22 January 2018
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Top three accessible visitor attractions in Edinburgh
Saga Magazine presents its top three accessible visitor attractions and things to do in the city of Edinburgh.
Saga Magazine presents its top three accessible visitor attractions and things to do in the city of Edinburgh.
1. Edinburgh Castle
You might think that a fortress castle dating back to the 12th century would present all manner of obstacles for the visitor with limited mobility. If you can cope with the cobbled areas, Edinburgh Castle, which also houses the National War Museum is surprisingly accessible.
There is a courtesy vehicle at the main reception for those who could have difficulty with the cobbled approaches to the castle interior. There is a lift and toilet facilities.
The Crown Jewels exhibition has hands-on replicas with Braille guides to their history. Read the castle's accessibility guidelines.
If you wish to attend the famous annual Royal Edinburgh Tattoo, traditionally held in August, find out more about wheelchair access.
2. Royal Yacht Britannia
The Royal Yacht Britannia served The Queen from 1954 until it was retired in 1997. Now berthed in Leith, Edinburgh, it has been rated by TripAdvisor as the UK’s No 1 tourist attraction.
It also warrants a place in disabled access review website Euan’s Guide, where it scored well ‘for the amount of thought and planning that has obviously gone into creating the visitor experience. The staff are very friendly and helpful and this contributes greatly to the experience.'
VisitScotland has awarded the five-deck Britannia Category 1 for wheelchair use without assistance, and it has five wheelchairs available, free of charge. Shopmobility scooters aren’t suitable for the tour.
The ship has British Sign Language tablets available and adjustable control audio handsets. Guides are available in Braille and large print.
Contact Britannia on tel: 0131 555 8800 (Mon-Fri, 9am – 5pm), email or download Britannia’s excellent access statement.
3. Scottish National Portrait Gallery
A three-year refurbishment, completed in 2011, to this imposing Victorian building makes it one of the Scottish capital’s most enduring and accessible attractions. A visual history of Scotland, there are over 30,000 items on display, from portraiture to portrait sculpture.
There are wheelchair access routes in the building, hearing loops in some areas and clear signage throughout. Download the Scottish National Portrait Gallery's accessibility guide here.
Artlink is a local service providing transport to museums and galleries for disabled people in the region.
The above article and image was extracted, with permission, from Saga Magazine's top accessible attractions in the UK blog.
Read the full UK accessible attractions line-up.
