Musselburgh Racecourse
4.5
4.5
Date of visit: January 2018
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Excellent
Really stylish modern racecourse, easy to find, being located on a main road near to Edinburgh with many transport links. Good signage on to the racecourse and throughout the venue. Disabled parking on to grass, thereafter solid smooth track quite a distance to walk/push a wheelchair to the main buildings. They are looking to provide a shuttle service for the less mobile in the near future, all disabled friendly. This an excellent venue for a really all round good family day out, providing accessible amenities for every age and ability. Good quality priced food from burger van to well apointed restaurant, or you could take your own picnic as there is a large raised picnic area (ramped at both ends) in front the the stands, next to the race track to be feel part of the action Large viewing screen sited for all to see easily, with panoramic views undercover looking out over the racecourse with lifts to all levels. The racecourse often provides specialty days with music and other entertainment on offer, look on their website for information.
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
All areas are well signposted, there are numerous noticeboards around the venue and the race card also has a very good map with all the facilities clearly marked on it. There is excellent access to all areas, restaurants, bars, picnic area, toilets etc. There are lifts to all levels in all of the buildings. There are 3 metal viewing areas along the railings, they are quite small. On the day I was there it was cold and icy and although the ramp had been gritted I did feel the ramp was a bit too steep and I would not have liked to have pushed a wheelchair up or down the ramp. The raised picnic area is a real bonus, it's close to the stand, bookies and right on the track side, you really feel part of the action and can soak up the atmosphere.
Parking & Transport
Good
There is good public transport to the venue. Easy access off the main road with large clear disabled signposts. Parking on grass with very helpful parking attendants who would allow you to unload on to the hard surface if required. Quite a considerable walk to the entrance if you are pushing a wheelchair or a bit unsteady on your feet but the surface is smooth and wheelchair friendly, as is the whole of the racecourse (no gravel in sight).
Accessible Toilets
Excellent
There are 4 well equipped disabled toilets, located throughout the racecourse with large clear signage, information boards display their locations. The toilets are clean, spacious and will accommodate large wheelchairs, there are ample handles, rails etc. The access to all toilets is easy, exit and entrance.
Staff
Excellent
All the staff I spoke to were friendly and had a good knowledge of all amenities and their whereabouts at the racecourse.
Additional Information
I had a great day out, Musselburgh racecourse is a great venue to go to as an individual or group of any age or disability. Staff are not only friendly but knowledgeable and they all seem willing to help. What a relief to have good disabled toilets!! You can't help but have an enjoyable day out what ever the weather is, a bonus if you have a winner. I am a very disabled electric wheelchair user and didn't encounter any drawbacks and was made to feel a normal person.
