accessible tourism scotland

Glasgow Burrell Collection

Accessible Holidays in Scotland

Discover a great range of accessible accommodation, attractions and things to see and do, whatever your requirements. From detailed access guides to accessible accommodation and inclusive experiences, get inspired for your next trip in Scotland.

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Regional Accessibility Guides

Check these accessible guides for things to do around Scotland, produced by AccessAble and Euan's Guide.

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AccessAble Guide - Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire

Check out this handy accessible guide by AccessAble with lots of disabled friendly accommodation stays, attractions and places to eat included.

Take a look at Euan's Guide on accessibility in Aberdeen, including the Cruickshank Botanic Garden and Aberdeen Maritime Museum.

Dundee & Angus

Visit accessible locations such as The McManus and HMS Unicorn with recommendations from Euan's Guide.

AccessAble Guide - Dundee, Fife & Angus

Plan your holiday to Dundee, Fife & Angus with wheelchair-friendly accommodation, attractions and facilities to best suit your needs.

View the Euan's Guide information on Edinburgh, with plenty to discover from the Natinoal Museum to the Royal Yacht Britannia.

AccessAble Guide - Edinburgh & The Lothians

Find accessible days out in Edinburgh & The Lothians to help kickstart your holiday planning.

Enjoy a trip to the Kingdom of Fife including accessible days out in Dunfermline and St Andrews.

Many iconic attractions in Glasgow are accessible, including the Burrell Collection and Kelvingrove.

Discover things to do in and around Inverness with AccessAble, including Culloden Battlefield.

AccessAble Guide - South of Scotland

Find lots of disabled friendly holidays with accommodation, attractions, cafés and restaurants tailored to offer support and special assistance.

Accessible days out

Get planning for your next Scottish adventure, including accessible places to stay and wheelchair-friendly walks to discover.

Wheelchair-Friendly Trails in Scotland

Explore a range of wheelchair-friendly trails with some great spots for a rest break.

Castles and Battlefields

Read about Scotland's most accessible castles and battlefields as reviewed by Euan's Guide.

14 accessible accommodation ideas in Scotland

Discover some of the best accessible accommodation in Scotland, from Fife to Moray Speyside.

Accessible restaurants by Euan's Guide

Find accessible restaurants, bars, cafes and more by Euan's Guide, an award-winning disabled access charity.

Beach Wheelchairs

Adventure to the seaside and find out more information on suitable purpose-built beach wheelchairs in Scotland.

LGBTQ+ Friendly Bars and Restaurants

Explore a range of LGBTQ+ bars and restaurants with a lively atmosphere and fun entertainment.

Bus passing Marischal College in Aberdeen

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Accessible travel

Find information about accessible travel to Scotland and getting around between destinations by bus, coach, train and more.

Practical information

Find information on accessible toilets, wheelchair and equipment hire and the VisitScotland accessible policy.

Radar key for accessible toilets

Access locked public toilets in shopping centres, pubs, cafés, bus stations, train stations and more by purchasing a Radar NKS Key.

British Red Cross

Book the short-term use of a wheelchair or other equipment at outlets throughout the UK with British Red Cross

Shopmobility centre

Hire a manual wheelchair, powered wheelchair or powered scooter from a Shopmobility centre.

Accessibility Statement

Read about how we make our website accessible, following general advice on usability and universal design.

Changing Places Map

Find an accessible Changing Places toilet and facilities on their online map

Accessibility Guides

The Hunterian

© VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale

Many of the businesses listed on our website include different information on accessibility. There are filters within our business search - so you can see only businesses that have (for example) level access or support British Sign Language.

What is an accessibility guide?

This is a detailed breakdown of facts and figures information on what visiting this venue will be like - it covers access to the building, access inside such as lifts and stairs, and what staff support is available.

We offer access to two different access guides where available:

• AccessAble detailed access guides
• Accessibility guides created by the businesses themselves (example)

Accessibility guides are updated regularly so you can have the information you need before you visit.

The Green House, accommodation in Selkirk

How can I use the accessibility guides?

We're working with partners to create more accessibility guides for businesses across Scotland.

• Search for the type of business you want
• Within the filters, look under facilities and select accessibility
• Select access guides
• You'll see all of the businesses with an access guide in the search results
• Find the individual business you want to visit
• Under contact details and opening hours, you'll find the Access Guide if one exists
• Click on the guide to open it and find the full information

Glasgow Science Centre

Who are AccessAble?

AccessAble works to give you detailed and accurate information on places to visit. Their website is used by over 1.8 million people. Find out more by visiting their website or download their App on iPhone or Android.

Discover the AccessAble website

Who are Euan's Guide?

Read disabled access reviews of tourism venues in Scotland, all written by disabled people and their friends and families.

Browse the Euan's Guide website

Other things you might like

Everything You Need to Know if You're Travelling to Scotland

Things To See & Do in Scotland

About VisitScotland

Tourist Attractions in Scotland

Holiday Ideas for Scotland

Disability Friendly & Accessible Holiday Accommodation In Scotland

Why Visit Scotland

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Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

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9 Accessible Places to Visit in Scotland 

Scotland is a stunning country, with a wealth of natural beauty and cultural attractions to explore. With the COVID-19 crisis having cast an unfavourable shadow over travelling overseas, the northern nation is also the ideal choice for a low-cost, hassle-free holiday. 

The best news? Scotland is filled to the brim with accessible adventures for the mobility impaired, making it one of the most disabled-friendly destinations in the UK. Here, we take a look at some of the best wheelchair accessible attractions in Scotland, along with some essential travel information. If you need to hire mobility equipment when you get there, Strive Mobility has everything you need for a stress-free stay. 

How to Get There 

There are plenty of direct flights to Scotland from major southern cities such as London, Birmingham, and Cardiff. Domestic flights to Scotland usually take around an hour.

We know flying with a disability can be difficult, so you’ll be happy to hear there is also a range of high-speed, wheelchair-accessible trains to Scotland from most major cities in Britain. The fastest services run up the East Coast, with the high-speed link from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh Waverly taking just four to six hours. There are also slower sleeper trains that travel overnight, allowing you to wake up at your destination without wasting a moment. The Caledonian Sleeper features dedicated passenger assistance and onboard hosts for disabled guests.

Driving to Scotland is also possible from any location in Britain, with the M1 and A1 motorways offering the most direct route from London. This can get you to Edinburgh in as little as seven hours, depending on traffic and stopping time. You could also take the M6 up the west coast which runs from Birmingham via Manchester and Liverpool.

1. Balmoral Castle 

• All facilities suitable for disabled access 
• Wheelchairs and mobility scooters permitted 
• Priority parking and accessible toilets are available

Balmoral Castle is a beautiful building that serves as the Scottish home of the Royal family. Completed in 1856 under the rule of Queen Victoria, the site has served as a much-loved family home for generations. The sprawling grounds, formal gardens, and breathtaking ballroom are all open to the public, along with regular exhibitions, a gift shop, and a cafe serving afternoon tea. 

Located in the charming countryside of Aberdeenshire, it can be reached by car within 90 minutes from Aberdeen, or up to three hours from Edinburgh or Glasgow. The nearest airport and railway station are both located in Aberdeen.

2. Riverside Museum 

• Wheelchair access to all areas via lifts
• Priority parking and accessible toilets 
• Displays and exhibits at an accessible height

Located on the junction of the Kelvin and Clyde in Glasgow, the Riverside Museum tells a tale of transport and technology through the years. It details the city’s history as a maritime powerhouse, with a range of interesting exhibits from vintage cars, skateboards and prams to the tall ship moored up outside. 

With a fantastic location in a recently regenerated part of the city, the Riverside Museum is easy to get to. It has dedicated parking, while disabled visitors can be dropped off outside the front door. The nearest train station is the Patrick Interchange, located 0.6 miles from the museum, and there is also a bus stop 150m away, with line 100 taking you direct to the city centre. 

3. The Scotch Whisky Experience 

• Wheelchair access to all areas, including the Barrel Ride.
• Accessible toilets 
• Non-raised front entrance and lifts to all floors

The perfect tour for those who love a tipple, The Scotch Whisky Experience takes visitors on an immersive journey through a replica distillery. Tour guides and tasting experts are on hand to teach you all about aroma and, in the true spirit of Scotch, help you enjoy a wee dram or two. 

The experience can be found in central Edinburgh, and while on-site parking is not available, disabled guests can be dropped at the front entrance. Waverly Station is located a short 0.6 miles away, with nearby trams and a bus stop connecting multiple routes on North Bridge, 0.4 miles away. 

4. Scottish Football Museum

• Designated parking and accessible toilets
• Ramps to main entrance and lifts to the stands
• Level access throughout the museum and stadium tour 
• Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are permitted throughout 

One for the football fans, this unique attraction is located inside the national stadium in Hampden Park, on the outskirts of Glasgow. Visitors can take part in a stadium tour to follow in the footsteps of their favourite players, or check out the regularly refreshed exhibitions in the museum. It includes significant kit, photographs, and memorabilia through the ages, telling the story of football in Scotland from the beginning. 

The Scottish Football Museum can easily be reached by car, with a large stadium car park, and four accessible parking bays by the entrance. It is also well served by public transport, with Mount Florida train station a 10-minute walk away (which has step-free access), and buses to central Glasgow less than half a mile away. 

