visit with confidence.

Offices and Workspaces – Looking at accessibility within offices, shared workspaces and other professional environments.

Tourist Attractions – Helping residents and visitors find accessible attractions, activities and places to visit throughout the local area.

Care Facilities – Providing useful accessibility and visitor information for care-related settings and facilities.

More than a directory
Access Local is not simply a list of places with wheelchair access.

Accessibility can mean different things to different people, which is why we want to provide practical information rather than assumptions.

The aim is to create a platform that helps people make informed choices based on their own needs.

For businesses and organisations, Access Local also provides an opportunity to demonstrate what they are doing well, identify where improvements could be made and show customers that accessibility is being taken seriously.

Built locally, with room to grow

Access Local is beginning in Swindon and Wiltshire.

By focusing on one area first, we can build a useful, reliable resource for the local community while developing a model that can eventually be expanded into other areas.

Our ambition is for Access Local to become a trusted place people can turn to when they want to know:
“Will this place work for me?”

Nominate a place
Know a business, venue, attraction or facility that deserves to be recognised for its accessibility?

You can nominate a location to be considered for Access Local.

Whether it is somewhere that already provides an excellent accessible experience or a venue you think would benefit from being assessed, we want to hear about it.

Nominate a venue and help us build a more accessible local community.

Are you a business or venue?
If you would like your business, organisation or venue to be assessed for Access Local, we would love to hear from you. We have two tiers for you to join.

Tier One – Self Assess – £29.99
We’ll send you a form to answer the questions – you will be saying yes or no and giving evidence of anything requested. When you send it back we will then use what you’ve sent across to grade and send you your result and certificate in the post.

Tier Two – We Assess – £299
We won’t tell you when we’re coming so it will be a surprise assessment. We’ll travel to you and complete your assessment. Once we have graded it, we’ll be able to give you your grading and send you your certificate in the post.


Being part of Access Local gives you the opportunity to clearly communicate your accessibility information, demonstrate your commitment to customers and make it easier for people to decide whether your venue is right for them.

Get in touch to find out more about joining Access Local by emailing info@thecareshowswindon.co.uk