In Travel Features

We’re now firmly in the autumn season, so we thought we’d bring you some more suggestions of accessible places to visit in the UK. Click here for part one’s suggestions where we explore Cardiff and part two, where we look at the South East of England. Today we’re going to focus on one of the most accessible cities in the UK, Edinburgh.

If you’ve visited Edinburgh before, you’ll know that it, like most of the towns and cities in Scotland is committed to being as accessible as possible to all its visitors. Many of Scotland’s main tourist destinations were used as the pilot location for Government accessibility schemes and this has continued throughout the years. If you didn’t know, Edinburgh is the UK’s second most popular tourist destination after London, so naturally, there are lots of things to see and do and, for a city that is so old and steeped in history, there are a surprising number of attractions that have been adapted to make them easily accessible.

Image: Edinburgh Castle

One of the top places to go when in Edinburgh is the castle, though it might not look that accessible from the outside, there are a number of procedures in place to help those with limited mobility. The castle is on top of a hill and there are cobbled areas, but the staff at the castle operate a courtesy vehicle which is available at reception to help you get around and the castle building itself has had a lift fitted and has accessible toilets.

As for the exhibitions, many of them have guides in braille and large print as well as audio guides available. The staff in the ticket offices are also extremely helpful and will point you in the direction of the disabled access points and tell you where you can pick up the alternative guides.

If you’re a fan of art, make sure to visit the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. Having been refurbished recently, the gallery is one of the most accessible attractions in the city and has wheelchair routes throughout the building, hearing loops and clear signing. The main entryway is ramped and there are lifts inside to access the various floors. If you have limited mobility and feel like you are struggling, there are a number of mobility aids onsite which are available, too. For those of you who live in and around Edinburgh, you can use the artlink service which helps people with accessibility needs to visit the region’s arts venues, so make sure to look into using the service if you are planning to visit several galleries.
It’s also free to visit, which is a bonus! The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is also accessible and well worth the visit.

Image: Scottish Parliament Building.

For the politically minded, the Scottish Parliament Building is open for tours and has numerous accessible features including a Changing Places toilet and is wheelchair friendly. If you want to watch parliament in session, there is a viewing platform, which is also accessible for those with mobility aids.

Edinburgh Zoo is another popular attraction, probably because of the resident giant pandas. While it can be a bit tricky for those that use wheelchairs because it is hilly in places, there are mobility vehicles onsite which are on hand to take those with mobility problems around the zoo, there are also several accessible toilets at various points suitable for adults and children. Travelling with a carer? They get free entry!

Image: The Royal Mile.

For those of you planning to travel around the city using public transport, the buses are accessible and wheelchair friendly. They are also regular, affordable and service the main attractions as well as the airport making it an ideal way to travel around. Alternatively, the city has a number of taxis that are wheelchair friendly.

Of course, many descend on the city for Edinburgh Fringe Festival which is well equipped for welcoming guests of all abilities.

Want to find out more about what is on offer in Edinburgh? Click here.

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Sources:

http://bit.ly/2nQ55R5

http://bit.ly/2nQ0VIW

https://edinburgh.org/discover/edinburgh-city-guides/accessible/

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