Walloon Brabant, just south of Brussels, is for wheelchair users a quiet but surprisingly rich province: from the immersive Memorial 1815 in Waterloo to the Solvay Estate with its thousand rhododendrons and the spectacular abbey ruins of Villers-la-Ville. Below are seven outings, organised by area.
1. Memorial 1815 Waterloo: 360 degree panorama via lift
The Memorial 1815 Waterloo is an underground visitor centre at the foot of the Lion's Mound — fully step-free with lifts to every level, including the spectacular 110m 360 degree panoramic painting. Films and interactive modules at seated height. Free wheelchair loan. The Lion's Mound itself is not accessible (226 steps), but the view from the base is already impressive.
2. Solvay Estate La Hulpe: park with 1000 rhododendrons
The Solvay Estate is a 227 ha free-to-enter country estate. Access-i certified with an adapted audio-guided walking route for people with reduced mobility. Main paths are semi-paved and largely easy to traverse. Busiest during the rhododendron bloom (May–June). Combine with the Fondation Folon on the estate (fully accessible).
3. Rixensart Castle: Renaissance estate
Rixensart Castle is a Renaissance ensemble (16th–17th century) set in a protected green area. Only open during events and exhibitions — check the website for the schedule. The main entrance and inner courtyard are accessible; the Renaissance halls on the upper floor are partly reached via stairs. Just 20 minutes from Brussels via the E411.
4. Abbaye de Villers: Cistercian ruins
The Abbaye de Villers is a spectacular ruined complex of a 12th-century Cistercian abbey. The visitor centre and main paths through the ruins are adapted and paved. Some sections are unpaved — call ahead for accessibility information. One of Wallonia's finest heritage sites.
5. Sonian Forest Visitor Centre Hoeilaart
The Sonian Forest Visitor Centre is fully step-free. The flat paved path around the Groenendaal Ponds is wheelchair accessible. A UNESCO World Heritage forest with an interactive exhibition on history and ecology. Free entry. A cafe is located across the street.
6. Bois de Waterloo and Hougoumont
The Bois de Waterloo has accessible main paths through the woodland around the battlefield. Combine with Hougoumont Farm — a restored British position during the Battle, partly step-free. Ideal for those wanting to extend their Memorial 1815 day.
7. Plopsaqua Hannut: adapted water park for families
Plopsaqua Hannut is a step-free family water park with adapted changing rooms and a walk-in pool. Combine with the family day trip blog for other child-friendly accessible destinations.
Bonus: Bibliothèque Communale Waterloo and Wavre
For those with a little extra time between visits: the municipal libraries of Waterloo and Wavre are step-free and have adapted toilets. A good shelter in case of a sudden rain shower.
Practical tips for your Walloon Brabant day trip
Reachable via Brussels: Walloon Brabant is ideal to combine with a stay in Brussels — many destinations are 20–40 minutes away by car.
Memorial 1815: bus from Braine-l'Alleud station. Reserve NMBS/SNCB assistance at least 3 hours in advance.
Combine with Brussels: see our Brussels 2-day city break pillar.
Do you know a Walloon Brabant address that's missing here? Let us know.