5. The Helix

• Priority parking spaces with dropped curbs 
• Smooth, level pathways throughout and ramp to the visitor centre
• Accessible play area in the Adventure Zone 
• Wheelchair friendly cafe and gift shop, and disabled toilets

One of the most unusual wheelchair accessible places to visit in Scotland, The Helix is a vibrant sculpture park and activity centre sprawling over 350 hectares between Falkirk and Grangemouth. Home to two gargantuan horse sculptures called The Kelpies, designed by artist Andy Scott, the eco-park also contains an accessible play area in the adventure zone, complete with a wheelchair friendly roundabout and see-saw. Visitors can take a guided tour inside The Kelpies, explore 26km of smooth, accessible trails, or check out exhibitions in the visitor centre. 

The Helix is located just outside Falkirk, and is around a 45-minute drive from Edinburgh, just off the main motorway routes. The nearest train station is Falkirk Grahamston, which is two miles away, while there is a bus stop right outside the park with routes into central Falkirk. 

6. Royal Yacht Britannia

Photo by Benjamin Brock via Wikimedia Commons

• Fully accessible for wheelchair users 
• Dedicated parking spaces with lifts to the entrance
• Accessible toilets, lifts and ramps throughout  

You’ll be glad to hear one of Scotland’s most famous tourist attractions is also wheelchair friendly and can be found moored in the harbour just 20 minutes from Edinburgh city centre. The Royal Yacht Britannia was once the Queen’s floating palace, transporting her around the World on important state business and serving as a symbol of the Commonwealth. Now, you can explore the ship to find out what life was like on board, with five fascinating decks to discover, and an elegant tea room fit for a queen. 

Free parking is available for visitors at Ocean Terminal. Buses 11, 22, and 35 stop right outside the attraction and take you to the city, while the nearest train station is Waverly, four miles away. 

7. Abbotsford House and Gardens 

Photo by Ad Meskens via Wikimedia Commons

• Dedicated parking with a paved path to the entrance 
• Disabled toilets and parking
• Accessible pathways throughout the house and gardens (some with gravel)

This sensational estate is located just north of the English border and is known for being the former home of the famous novelist Sir Walter Scott. The whimsical building is a vision of turrets, nestled among rolling countryside, and offers an authentic look into life in 19th century Scotland. Visitors can tour the beautifully preserved rooms, designed by prominent architects and craftsmen of the time, including the library, drawing room, and armoury. There are also vast landscaped gardens to enjoy, which are sensational on a summer’s day. 

The estate can be reached within an hour from Edinburgh by car, and is close to the town of Melrose. There is also a direct train from Edinburgh to the local station Tweedbank, which is about a mile from Abbotsford with a special link path. There are also local buses to take you closer to the attraction from the train station. Free parking is available on-site. 

8. Edinburgh Castle 

• Largely accessible for wheelchair users with a ramp to the entrance
• Disabled toilets and parking (must be booked in advance)
• Lifts and step-free access to most exhibits

The imposing structure that is Edinburgh Castle may not look too accessible from below, but thankfully, it is. Once a stronghold for the military forces, the castle has also served as a Royal residence and war prison, with walls that would have a lot to say. Visitors can take a peek at the Crown jewels, check out the war museum, or simply bask in the brilliance of the medieval grand hall. 

Dominating the skyline in the heart of the capital, Edinburgh Castle isn’t too hard to find. Limited parking is available for blue badge holders, which are booked on a first-come, first-serve basis. Waverly Station is a short (uphill) stroll away, while buses stopping at the Mound or George IV Bridge are closer still. 

9. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

• Fully accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters
• Free parking for blue badge holders with a ramp to the entrance 
• Level access throughout exhibits with lifts 
• Disabled toilets throughout 

Housed in a historic brick-red building of 18th-century origin, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is one for the culture vultures. It offers 22 galleries of art and artefacts, from Ancient Egyptian creations to natural history curiosities and original works from famous names such as Monet, Van Gogh, and Vecellio. 

The gallery is found close to the historic centre of Glasgow, next to Kelvingrove Park. There is free parking for blue badge holders, and a bus stop right outside the entrance, on Argyle Street. Services 2, 3, 77 and 17 can all be caught to reach various other areas of the city. The closest train stations are Patrick, Charing Cross, and Exhibition Centre, which are all about a mile away. 

How to Hire Mobility Aids for Accessible Holidays, Scotland 

Want to visit one of these wheelchair accessible attractions in Scotland? Strive Mobility makes UK travel easy for the mobility impaired, with a range of wheelchairs, scooters, hoists and hospital beds for hire. 

All you need to do is order your equipment online, and it will be delivered to your destination of choice. This leaves you free to enjoy all accessible attractions, without the hassle of travelling with a heavy load. It also means you won’t have to worry about wheelchair availability when you get there. 

Check out all our equipment for hire here. 

Please note, this information was gathered through online research, including blogger reviews and the attraction’s websites, but we haven’t physically visited each venue.

Written on behalf of Strive Mobility

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Edinburgh Tourism Action Group

Accessible Tourism

Worldwide there are over one billion disabled people, including over 78 million in the USA and 75 million in Europe. There are over 12 million disabled people in the United Kingdom alone. At the same time, the UK market is ageing: it is estimated that by 2025 more than a third of the UK’s population will be over 55. While people are living longer and staying active until much later in life, more have, or will have, access requirements.

The inclusive tourism market is made up of families, friends and carers of disabled or older people, plus families with young children. This market will continue to increase as the UK’s population ages and the benefits for businesses and destinations catering to accessible tourism are growing.

By making your hotel, guesthouse or tourist business more accessible, you are instantly making your business more attractive to at least 12 million potential disabled visitors from here in the UK, and millions more from abroad. Visitors who travel frequently, stay longer than average, and spend more per trip.

It is clear that inclusive tourism is a growing market and, as such, Edinburgh’s tourism industry will benefit from a greater focus on this market. Increasing industry awareness and understanding of the accessibility requirements of visitors is the first step to making Edinburgh accessible for everyone.

Want to know more – check out the ETAG – Making Your Business More Inclusive – Business Opportunities Guide  also available in a word format here:  ETAG Accessible Tourism- Everyones Edinburgh

For specific information on making your social media more accessible – use this how-to guide from Inclusion Scotland.

To check you are offering the correct facilities, and that you are accurately informing your visitors exactly how accessible you are, have a look at the VisitScotland’s Accessible Tourism advice .  Training is also available at the VisitScotland’s Online Training Resource – this can provide you with guidance on how to meet the needs of the accessible tourist and how to build an effective access statement for your business.

Accessible Tourism Articles & Resources

Visitscotland’s new inclusive tourism guides.

VisitScotland has announced the completion of an inclusive tourism project in partnership with AccessAble, to deliver 100 Detailed Access Guides for selected accommodation providers and attractions across Scotland. These Detailed Access Guides let users know what access will be like when they visit a venue, from the route getting in, to what is available inside. Inclusive tourism is […]

Resource: ETAG Everyone’s Edinburgh Business Opportunity Guide

ETAG – Making Your Business More Inclusive – Business Opportunities Guide ETAG Accessible Tourism- Everyones Edinburgh

Disabled Access Day 2016

Disabled Access Day is all about encouraging disabled people to visit a venue they’ve never been to before, whether that’s a museum, a coffee shop or restaurant, a theatre, or anywhere else. For tourism businesses, it is the perfect day to increase awareness about your accessibility, raise the profile of your business and attract new […]

Article: Top Ten Tips for an Accessible Website

In this article, web expert Marcus J Wilson considers the top ten things you can do to ensure that your website is accessible to all of your current and potential customers.

Article: Encouraging visitors to explore areas outside the city

Find out how Netherlands tourism is luring visitors out of Amsterdam. Read more.

Article: Making it easier for visitors to find their way

Google has “added data for “every bus, train, tram and ferry across the U.K.” – allowing Maps users to evaluate different public transport options from right within the maps interface,” making it easier than ever for visitors to plan their travel. Read more

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9 Accessible Places to Visit in Scotland

9 Accessible Places to Visit in Scotland 

Scotland is a stunning country, with a wealth of natural beauty and cultural attractions to explore. With the COVID-19 crisis having cast an unfavourable shadow over travelling overseas, the northern nation is also the ideal choice for a low-cost, hassle-free holiday. 

The best news? Scotland is filled to the brim with accessible adventures for the mobility impaired, making it one of the most disabled-friendly destinations in the UK. Here, we take a look at some of the best wheelchair accessible attractions in Scotland, along with some essential travel information. If you need to  hire mobility equipment  when you get there,  Strive Mobility  has everything you need for a stress-free stay. 

How to Get There 

There are plenty of direct flights to Scotland from major southern cities such as London, Birmingham, and Cardiff. Domestic flights to Scotland usually take around an hour.

We know flying with a disability can be difficult, so you’ll be happy to hear there is also a range of high-speed,  wheelchair-accessible trains  to Scotland from most major cities in Britain. The fastest services run up the East Coast, with the high-speed link from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh Waverly taking just four to six hours. There are also slower sleeper trains that travel overnight, allowing you to wake up at your destination without wasting a moment. The Caledonian Sleeper features dedicated passenger assistance and onboard hosts for disabled guests.

