Overview

Access to the Palace was surprisingly good for a building of its age. A lift can take mobility impaired visitors up to the State Apartments. The Abbey ruins are accessible as is the gift shop, cafe and toilets.

Transport & Parking

There are some blue badge parking bays out side the visitor centre. Accessible buses pass nearby.

Access

Arriving to get a ticket the staff were very helpful. The ticket area was accessible to me as a wheelchair user. The gift shop was nicely laid out with the majority of items easily visible from wheelchair height. Entering the Palace area through the archway staff indicated the accessible route and took me via a lift up to the main apartments. Only a small area of the historic building was not accessible and pictures were available to see what it was like. The grounds had paths that were wheelchair accessible and it was possible to view the Abbey ruins.

Toilets

An accessible toilet is available in the courtyard area by the visitor centre. It was spacious enough and well equipped; albeit rather busy.

Staff

Staff get a five out of five for their help and assistance. From the ticket person who explained accessibility, through to the guides who took me up in the lift, through to the guide who showed me the short route to the Abbey. A great experience!

Anything else you wish to tell us?

If you're in Edinburgh the Palace is certainly worth taking time out to visit.