Make sure to bring a RADAR key!
4
4
Date of visit: February 2026
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, accessing toilets and moving around.
I use or have experience of: changing places toilet, disabled toilet, hidden impairment, powerchair, toilet with hoist, toilets, walking aid, wheelchair
Overall Rating
Good
These accessible facilities are located on Abbey Street, just uphill from Melrose Abbey. As far as public toilets go, they are relatively comfortable to use with much of what you might expect. A RADAR key is required to access the loo, but as there is no staff at this location if you don't have one, you won't be able to use it.
Disabled Access In and Around
Average
The road outside the accessible toilet is located on a hill with narrow pavements, which could be an issue for some visitors. While the pavement is wide enough for a powerchair, it isn't wide enough for a pedestrian to pass by at the same time. Dropped kerbs can be found at both the top and bottom of the hill. Thankfully, the area directly outside the toilet is tarmacked and fairly smooth. There are no toilets at this venue.
Accessible facilities: Single-level venue, Step-free entrance
Parking & Transport
Average
I travelled to this place by walk or wheel
There are long bays on either side of the street outside. There aren't lines between spaces, so you may find someone parks close to the rear of your vehicle on busy days. Abbey Car Park is two minutes walk away. You'll also find a bus stop at the car park.
Accessible facilities: Public or on street parking
Accessible Toilets
Average
The toilet has a light, outward-opening door. The toilet pan is located on the rear wall, though it lacks a contrasting seat. There is space for a left-side transfer. A bin is placed in this space, but it doesn't cause an obstruction. The emergency red cord hangs to the left when seated, and luckily, it wasn't tied up when I visited. The sink features a small basin and a user-friendly lever tap. However, there is only a single grab rail to the left and no mirror. While the room is spacious enough for most powerchairs to maneuver, you might need to do a bit of wiggling to get into position. Overall, the toilet was clean. That said, I would have preferred grab rails on both sides of the sink, and it would be a major improvement if all the rails and the toilet seat contrasted against the white wall tiles for better visibility.
Facilities: Accessible toilet
Staff
This venue is not staffed.
Comments
bellrock
27 May 2026
Thanks for the picture. The drop down rail was missing when we visited 18 months ago so I hoped it would have been replaced. It's ironic the sign saying how to use it is still there! Your reviews are very helpful. It's so useful to see pictures of toilets, as knowing the position of rails is essential for us.