Driving to Scotland is also possible from any location in Britain, with the M1 and A1 motorways offering the most direct route from London. This can get you to Edinburgh in as little as seven hours, depending on traffic and stopping time. You could also take the M6 up the west coast which runs from Birmingham via Manchester and Liverpool.

1. Balmoral Castle 

• All facilities suitable for disabled access 
• Wheelchairs and mobility scooters permitted 
• Priority parking and accessible toilets are available

Balmoral Castle is a beautiful building that serves as the Scottish home of the Royal family. Completed in 1856 under the rule of Queen Victoria, the site has served as a much-loved family home for generations. The sprawling grounds, formal gardens, and breathtaking ballroom are all open to the public, along with regular exhibitions, a gift shop, and a cafe serving afternoon tea. 

Located in the charming countryside of Aberdeenshire, it can be reached by car within 90 minutes from Aberdeen, or up to three hours from Edinburgh or Glasgow. The nearest airport and railway station are both located in Aberdeen.

2. Riverside Museum 

• Wheelchair access to all areas via lifts
• Priority parking and accessible toilets 
• Displays and exhibits at an accessible height

Located on the junction of the Kelvin and Clyde in Glasgow, the  Riverside Museum tells a tale of transport and technology through the years. It details the city’s history as a maritime powerhouse, with a range of interesting exhibits from vintage cars, skateboards and prams to the tall ship moored up outside. 

With a fantastic location in a recently regenerated part of the city, the Riverside Museum is easy to get to. It has dedicated parking, while disabled visitors can be dropped off outside the front door. The nearest train station is the Patrick Interchange, located 0.6 miles from the museum, and there is also a bus stop 150m away, with line 100 taking you direct to the city centre. 

3. The Scotch Whisky Experience 

• Wheelchair access to all areas, including the Barrel Ride.
• Accessible toilets 
• Non-raised front entrance and lifts to all floors

The perfect tour for those who love a tipple,  The Scotch Whisky Experience takes visitors on an immersive journey through a replica distillery. Tour guides and tasting experts are on hand to teach you all about aroma and, in the true spirit of Scotch, help you enjoy a wee dram or two. 

The experience can be found in central Edinburgh, and while on-site parking is not available, disabled guests can be dropped at the front entrance. Waverly Station is located a short 0.6 miles away, with nearby trams and a bus stop connecting multiple routes on North Bridge, 0.4 miles away. 

4. Scottish Football Museum

• Designated parking and accessible toilets
• Ramps to main entrance and lifts to the stands
• Level access throughout the museum and stadium tour 
• Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are permitted throughout 

One for the football fans, this unique attraction is located inside the national stadium in Hampden Park, on the outskirts of Glasgow. Visitors can take part in a stadium tour to follow in the footsteps of their favourite players, or check out the regularly refreshed exhibitions in the museum. It includes significant kit, photographs, and memorabilia through the ages, telling the story of football in Scotland from the beginning. 

The Scottish Football Museum can easily be reached by car, with a large stadium car park, and four accessible parking bays by the entrance. It is also well served by public transport, with Mount Florida train station a 10-minute walk away (which has step-free access), and buses to central Glasgow less than half a mile away. 

5. The Helix

• Priority parking spaces with dropped curbs 
• Smooth, level pathways throughout and ramp to the visitor centre
• Accessible play area in the Adventure Zone 
• Wheelchair friendly cafe and gift shop, and disabled toilets

One of the most unusual wheelchair accessible places to visit in Scotland,  The Helix is a vibrant sculpture park and activity centre sprawling over 350 hectares between Falkirk and Grangemouth. Home to two gargantuan horse sculptures called The Kelpies, designed by artist Andy Scott, the eco-park also contains an accessible play area in the adventure zone, complete with a wheelchair friendly roundabout and see-saw. Visitors can take a guided tour inside The Kelpies, explore 26km of smooth, accessible trails, or check out exhibitions in the visitor centre. 

The Helix is located just outside Falkirk, and is around a 45-minute drive from Edinburgh, just off the main motorway routes. The nearest train station is Falkirk Grahamston, which is two miles away, while there is a bus stop right outside the park with routes into central Falkirk. 

6. Royal Yacht Britannia

Photo by Benjamin Brock via Wikimedia Commons

• Fully accessible for wheelchair users 
• Dedicated parking spaces with lifts to the entrance
• Accessible toilets, lifts and ramps throughout  

You’ll be glad to hear one of Scotland’s most famous tourist attractions is also wheelchair friendly and can be found moored in the harbour just 20 minutes from Edinburgh city centre.  The Royal Yacht Britannia was once the Queen’s floating palace, transporting her around the World on important state business and serving as a symbol of the Commonwealth. Now, you can explore the ship to find out what life was like on board, with five fascinating decks to discover, and an elegant tea room fit for a queen. 

Free parking is available for visitors at Ocean Terminal. Buses 11, 22, and 35 stop right outside the attraction and take you to the city, while the nearest train station is Waverly, four miles away. 

7. Abbotsford House and Gardens 

Photo by Ad Meskens via Wikimedia Commons

• Dedicated parking with a paved path to the entrance 
• Disabled toilets and parking
• Accessible pathways throughout the house and gardens (some with gravel)

This sensational estate is located just north of the English border and is known for being the former home of the famous novelist Sir Walter Scott. The whimsical building is a vision of turrets, nestled among rolling countryside, and offers an authentic look into life in 19th century Scotland. Visitors can tour the beautifully preserved rooms, designed by prominent architects and craftsmen of the time, including the library, drawing room, and armoury. There are also vast landscaped gardens to enjoy, which are sensational on a summer’s day. 

The estate can be reached within an hour from Edinburgh by car, and is close to the town of Melrose. There is also a direct train from Edinburgh to the local station Tweedbank, which is about a mile from Abbotsford with a special link path. There are also local buses to take you closer to the attraction from the train station. Free parking is available on-site. 

8. Edinburgh Castle 

• Largely accessible for wheelchair users with a ramp to the entrance
• Disabled toilets and parking (must be booked in advance)
• Lifts and step-free access to most exhibits

The imposing structure that is  Edinburgh Castle may not look too accessible from below, but thankfully, it is. Once a stronghold for the military forces, the castle has also served as a Royal residence and war prison, with walls that would have a lot to say. Visitors can take a peek at the Crown jewels, check out the war museum, or simply bask in the brilliance of the medieval grand hall. 

Dominating the skyline in the heart of the capital, Edinburgh Castle isn’t too hard to find. Limited parking is available for blue badge holders, which are booked on a first-come, first-serve basis. Waverly Station is a short (uphill) stroll away, while buses stopping at the Mound or George IV Bridge are closer still. 

9. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

• Fully accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters
• Free parking for blue badge holders with a ramp to the entrance 
• Level access throughout exhibits with lifts 
• Disabled toilets throughout 

Housed in a historic brick-red building of 18th-century origin, the  Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is one for the culture vultures. It offers 22 galleries of art and artefacts, from Ancient Egyptian creations to natural history curiosities and original works from famous names such as Monet, Van Gogh, and Vecellio. 

The gallery is found close to the historic centre of Glasgow, next to Kelvingrove Park. There is free parking for blue badge holders, and a bus stop right outside the entrance, on Argyle Street. Services 2, 3, 77 and 17 can all be caught to reach various other areas of the city. The closest train stations are Patrick, Charing Cross, and Exhibition Centre, which are all about a mile away. 

How to Hire Mobility Aids for Accessible Holidays, Scotland 

Want to visit one of these wheelchair accessible attractions in Scotland?  Strive Mobility  makes UK travel easy for the mobility impaired, with a range of wheelchairs, scooters, hoists and hospital beds for hire. 

All you need to do is  order your equipment online,  and it will be delivered to your destination of choice. This leaves you free to enjoy all accessible attractions, without the hassle of travelling with a heavy load. It also means you won’t have to worry about wheelchair availability when you get there. 

Check out all our equipment for hire here. 

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WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE SCOTLAND

What do you think about visiting a large castle? Experiencing train rides through the beautiful countryside? Discovering the secrets of distilling whiskey? Spending an afternoon in a gallery or museum? Exploring the coasts? An evening at the theater? Wild water rafting? A shopping expedition? Wheelchair accessible Scotland offers it all and so much more!

TOP DESTINATIONS IN SCOTLAND

What to see

Scotland has many destinations that are worth a visit. Besides the gorgeous nature, some cities will leave you with a wonderful impression.

Edinburgh is not only the capital of Scotland but also a leading festival city for the world, home to phenomenal summer festivals, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city offers many medieval houses, narrow alleys in the Old Town and the sweeping elegance of Georgian New Town. There is no doubt that Edinburgh deserves its reputation as one of the most impressive and enchanting cities in the world. Other than that, Edinburgh offers a special range of events, fantastic shopping, world-class dining, a fantastic bar and cafe culture, a diverse art scene, spas to relax, and beautiful green areas to unwind. A holiday to Edinburgh is pure enjoyment.

Another wonderful city to visit in wheelchair accessible Scotland is Glasgow. It is, without a doubt, one of the most exciting cities you will ever experience. Scotland’s largest city is a lively, vibrant place, distinguished and full of character. Perhaps one of the best things to do in Glasgow is simply looking around and enjoying the many different styles of architecture. Besides that, it is hard to resist the allure of the many, many shops in Glasgow. Other than London, it is the top shopping destination in the UK.

