Accessible Scotch Whisky Experience Edinburgh
Accessibility :
Level access,
Wheelchair Accessible (All tours),
Wheelchair Accessible Toilets,
Wheelchair Accessible Restaurant
More....
For details of other wheelchair accessible attractions, accessible events, and wheelchair-friendly eating and drinking options throughout the UK, see The Access Map 2024
Accessible Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh
“I would be hard pushed to find many attractions of this calibre when it comes to being accessible and inclusive. Dare I say, one of Scotland’s top ten accessible attractions!” – EdinBlue, at Euan’s Guide
The walkway leading to the reception desk of the Scotch Whisky Experience has a very slight incline.
Admission is free for one carer who accompanies a paying wheelchair user (this does not include free whisky tasting and the souvenir Glencairn glass – if your carer also wishes these, then they too must pay the full admission cost).
The reception desk has a lowered section allowing easy communication for wheelchair using visitors.
There are various doorways throughout the Scotch Whisky Experience tour – the narrowest of which is 850mm. However, the wheelchair accessible lift which allows you to access all levels (with the exception of the mezzanine level), has a door width of only 800mm though.
The Barrel Ride has a wheelchair accessible “barrel” car (with ramps at the start and end). There is also one seat in the accessible barrel for use by a carer.
Accessible Parking near the Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh
There is no parking onsite at the Scotch Whisky Experience. However, there are 5 accessible parking bays in the nearby NCP Edinburgh Castle Terrace car park. However, Castle Terrace is located below the Scotch Whisky Experience, so manual wheelchair users might need a good push up the hill (powerchair users should be OK though). These accessible parking spaces are allocated on a “first come, first seeved” basis too though – it’s not possible to book them in advance. The NCP car park is 0.4 miles from the main entrance to the Scotch Whisky Experience.
An uphill 0.4 miles!
Between November and April, there is a drop off point directly in front of the main entrance to the Scotch Whisky Experience. However, between May and October, vehicles are restricted from Castlehill, so you will have to be dropped off some distance away.
Getting to the Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh using Public Transport
Train:
The nearest train station is Edinburgh Waverley Train Station.
However, although it looks reasonably close on a map, Edinburgh Waverley Station is also at the foot of the hill leading up to the Scotch Whisky Experience (and the nearby Edinburgh Castle). My advice if arriving at Edinburgh Waverley would be to take a wheelchair accessible taxi, from the taxi rank at the station, up the hill to the Scotch Whisky Experience.
If you do decide to walk (or be pushed) though, which is definitely possible, then I would recommend leaving Edinburgh Waverley Station via the two wheelchair accessible lifts which take you towards Waverley Market (in the opposite direction!), turning right onto Princes Street, then again turning right onto North Bridge, and crossing the bridge. Turn right again (into High Street), and trundle up to the Scotch Whisky Experience (heading towards Edinburgh Castle). This is indeed a circuitous route – but the two lifts at Edinburgh Waverley, and the roundabout route, minimise the gradient.
There is a shorter route (via Cockburn Street), but Cockburn Street is seriously steep – and any wheelchair pusher will struggle.
Trams & Buses:
These also arrive near Waverley Market on Princes Street, so simply follow the directions above too (the bit from Princes Street to Edinburgh Castle anyway). The Scotch Whisky Experience is located on Castlehill, just before you reach Edinburgh Castle).
Access - Entrance to the Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh
The main entrance to the Scotch Whisky Experience building is level. And has an automatic sliding door. This door is 840 mm wide.
One manual wheelchair is available to borrow.
Admission is free for one carer who accompanies a paying wheelchair user (this does not include free whisky tasting and the souvenir Glencairn glass though – if your carer also wishes these, then they too must also pay the full admission cost).
Accessible Toilets at the Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh
There are two accessible toilets in the Scotch Whisky Experience. One is located on the lower ground floor (the other is on Level -2). Both are accessed by either stairs or a wheelchair accessible lift.
Accessible Cafe/Restaurant at the Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh
The Amber Restaurant (and the adjoining Amber Whisky Bar) is also located on the lower ground floor. The wheelchair accessible toilet is located next to the entrance of the Amber Restaurant.
More....
For details of other accessible visitor attractions, accessible events, and accessible eating and drinking options, see The Access Map 2024
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Thank you – and happy travels!
Scotch Whisky Experience News
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