The National Wallace Monument

bwi

23 Oct 2017

Amazing views, lots of steps, great cakes

4

4

Date of visit: September 2017

I have experience of challenges around: moving around and seeing.

Overall Rating

Good

The National Wallace Monument is a large tower like structure and you do have to be able to climb its many steps to make a visit. With this in mind it may not be suitable for folk with mobility impairments. There is a visitor centre adjacent to the car park which is wheelchair accessible.

Disabled Access In and Around

Good

I am reviewing this from my experience as a visually impaired person. I found the Visitor Centre to be bright, light and easy to find my way around. The cafe, the toilets, and the shop were all well signposted and easy access. The building was also easy to access and move around for my friend who is a powerchair user. The walkway up to the Monument is quite steep and a fair distance to walk. I decided to take the courtesy minibus which leaves from a bus stop just outside the Visitor Centre. I did walk back down from the Monument and the well defined path takes you through the tree lined walk. As you go down there are several wooden carved sculptures which add to the enjoyment of the visit. When you arrive at the Monument you go in to the reception area. You then start to climb the tower. As you go up there are Galleries which are themed and display a variety of exhibits and tell stories. The highlight of the visit is when you get to the top of the tower and you are outside but under the arches of the crown. The views are simply stunning!

Parking & Transport

Excellent

Getting to the Monument's Visitor Centre was easy as we came by car. A bus service also operates between the National Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle. The accessible parking bays were immediately outside the front door to the Visitor Centre. To get up to the Monument, which is high on the hill about the Visitor Centre, there is a walkway or you can take the courtesy minibus.

Accessible Toilets

Good

There is an accessible toilet in the Visitor Centre. A very spacious, clean and bright facility.

Staff

Excellent

Staff at all points on the visit were exceptional. Very friendly and helpful in explaining where to go and what to expect.

Additional Information

A great place to visit if you can manage the climb and if you can't my friend tells me the cakes and coffee in the cafe were superb!