About Scotland

Scotland is an extraordinary place where you discover gorgeous nature, interesting history, wonderful people, and so much more!

Towering mountains, glittering lochs, thick forests, and mile after mile of golden beaches. the Scottish landscapes are truly breathtaking. The landscape in Scotland is generally divided into three areas: the Southern Uplands, the Central Lowlands or Midland Valley, and the Scottish Highlands. The mountains of the Southern Uplands are rounder and not as high as the mountains of northern Scotland. In the southwest, you find the Galloway Hills where mountains such as the Merrick, the Criffel, and the Cairnsmore stand out prominently. Galloway also has forests, moors, and a rugged coastline.

January and February are generally the coldest months in Scotland when temperatures fluctuate between 5 and 7 degrees Celcius. July and August are normally the warmest months in Scotland, with an average temperature of around 19 degrees Celcius. An old Scottish saying says, “Bad weather does not exist, just the wrong clothes!” But if it rains, you find enough galleries and museums where you can spend a day.

The official language that dominates in Scotland is a form of Standard English, also known as Standard Scots. Scottish English is a strong, locally different dialect. An obvious difference with Standard English is how the “r” rolls.

Scotland has its version of the British pound, the Scottish Pound. Moreover, one Scottish pound is equal to one British pound. In Scotland, you pay with cash, your debit card, or credit card. The big shops and many restaurants accept debit cards. So you do not need to carry large amounts of cash with you. Almost all shops and especially the larger supermarkets, petrol stations, and hotels accept the most common credit cards (Visa and Mastercard).

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Tips for Travelers with Disabilities in Scotland

Facilities for people with disabilities are improving all the time in Scotland. Legislation requires that new public buildings are fully accessible to wheelchair-users; new public buses and black taxis are generally wheelchair-friendly; and many theatres and cinemas offer induction loops for the hard of hearing. One obstacle is that listed historic buildings are not allowed to widen entrances, build permanent ramps, or in many cases install elevators. A plus is that people with disabilities are often granted special discounts (“concessions”) at attractions and entertainment venues. Free information and advice for people with disabilities traveling throughout Britain are available from Tourism for All ( www.tourismforall.org.uk ; tel. 0845/124-9971 ).

For international travel, Accessible Journeys ( www.disabilitytravel.com ; tel. 800/846-4537 or 610/521-0339) caters specifically to slow walkers and wheelchair travelers and their families and friends. Flying Wheels Travel (tel. 877/451-5006 ) offers escorted tours and cruises that emphasize sports, and private tours in minivans with lifts.

The Moss Rehab Hospital ( www.mossresourcenet.org ; tel. 800/CALL-MOSS [225-5667]) provides a library of accessible-travel resources online. Flying with Disability ( www.flying-with-disability.org ) is a comprehensive information source on airplane travel, and the American Foundation for the Blind ( AFB; www.afb.org ; tel. 800/232-5463 ) provides information on traveling with Seeing Eye dogs.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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Infinite Scotland

Accessible tours

Finding accessible tours that suit all of your friends and family shouldn’t be difficult. Yet somehow this often seems to be the case. Not with us!

If you have a registered disability or problems with mobility, this probably doesn’t stop you living a perfectly normal life with some adjustments.

Short-sighted?  You probably wear glasses.

Slower on your feet than you used to be? You probably give yourself more time and enjoy the gentler pace.

It’s the same with our accessible tours.  We speak to you when we are designing them, so we can work out exactly how you will see and experience the best of Scotland, just the same as anyone else.

Remember, it’s all about you.  It’s an infinite Scotland – you can create your own infinite Scotland too!

Before we meet

We want to make contacting us as simple as possible, whether you prefer short written messages, long discussions in writing, or a friendly voice on the phone.

We can even chat via WhatsApp video link if it reassures you to see the smiling face you are dealing with!

Contact us online, via email, phone, social media or WhatsApp to chat more.

Discussing your requirements

Everyone has different requirements, and the best way for us to understand your specific needs are to find out what these are, and what they mean for you on a day to day basis .

We do this at the same time as discussing what you want to see and do in Scotland, so that rather than feeling that your accessibility needs are driving the itinerary, or that we are forcing a tour to fit in with your requirements, instead we are building a fabulous tour, from scratch, especially for you .

This is just what we do for everyone!

We know that you will be doing your own research too.

Good places to start are:

• Euan’s Guide – Now recognised as a worldwide resource for accessible travel, we are proud that Euan’s Guide was founded right in the heart of Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh. It contains listings for multiple venues and accommodation around the country, as well as visitors’ own reviews.
• Individual visitor attraction, restaurant or accommodation websites – many of these have their own access statement or accessibility guide online, in a simple format, making it easy to compare across multiple sites.
• Us! We visit multiple attractions, activity and accommodation providers every year. We are always spotting where they shine in their provision for those who have specific needs, and also where there could be improvements. Ask us ! And if we don’t know, we will find out – whether that is through a phone call to the location, or to one of our friends in the industry, or simply visiting again ourselves.

We know that these are often the best ways to check whether a location is accessible to you or not. The majority of online accessibility guides for individual visitor attractions, restaurants, cafes or accommodation (as above) include photos.

But if they don’t, please ask us . We have a huge back-catalogue of photos, but even if the location in question doesn’t feature, we will still do our best to get photos for you.

During your tour

Customer care.

All of our guides have disability awareness training and will be on hand, during the stated guiding hours, to ensure that you receive the best possible experience during your tour.

Should there be any issues during your tour that your guide or the third party provider (visitor attraction, restaurant, café or accommodation provider) is not able to resolve, please contact us as soon as you can.

Communication

Tours are delivered verbally by Infinite Scotland guides in the English language .

All guides will be happy to wear microphones or other audio-enhancers if arranged with you in advance.

Additionally some visitor attractions may offer their own written and hand-held visual guides, as well as tours in other languages including British Sign Language, to assist with accessible tours.

Getting to us

If you are on a driving tour with us, we will collect you directly from your arrival transport hub, whether this is at an airport, train or bus station; or directly from your accommodation.

We will be in the same vehicle as we will use for the rest of the tour (see below), unless otherwise discussed with you in advance.

If you are joining us on a walking tour , for example of Edinburgh, we will give clear directions to the starting point (which may even be your accommodation!) as well as recommendations for accessible transport to that point, whether using public transport (buses or trams) or a private taxi hire.

Getting around

If you are on a driving tour with us, we will discuss your requirements in advance and will reserve a vehicle specific to your needs, whether this includes a ramp, extra space for a wheelchair, or anything else. We will send and agree all details of the vehicle with you in advance.

If you are on a walking tour with us, we will discuss your requirements in advance to understand any particular restrictions or needs. From this, we will fully research and adapt the route so that you gain maximum enjoyment without having to worry about specific access requirements along the way.

To be clear, walking tours are also accessible to those in wheelchairs or other walking aids, although power-assisted wheelchairs are recommended for cities such as Edinburgh, or outdoor nature trails, which may include a few hills or slightly uneven surfaces.

Accommodation

Infinite Scotland does not book accommodation on your behalf. We do give recommendations depending on the tour itinerary, and we will liaise with accommodation providers after you have reserved your accommodation to discuss their provisions in relation to your specific accessibility requirements.

However, we recommend that you check the online accessibility guides provided by the accommodation providers on their own websites, as well as contacting them directly, to discuss your accessibility requirements with them prior to booking.

Attractions

Many of Scotland’s key visitor attractions, whether castles, distilleries or even battlefields, are accessible to all visitors with some adaptations, be they level access, ramps, lifts/elevators, hearing loops, visual aids or special opening hours.

However it is recognised that a number of our attractions are, by their very nature, historic and in some cases it is difficult to make adaptations to historic fabric or building materials.

By discussing your accessibility requirements in advance, we aim to build your very own tour incorporating those visitor attractions that are more fully accessible to you.

Where you are particularly keen to visit an attraction that is less accessible , we will explain the restrictions in advance, as well as making alternative recommendations . This way the final decision rests with you as to whether to include this attraction in your tour or not.

Euan’s Guide is a great place to start!

Hidden gems…

Never worry that Scotland’s hidden gems or out-of-the-way sites of interest are inaccessible. We know of all sorts of secret sites that can be accessed by people with physical, visual or hearing impairments, or those who simply prefer to be away from the crowds .

Indeed, Scotland is full of attractions where a sense of space and peace can be fully appreciated. Come and explore them with us!

We love to include experiences and activities in all of our tours, to really give you that sense of living and breathing Scotland. Our accessible tours are no different.

Some examples of activities that we can include in our accessible tours:

• Food and drink tours, tastings and meeting the producers
• Nature walks , many lower level walks also accessible to power-assisted wheelchairs
• Canoeing or kayaking on one of our beautiful and peaceful lochs (lakes)
• Pony trekking through our stunning hills and forests
• Wildlife tours : walking (some also wheelchair accessible) or in an off-road vehicle or on a boat
• “Make your own” craft courses , whether woodwork, felting or other hand-crafts
• “Eat your own” cookery courses !

Some of these are delivered by third-party providers. We work with them and discuss the details both with them and with you in advance, so that all parties know exactly what adaptations will be required and how the activity will proceed from arrival to departure .

Simply contact us to start discussing your options!

We offer bespoke private tours for solo travellers and small groups of families and friends, tailor-made especially for you.

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Scotland's first Accessible Travel Framework unveiled

Minister launches ten-year plan to improve travel access for disabled people

Transport Minister Humza Yousaf has launched Scotland’s first Accessible Travel Framework at an event in Edinburgh today.

The 10-year blueprint tackles priority issues to improve the accessibility of Scotland’s transport system for disabled people. It will also ensure good work done by transport operators to improve access is supported.

The Framework is a product of a two-year process of partnership working between disabled people, disability organisations, transport operators and government.

Disabled people’s views, ideas and lived experiences have been put at the heart of developing the plan, a key element of which is to make sure disabled people are fully included in future work to improve accessibility and other transport decisions.

Mr Yousaf said:

“It’s important for us to confirm the commitment to making it easier for those with a disability to travel. The actions in this new Framework will help achieve this.

“There’s already a lot going on to make travel in Scotland more accessible for disabled people – such as our commitment to concessionary travel and ensuring accessibility in the design and operation of our rail and ferry franchises – and this Framework will build on that good work.

“One of the big things disabled people have said is that they don’t want just to be consulted as an afterthought about accessibility on transport. This Framework has been developed both for and with disabled people, meaning we’ve put disabled people’s ideas and views at the heart of the process.

“The launch today is just a beginning and throughout the lifecycle of this ten-year plan we will seek to include disabled people at every stage to make their journeys more accessible.”

Disability organisations have welcomed the Framework launch. Jane Horsburgh, Policy Manager for Guide Dogs Scotland said:

“We at Guide Dogs Scotland know only too well how much independence can be limited for sight-impaired people by ineffective decisions, designs and processes.

“The best made decisions are where disabled people are at the core of that complete process. The continued participation of disabled people not only provides a clear message that transport is important, it also illustrates the fruitful advantages of co-production.

“We are honoured to be part of this process and will continue to work alongside disabled people and our colleagues from transport providers, disability organisations and the Scottish Government. Already we are seeing some improvements in our working practices and efficiently getting travel products and information directly to Guide Dog Owners.”

Transport providers in Scotland have been key to the success of Framework development and have welcomed its introduction. George Mair of CPT said:

“CPT Scotland was delighted to participate in the creation of the Accessible Travel Framework. The Framework draws on the expertise and personal experiences of a diverse array of stakeholders and hopefully addresses many of the concerns of those at the sharp end of accessibility issues.

“CPT Scotland’s members remain committed to improving accessibility for all and the Accessible Travel Framework will be of real value in this endeavour.“

Local and regional public bodies have been involved in the Framework’s development. Ranald Robertson, HITRANS on behalf of all seven of Scotland’s Regional Transport Partnerships said:

“The Accessible Travel Framework is an important step in guiding those tasked with commissioning, managing and providing transport services and infrastructure to eliminate the barriers that make travelling difficult for some and as a result prevent participation by everyone in everyday life. A shared understanding of the issues that need to be overcome and a useful tool in how to make travel easier is a very good step forward and the regional transport partnerships are committed to playing our part in supporting the implementation of the framework.”

Three key challenges for the Framework include:

• Changing cultures - to improve attitudes and behaviours, ensuring disabled people’s transport needs are included at the start and not an afterthought.
• Governance - High level actions in the plan need to be prioritised, broken down, assigned for completion, monitored and reviewed.
• Continuous engagement and participation – continuing to listen and talk to disabled people throughout the lifetime of the Framework and beyond.

Some key high-level actions in the plan include:

• Scoping requirements for training with disabled people and transport providers/operators including covering hidden disabilities and basic BSL phrases
• Exploring ways of making disabled people more aware about how they can influence decision-making in transport
• Specifying and agreeing common standards of service for disabled people if their public transport journeys are disrupted
• Producing information about bus layout designs which improve accessibility, identifying specific changes and how they benefit people with different impairments
• Developing a comprehensive source of accessible information about purchasing tickets for a multi-modal journey, including pricing and concessions
• Researching the current content of transport providers’ customer surveys and co-produce a set of standards for surveys and other feedback mechanisms like mystery shopping

1. Relevant figures on accessibility: • 30% of Scottish non-disabled people used a train in the last month • 17% of Scottish people with a disability used a train in the last month • 43% of Scottish non-disabled people used a bus in the last month • 45% of Scottish people with a disability used a bus in the last month*

*Scottish Household Survey 2013-14

2. Nearly 1 in 5 people in Scotland have a long-term activity-limiting health problem or disability. ( Scotland’s Census 2011 )

3. In 2014, approximately one in ten disabled people in the UK had difficulties getting to a rail, bus or coach station or stop and a similar proportion had difficulties getting on or off these forms of transport. ( Opinions and Lifestyle Survey data for the 2014 Fulfilling Potential Outcomes and Indicators Framework )

4. After a lack of job opportunities, difficulty with transport was the most commonly cited barrier to work among UK adults with impairments. ( 2011 Life Opportunities Survey )

5. Examples of SG spend on transport accessibility: • By 2019 the Scottish Government will have delivered over £60m investment on rail accessibility in partnership with the Department for Transport in the period from 2006, with more funding for better rolling stock and other improvements • The Ferries Accessibility Fund which, when match funding is added, is up to £1million. • The National Concessionary Travel Scheme for Older and Disabled people has a budget for 2016-2017 of £212m. • Funding is provided by the Scottish Government to the Community Transport Association is £131,000 in 2016-2017 to develop and promote the sector in Scotland. 6. An accessible travel hub has been developed to provide a one-stop shop for information for disabled transport users.

Further quotes:

Jenny Miller, Chief Executive of Pamis, said: “I have really enjoyed the whole process of working on this important piece of work. Having an opportunity to sit around a table with so many different perspectives not only from a disability slant but from the various transport providers has been so valuable. Beautifully facilitated by the Transport Scotland team, we were all given an opportunity to highlight the specific needs of our respective groups of people. For PAMIS an opportunity to talk about the toilets! The fact that there are so few Changing Places toilets highlights that these needs have not been truly considered in the past but were definitely heard and understood during this process.

“Through this group we made contact with the ferry companies both of whom then engaged in considering the development of changing places toilets for their customers. CalMac did an extensive piece of work to ascertain the location of the facilities that could be accessed by customers on their routes. I am not sure that this would have been such a priority if we had not had the opportunity to work together on this group.

“I hope that we will continue to work together to coproduce the outcomes within this strategy. The collective wisdom and passion make it all a possibility!”

CalMac’s Customer Operations Support Manager, Rosalind Robertson said:

“Ferries by the very nature of what we do are one of the most challenging forms of transport for people with reduced mobility so we were delighted to get involved with the Steering Group and the creation of an Accessibility Travel Framework to help improve the travelling experience for people with disabilities.

“Bringing together representatives from a range of travel operators, service users and support groups has allowed us to learn what challenges exist elsewhere and to work together to help people with disabilities get to where they're going easily, whatever mode of transport they choose.'

Layla Theiner, Disability Agenda Scotland, said:

“We welcome the publication of the Accessible Transport Framework. We have appreciated being part of the process for developing the Framework. It has been an effective example of joint working and co-production between the Scottish Government and a number of different organisations.

“We recognise the efforts that have been made by Transport Scotland, the Scottish Government, transport providers, disabled people’s organisations and other groups and charities – to consider the range of issues on different sides and improve accessible transport in Scotland. Transport for disabled people in Scotland could be improved and we hope this document will help achieve that in the coming years.”

Peter Hutchinson, NorthLink Ferries, said:

“Serco continue to be industry leaders in the provision of high quality accessible services for disabled passengers in particular those travelling to and from the Northern Isles with NorthLink Ferries. It was therefore an honour for NorthLink Ferries to assist in the development of Transport Scotland’s Accessible Transport Strategy and subsequently work with disabled organisations, other service providers and members of the Accessible Travel Steering Group to develop the Accessible Travel Framework. NorthLink Ferries will continue to work closely with Transport Scotland and the Accessible Travel Steering Group to embed the specifics of the framework to ensure passengers with any form of disability travelling on-board, receive the highest possible level of service.”

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Accessible Britain

Your accessible guide to britain.

Looking for a great British adventure? Welcome to our shores! In this guide you’ll find useful information on accessible transport in Britain along with accessible facilities across the UK. Plus, discover a range of diverse accessible adventures just waiting to be enjoyed. From accessible restaurants and bars to suggestions on how you can explore Britain’s fantastic array of accessible experiences. Discover hiking wheelchairs, inclusive trekking, adaptive surfing and snow sports, museums, autism-friendly attractions, beach wheelchairs and more. Britain is accessible and open to all – all you need to do is decide where you want to explore.

What you need to know

If you have any accessibility requirements, related services are free in Britain. Most major places of interest such as museums, theatres, galleries, stately homes, the countryside and coast – plus accommodation and travel hubs including train stations and airports – offer a host of support for all travellers.

Accessible facilities in Britain

Assistance dogs are welcome. According to the UK Government’s Equality Act 2010 , service providers, such as taxis and restaurants, must welcome people with assistance dogs and make reasonable adjustments for customers with assistance dogs

British Sign Language (BSL)

Menus and information in Braille

Quieter autism-friendly theatre performances and sensory rooms at busy locations

Accessible toilets and Changing Places toilets  offering accessible facilities such as adult-sized hoists

RADAR Keys for independent access to over 10,000 accessible toilets across Great Britain (order online at Blue Badge Company , Age UK , Disability Rights UK and Argos )

Assistive listening systems (ALSs)

Audio descriptions

Accessible fitting rooms

Wheelchairs for beaches

Accessible swimming pools

Ramps for access on trains, places of interest and other locations

Accessible car parking spaces

Travel assistance at airports, train stations, attractions and much more

Accessible places of interest in Britain

Want to know if a venue is accessible to you? For accessible-friendly restaurants, bars, transport, entertainment and other things to do, AccessAble has researched over 10,000 locations across the UK and Ireland and offers information on wheelchair and other accessibility-friendly features.

Euan’s Guide is another useful website that details information and reviews venue access across Britain and abroad. Euan MacDonald, MBE, co-founded the award-winning charity and website with his sister Kiki after he was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease.

VisitEngland has an Accessible England guide with useful information on travel and things to do.

VisitWales features a range of accessible activities in Wales and accessible places to stay across the country.

VisitScotland also has a comprehensive range of accessible experiences in Scotland , places to stay and accessible places to eat.

For accessible activities in Northern Ireland see Visit Northern Ireland’s Things To Do section and search using keywords such as ‘access’.

For fun-filled accessible itineraries from Brighton to Scotland, watch comedian Rosie Jones’ Mission Accessible .

For a wide range of inclusive things to do   and accessible activities in Great Britain, click each region below.

Accessible accommodation in Britain

Looking for accessible accommodation? Tourism For All hosts an accommodation, things to do, and accessible restaurant search platform. For accessible accommodation in Britain, search your travel dates and the area you’re visiting, then filter by facilities such as mobility accessible rooms, hearing accessible rooms, accessible lifts and more.

Most accommodation search engines, , including   AccessAble and Euan’s Guide , have a range of options and have filters to help narrow down accessibility requirements, such as accessible bathrooms, accessible bedrooms, lifts, roll-in showers and sign-language capable staff.

VisitEngland has an accommodation search that can be filtered by accessible accommodation.

VisitScotland has a selection of accessible accommodation across Scotland .

VisitWales has a breakdown of accessible accommodation in South Wales , accessible places to stay in North Wales , disabled-friendly accommodation in West Wales , and also accessible accommodation in Mid-Wales .

For accommodation in Northern Ireland use the Visit Northern Ireland search bar using keywords for accessible accommodation.

Non-visible health conditions

If you have a non-visible health condition it might be helpful to carry a sunflower lanyard or card with you to be discretely seen when travelling and exploring. Staff at most attractions and travel services are aware of the lanyard and can offer advice or support.

Accessible travel in Britain

You can access Great Britain from all major airports via train, bus, car or coach. One third of the London Underground is accessible. Transport for London (TfL) has made  travel around the capital accessible with many ferry peers, tram stops, buses and taxis offering step-free access so you can explore at your own pace.

To avoid busy crowds, TfL suggests quieter times to travel , which also highlights busy stations and stops.

Check out VisitScotland for information on travelling to Scotland from overseas or from the rest of Britain, also for travelling around Scotland . 

VisitWales has a guide to accessible travel networks to Wales from overseas or the rest of Britain , including train, car and bus. VisitWales also has information on how to travel around Wales via public transport.

Visit Northern Ireland has a trip planner on how to get to Northern Ireland as well as travelling around the area .

Accessible airports in Britain

When it comes to air travel, UK airports offer assisted access assistance so you can navigate your way around from the moment you land. Access from major international hubs to inner cities is easy and accessible. Ideally, you should inform your airline with around 48 hours notice before your travel time, though this may vary depending on your airline so always make sure you check. 

Individual websites for major airports have detailed information on assistance and accessibility, including quiet areas, walking distances and more. 

Accessible airports in England

In England, the Heathrow Express takes only 15 minutes to central London and allows all customers to travel unaided if they wish. It has ‘Turn up and Go’ step-free access and a booked assistance service . The Gatwick Express is also committed to comfortable, accessible travel for everyone, with a dedicated Passenger Assist travel scheme. You can contact the team for help planning your journey at any time. The Gatwick Express will get you from the airport and into the heart of the capital city action within 30 minutes.

The largest international airport in the North East of England is Newcastle Airport  which has a Passenger Assistance program for help navigating your journey if needed. The North West is served by  Manchester Airport  and  Liverpool John Lennon Airport , both of which are international hubs and also offer assisted travel.

Birmingham Airport  in the West Midlands is a major international hub connecting to more than 30 countries, while  East Midlands Airport  also welcomes visitors from 23 countries.

Accessible airports in Scotland

Scotland’s main airports include Edinburgh and Glasgow , as well as Aberdeen and Glasgow Prestwick , with national and international arrivals . There are several smaller airports which service the Highlands and Islands.

Accessible airports in Wales

In Wales there are international flights to capital city’s Cardiff Airport  from Asia and several European cities. VisitWales has a dedicated page for travelling to Wales , including trains from Europe and ferries.

Accessible airports in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is reached internationally via Belfast International Airport , which provides special assistance as and when required. Belfast International Airport has worked with AccessAble to produce a guide to the airport’s access information.

George Best Belfast City Airport received flights from the UK and Amsterdam, while you can also fly from the UK to City of Derry Airport , which has direct routes from London Stansted and more.

Accessible ferry travel to Britain

With ferries to Britain from France, Spain, The Netherlands and more, ferry travel is an accessible way to get to and around the UK. There are several international ferry ports in Britain operating various ferry companies, including:

• Dover (Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries, DFDS)
• Newhaven (DFDS)
• Portsmouth (Brittany Ferries)
• Poole (Brittany Ferries, Condor Ferries)
• Plymouth (Brittany Ferries)
• Harwich (Stena Line)
• Hull (P&O Ferries)
• Newcastle (DFDS)

Ports receiving visitors from the Republic of Ireland include: Pembroke (Irish Ferries), Fishguard (Stena Line), Holyhead (Irish Ferries and Stena Line), Liverpool (P&O Ferries, Stena Line) and Cairnryan (P&O Ferries and Stena Line).

Accessible facilities on board

There is much being done to improve accessible ferry services in Britain. According to the UK Government, new ferry ports and ships, or any that are being refurbished, must have accessible facilities. Accessible ferry facilities can include:

• Wide corridors
• Accessible toilets and shower rooms
• Spacious seating areas
• Tactile markers and Braille signs
• Accessible cabins and more

Accessible features onboard may vary depending on the company, so it is advisable to check with each for individual services.  Discover Ferries lists over 10 ferry operators with contact details to find out more about individual facilities.

Accessible rail travel in Britain

Not only is travelling by rail a quick and sustainable way to navigate Britain, it’s also accessible and major railway stations are well served by accessible taxis. Major cities in England and Wales are well connected by train, most within three hours’ travel time from London. It’s also possible to reach Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland in under five hours.

All train companies publish an Accessible Travel Policy which includes a ‘Making Rail Accessible’ leaflet to tell you what services and facilities are available for older and disabled passengers. See your train operators web site for further information. National Rail also provides information on what accessible services can be expected. 

For planning your rail journey check out Passenger Assistance . Created in partnership with National Rail , you can plug in your trip via the website booking platform or on the app. Then, staff at each of the stations have all the details they need to help your trip run as smoothly as possible. National Rail and Passenger Assist has detailed access information of each train station and further advice on travelling with wheelchairs, mobility scooters, assistance dogs and more.

Accessible rail travel to and around Scotland

Trains run directly to all of Scotland’s main cities including Edinburgh with London North Eastern Railway (or LUMO to Edinburgh only), Aberdeen, Glasgow ( Avanti West Coast ) and others. You can also take the overnight Caledonian Sleeper  which runs between London Euston and Edinburgh Waverley. Facilities include accessible rooms, accessible toilets, assistance dogs are welcome onboard and for more information there’s the Train Accessibility Guide . For accessible rail travel within Scotland see ScotRail .

Accessible train travel in Wales

Transport for Wales has a dedicated service for Train Accessibility so that travelling by train around Wales is open to all visitors. You can find a full breakdown of accessible features for each train including universal toilets, on-board audio and visual information and more. There is an Assisted Travel team to help book your journey, plus further assistance available if needed.

Accessible train travel in Northern Ireland

Translink is the main public transport provider in Northern Ireland offering public bus and rail travel. Translink offer services that are accessible to all passengers .

Train discounts and more

If your trip involves a lot of rail travel, a rail card can offer a range of discounts to make your journey more economical. The BritRail Pass is exclusively for tourists and offers unlimited journeys and various discounts, giving you the freedom to travel around at your own pace. There are other discounts available to wheelchair users, Blind or partially sighted travellers (including their travel companion), who do not have a rail card.

Network Rail has a handy autism-friendly travel guide , and to keep track of your journey with live travel updates (changes, cancellations, and quieter travel times, etc.) visit  The Trainline . 

Accessible travel by car in Britain

For added flexibility on your journey, renting your own car opens up spectacular routes cut through mountains, hills and countryside. For wheelchair-accessible vehicle hire anywhere across the UK, including airports, try Wav Compare . There’s also  Adaptive Vehicle Hire , WavsGB ,  Allied Mobility , MotaClarity  and others.

Accessible parking permits

UK residents are entitled to a Blue Badge disabled parking permit for use in designated parking bays. According to the British Government , the UK has informally agreed to continue to recognise badges issued by members of the EU and EEA. For anyone visiting outside of the EU/EEA, bring your parking badge or parking card, however, the Government’s advice is that you check with the local police or authority to see if it can be used prior to parking and leaving your vehicle.

Accessible coach travel in Britain

Whether travelling from the airport on arrival to the UK, or navigating from one side of the country to the other, travelling by coach is cost affective and convenient. National Express covers over 60 destinations in Great Britain and has a dedicated Assisted Travel Team to help plan your trip or offer advice. There is a Facilities Directory for coach stations, coaches fitted with lifts, assistance dogs are welcome and it follows the Sunflower Lanyard Scheme.

You can also book luxury coach package holiday’s across Britain, like these options from Limitless Travel . Bookings include accessible accommodation, accessible coaches with a hydraulic lift or ramp, accessible activities and more.

Accessible holidays in England

With a rich history alongside new adventures, England is ready to welcome you. Enjoy the great outdoors with Miles Without Stiles – accessible countryside routes in the Lake District, Peak District, Yorkshire Dales or South Downs – or soak up the buzzing atmosphere of city life, booking an autism-friendly theatre performance in London’s West End.

VisitEngland produces some access-all itineraries across England for travellers with an inspirational take on a few of the adventures you can explore. For wheelchair-friendly inspiration, check out TV presenter, Paralympian, and inclusive travel expert, Sophie Morgan’s wheelchair-friendly travel guides to the Peak District and Buckinghamshire . Plus, with accessible accommodation available throughout England, you can explore far and wide.

From off-roading with an adaptive mountain bike to paragliding, graffiti workshops, touring your favourite stadiums, enjoying an accessible tour of The Houses of Parliament and more, the choices for accessible adventures in England are endless.

Explore accessible things to do in England

Accessible guide to london.

London is packed with accessible things to do, with plenty of ways to experience the buzz or calm of the capital.

VisitBritain

Accessible guide to North East England

Boasting a range of accessible adventures and places to explores, now's the time to visit North East England.

Newcastle Gateshead Initiative/Rich Kenworthy

Newcastle Gateshead, England

Accessible guide to North West England

From cities to the countryside and coast, the North West of England has many jewels in its dazzling crown.

Getty Images/Solstock

Lake District, England

Accessible guide to the East of England

The East of England is a seaside and country get-away, with accessible rail journeys and epic cathedrals.

Getty Images

Accessible guide to Yorkshire and the Humber

From accessible adventures across the Yorkshire Coast and East Yorkshire to the North York Moors and historic cites, you’ll find a wealth of experiences in Yorkshire.

Accessible guide to South West England

There's something for everyone in the South West, from accessible coastal trails to adrenaline-pumping paragliding.

VisitBritain/Calvertexmoor.org.uk

Accessible guide to South East England

From seaside towns with beach-friendly wheelchairs to accessible castles, the South East has a broad range of activities for all.

VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Accessible guide to the Midlands

The Midlands is home to national treasures, from inclusive hiking, horseback-riding and the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

VisitBritain/Nemorin

Accessible holidays in Scotland

With big skies, inky lochs, and majestic mountains, it’s easy to think Scotland is just a bonny face – but there’s so much more to be found, including wealth of  accessible holidays and adventures and accessible accommodation to book. Discover some of its 700 or more islands – teeming with wildlife or pristine unspoilt beaches perfect for accessible water sports. If buzzing cities are more your thing, check out cultural Glasgow and historic Edinburgh.

Whether it’s discovering the inspirations of Robert Burns with an accessible tour of his birthplace, scanning the great heights of Ben Nevis from a cable car, whetting your whistle with The Scotch Whisky Experience, getting a birds-eye-view of the Scottish countryside from the tree tops, or hopping onboard a modified glider to take to the skies, Scotland has so much to offer.

Explore accessible things to do in Scotland

Accessible guide to the scottish highlands.

From action at the Highland Games to myths of Loch Ness, the Scottish Highlands are steeped in tradition and accessible adventures.

Accessible guide to the Scottish Lowlands

The Scottish Lowlands boast dramatic accessible landscapes, historic sites and buzzing cities with an international pull.

VisitBritain/Pinzutu

Accessible guide to the Scottish Islands

Enjoy an accessible adventure, island hopping to discover ancient stone circles, remote whisky distilleries, accessible hikes and more.

VisitBritain/Brynn Hauxwell

Accessible holidays in Wales

With ancient mountains, deep valleys, rushing rivers and miles of scenic coastline, it’s easy to love Wales. Take in its history and heritage from some 427 castles, with Caernarfon Castle, Caerphilly Castle, Cardiff Castle and more providing access to all. Enjoy autism-friendly activities like relaxed theatre performances, sensory fishing in the great outdoors, a sensory trail at the National Botanic Gardens, or savour local delicacies including mussels and Welsh caviar.

Accessible adventures range from horse riding and dry-slop skiing, to epic views on the accessible Wales Coast Path . Whether you’re hiring a beach wheelchair, inclusive cycling in the Coed y Brenin Forest Park, or exploring the natural beauty of Snowdonia National Park (Eryri), there is plenty to keep you busy, with accessible attractions across all Welsh regions.

Explore accessible things to do in Wales

Accessible guide to north wales.

There's inclusive and accessible attractions, from mountain peaks to zip lines.

VisitBritain/Lee Beel

Accessible guide to South Wales

Home to Wales' capital Cardiff, there's cultural sites, activities and accessible accommodation.

Accessible guide to West Wales

For accessible culture, coasteering, heritage and golden sands, West Wales has it all.

VisitBritain/Jason Hawkes

Accessible guide to Mid Wales

Mid Wales has it all - wild parkland, accessible beach holidays, castles, history and more.

VisitBritain/Visit Wales

Accessible holidays in Northern Ireland

From rugged coastlines to castles, culture, adventure and more, a trip to Northern Ireland is definitely one to remember. Marvel at the natural phenomenon of the Giant’s Causeway, discover the local music scene , and see where the mythical lands from Game of Thrones came to life. Try All Out Trekking as you chase through the countryside on adapted buggies, or find your inner peace as you listen to the sounds of the sea at an inclusive beach. With a diverse range of experiences to be had, your Northern Ireland accessible adventure is sure to be unique.

Explore accessible things to do in Northern Ireland

Accessible guide to northern ireland.

With inclusive beaches, accessible trails and culture in spades - Northern Ireland is ready to be explored.

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

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Plan Your Own Tour

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Select Scotland Tours

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WEB DESIGN INSPIRE WEB DEVELOPMENT

•  Edinburgh Old and New Towns
•  Edinburgh Old Town
•  Glasgow Highlights
•  A Whisky Day from Edinburgh
•  An Outlandish Day Out: Outlander in a day
•  Kilmartin Glen
•  Scottish Borders
•  Spirit of Speyside: The Malt Whisky Trail
•  St Andrews and the East Neuk
•  Stirling and the Trossachs
•  Textiles and Sheepdogs in the Scottish Borders
• Multi-day Tours
•  Islay Whisky: a 5 day tour
•  Our Highland Adventure: A 10-Day Tour of Highland Scotland
•  Our Highland Experience: A 5-Day Tour of Highland Scotland
•  Our Highland Explorer: A 7-Day Tour of Highland Scotland
•  Travels with Jamie and Claire: the ultimate Outlander experience
•  Triple Scotch: Highland and Speyside Malt Whisky Tour
• Whisky Tours
•  A Whisky Day from Glasgow
• Outlander Tours

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Scotland Explorer

Experience the dramatic beauty of fairytale Edinburgh, cruise the calm waters of Loch Lomond, and enjoy a whisky (or two) on our disabled friendly Scotland Explorer tour.

Holiday Overview

Spread out below the towering Castle Rock, Edinburgh is everything a capital should be. In the Old Town, the streets wind through crags and cliffs and majestic buildings tower over you. In the New Town, the Enlightenment-inspired layout boasts a wealth of 19th Century architectural treasures. Together, they form one of the most beautiful cities in the world and make for the perfect introduction to your Scotland Explorer holiday. Your holiday begins with a day dedicated to exploring the fascinating culture and history of the Scottish capital. While we'll tour the city's most famous landmarks and take in the views from Edinburgh Royal Yacht Britannia, you'll also be able to discover the city's shops, bars and attractions at your own pace. Of course, there's a lot more to Scotland than just its capital. Sample some of the region's world-famous whiskies and enjoy a traditional meal complete with authentic Scottish entertainment. To round out the trip, we'll head to the UK's largest freshwater lake, Loch Lomond. Here, you'll have the opportunity to soak up the awe-inspiring scenery of the Highlands and raise a toast to bonnie old Scotland. Your disabled-friendly Edinburgh hotel has been hand-picked by the Limitless Team for its superb location and excellent disabled facilities. A Limitless Travel representative will accompany the tour group throughout the holiday, providing assistance whenever required and ensuring you receive the support you need.

The Holiday

• Tour Edinburgh's most famous landmarks, sample single malts and marvel at the magnificence of Loch Lomond
• Stay in four-star, accessible accommodation that offers easy access to both Edinburgh city centre and the Scottish countryside
• Travel via an accessible coach equipped with a hydraulic lift or ramp
• Group Support & Holiday Assistance included as standard and provided by our experienced care team
• Supplementary care packages available for travellers who require additional assistance
• We'll also help to arrange any specialist equipment you need while on holiday
• Every holiday led by a Limitless Tour Manager to ensure a problem-free trip.

From booking your holiday to returning home after a wonderful trip, the Limitless Team is on-hand to provide you with the support you need. If you have any questions regarding the holiday, please don\'t hesitate to get in touch.

The Itinerary

Day 1 - Travel and Settling In

Day 2 - Explore Edinburgh

For over 44 years the Royal Yacht served the Royal Family, travelling more than a million nautical miles to become one of the most famous ships in the world. Today it is docked in Edinburgh and we will take you on a guided tour of the yacht in all its glory. There is also a royal tea room for some refreshments on board. 

Day 3 - Battle of Bannockburn

Today we will visit the famous battle of Bannochburn, where the Scots famously beat the English. There will be chance to explore the site the battle took place, and afterwards there is a cafe for refreshments.

Day 4 - Whiskey Tasting and Scottish Evening

Day 5 - Loch Lomond & Birds of Prey Show

Today, we’ll head to one of Scotland’s most picture-perfect natural landmarks - Loch Lomond. 23 miles long and 5 miles wide, Lomond is the biggest freshwater lake in the UK and the grandeur of its Highlands backdrop ensure it ranks amongst the most scenic destinations in Europe. We visit Balloch Castle National Park located on the tip of Loch Lomond, where the views of the lake are outstanding. It stretches for 200 acres of rolling greenery nestled around the lake. After some lunch we will watch a Bird of Prey Show.

Day 6 - Until Next Time

Accommodation, 4* edinburgh disabled friendly hotel.

Situated in the city centre but also well-placed to allow for a quick escape into the countryside, your four-star, fully accessible Edinburgh hotel is the perfect base for your Scottish holiday. With spacious bedrooms, an accessible health and fitness centre and wet room bathrooms available on request, the hotel is well suited to travellers with a wide range of disabilities. A full Scottish breakfast buffet is available every morning, ensuring you're well fuelled for the day ahead.

• Four-star hotel
• Wetroom Bathrooms available
• Health & Fitness center
• Friendly and welcoming staff
• Full Scottish breakfast buffet

Half board: breakfast and evening meals are included in the price of your holiday. Look forward to fresh and delicious meals to both begin and round off the day. Meal selection will vary depending on where you’re staying. For breakfast you can expect either table service or a buffet style, with complimentary teas, coffees and juices included. In the evening, you’ll be served dinner for every night of your stay.

Luxury Wheelchair Accessible Coach

All of our vehicles are 100% accessible for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. They are fitted with either a ramp or a hydraulic lift and wheelchairs can be clamped into place, so there's no need to transfer out of your wheelchair if that's where you're more comfortable. Travellers who do not use a wheelchair are also welcome to use the ramp or lift to access the coach.

• Hydraulic lift or ramp.
• Safety clamps to secure wheelchairs into place.
• No need to transfer from your wheelchair.
• Hold space for manual wheelchairs.

Dates and Prices

If travelling abroad, please refer to travel advice issued by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office .

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Latest statistics

Find signposting to the latest research and insights on tourism in Scotland.

Our latest research on tourism

Our latest research and insights, motorhomes, caravans, and camping.

Read our motorhomes, caravans, and camping research.

Published: March 2024

Domestic day visits

Read about the Great Britain Day Visits Survey Quarter 4 2023 report.

Visitor attractions

Explore figures on Scotland's top 10 visitor attractions of 2023.

Domestic sentiment tracker

Read the latest Domestic Sentiment Tracker Scotland Level Summary Jan - June 2024.

Published: February 2024

Domestic overnight tourism

Read the Great Britain Tourism Survey Quarter 3 2023 report.

Tourism employment in Scotland

Explore figures on employment in tourism.

Scottish Tourism Observatory

Explore further data and graphs for tourism in Scotland on tourismobservatory.scot.

Related links

About our visitors, about our industry.

Introduction

The Accessible Travel Framework (ATF) – entitled “Going Further” - was developed by Transport Scotland in 2016, from conversations between disabled people, their representatives and people who work in transport across Scotland with the purpose of:

• supporting disabled people’s rights by removing barriers and improving access to travel, and;
• ensuring disabled people are fully involved in work to improve all aspects of travel.

Accessible travel can enable people to enjoy equal access to full citizenship. The conversations originally held, were about identifying, and removing disabling barriers which prevent people travelling, or serve to make their journey an unpleasant experience. It was recognised that the project was about more than transport, and included access to vital services such as employment, education, and healthcare.

The ATF provided a national vision and outcomes for accessible travel and a high-level action plan to tackle the key issues facing disabled people. Its vision was that:

“All disabled people can travel with the same freedom, choice, dignity and opportunity as other citizens.”

This original vision was supported by four outcomes:

• more disabled people make successful door-to-door journeys, more often.
• disabled people are more involved in the design, development and improvement of transport policies, services, and infrastructure.
• everyone involved in delivering transport information, services and infrastructure will help to enable disabled people to travel, and;
• disabled people feel comfortable and safe using public transport – this includes being free from hate crime, bullying and harassment when travelling.

In 2022, Disability Equality Scotland (DES) was approached by Transport Scotland to conduct a review of the impact of the ATF. This review has been commissioned as part of a research and evaluation project funded by Transport Scotland, to monitor the progress of the ATF and its priorities.

The role of the review was:

• To develop an understanding of the monitoring and evaluation work of the ATF.
• To use the valuable feedback and data that DES gathered frequently from our membership base as evidence and a vital resource.
• To develop a richer and more up-to-date understanding of the priorities of disabled people traveling in Scotland currently and;
• To reflect on how the work of the framework could be monitored in the future and consider how it is currently being monitored, evaluated, and reported on.

Disability Equality Scotland has – wherever possible – used information and ‘lived experience’ testimony from disabled people in the production of this review - which contributes to our continued advocacy for accessible travel for disabled people.

Ensuring that the current experience of disabled people in Scotland is at the forefront of each stage of the ATF’s implementation, planning and reflection, this report draws on testimonial data, project reports and data made available by Transport Scotland. The project has been guided via active engagement and consultation both within the team at Transport Scotland, and externally via a short life project working group which contained representatives from Transport Scotland, the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS) and Disability Equality Scotland.

The research for this review was conducted from August 2022 to March 2023 and was informed by data gathered from the Transport Scotland project archives within Disability Equality Scotland, information provided by Transport Scotland, information provided by disabled people in Scotland, and from external sources of data, such as the Disability & Transport; Scottish Household Survey report (2021).

We can also see that this is a time of change and development for the ATF’s delivery plan structure, as we have now reached a pivotal moment, with only three years left in the original framework’s lifespan, as the ATF concludes in 2026.

The stated aims of this review were:

• To use the lived experience testimonies of disabled people in Scotland, to consider potential impacts, priorities, and changes to experiences of travel in Scotland.
• To collate qualitative data from disabled people in Scotland in relation to their experiences of transport.
• To consider how the ATF has been initiated and developed, since its publication in 2016.
• To collect recent data that relates to the priorities of the ATF, where possible highlighting what could be developed further based on that data. Where needed the report shows gaps and recommendations on how to develop the monitoring and evaluation work.

Due to the scope of the project, this report does not cover every mode of transport and every identified priority, or work stream, within the span of the ATF. Instead, it took its lead from Transport Scotland’s Annual Delivery Plans and their outlined priorities published in 2019 and in 2021, and also the topics and issues that have been continuously raised in recent years by disabled people.

Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic

This report acknowledges that the Covid-19 pandemic had - and continues to have - a profound and lasting impact on the aims and work packages relating to the ATF.

This is reflected in travel trends throughout the pandemic and indeed up until more recently. The Disability and Transport Survey shows that travel usage has not gone back to its pre-pandemic levels for disabled people traveling in Scotland (across all modes of transport).

Some of the lasting effects of the pandemic on the experiences of transport and travel in Scotland for disabled people have been:

• Discrepancies in information.
• Lack of up-to-date information and.
• Cancellations/delays to services.

All of these have been raised in multiple different engagement exercises throughout the pandemic, including the most recent poll series on accessible travel and modes of communication. These negative impacts on travel experiences have led to a lack of confidence and an impact on trust in transport and travel.

It is also crucial to consider that there have been a variety of significant changes to the landscape of travel and transport since the ATF was first drafted and published in 2016, including: industrial actions; a cost-of-living crisis; and staff shortages. Some of these recent shifts in the social landscape are reflected in the recent National Transport Strategy 2 (NTS2) which was published in 2020.

As the priorities of the ATF shift and grow and new delivery plan models are developed there needs to be conscious consideration and prioritising of the development of accessible, active, and sustainable travel, and clear projects and action plans put in place to ensure the priorities of the NTS2, and the ATF align and support one another – whilst placing the disabled individuals needs at the centre of any decision making.

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