About

The original home of Underbelly at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, featuring of our performance spaces: Belly Button, Belly Dancer, Belly Laugh, Big Belly, Delhi Belly and Iron Belly.

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Disabled Access Information Provided by Underbelly Cowgate

Disabled Access at Underbelly Cowgate

Due to the historical and temporary nature of the venue, only one performance space, Belly Dancer, is accessible for people who require the use of a wheelchair. All other performance spaces within the venue can only be accessed by staircase. The box office and Beer Belly bar, both on the ground floor of the venue, are accessible by ramp. The main entrance to the venue is along a cobbled lane.

Step-free entrance

There is step-free access at the main entrance or an alternative entrance.

Seating at regular intervals

Seating is available at regular intervals.

Transport nearby Underbelly Cowgate

For step-free and level access to Underbelly Cowgate, we recommend using bus stops on the Grassmarket, which are on the same level as Cowgate and avoid the steep gradients from South Bridge and George IV Bridge. Cowgate is pedestrianised during the festival from 3pm daily so the nearest taxi drop-off is on the junction of Cowgate and Candlemaker Row during this time. The pavements on Cowgate are narrow and, although wide enough to accommodate most wheelchairs, can get particularly congested during the festival.

Bus station or stop

There is an accessible bus station or stop nearby with suitable boarding areas and facilities for disabled passengers.

Toilets features at Underbelly Cowgate

There is an accessible toilet located on the ground floor of the venue, by the Beer Belly bar. The toilet unit is accessed by a shallow ramp. The door opens outwards and is wide enough for both manual and powered wheelchairs. Inside, there are are fixed handrails and drop-down rails to assist with self-transfer between a wheelchair and the toilet. All handrails are colour-contrasting. There is a low level sink installed.

Accessible toilet

A designated accessible toilet designed for wheelchair users and others with visible and non-visible accessibility requirements is available within the main public areas.

Accessible formats at Underbelly Cowgate

We provide large-scale print versions of bar and food menus. Please ask a member of staff if you wish to view these.

Large print

Information is available in large print format.

Accessible services at Underbelly Cowgate

All Underbelly staff complete the Fringe Access equalities training ahead of the festival. We offer captioned and BSL interpreted performances for certain shows. This service may be useful for people who are D/deaf, deafened or hard of hearing. More details of captioned and BSL interpreted performances for 2026 will be listed here in June. We offer relaxed performances for certain shows with a more relaxed performance environment. There is a relaxed attitude to noise and movement in the performance venue. House lights will be up at a low level throughout the performance. No changes are made to the lighting and sound within the show. More details of relaxed performances for 2026 will be listed here in June. Assistance dogs are welcomed everywhere, and water bowls can be provided if required.

Assistance dog facilities

Relaxed performances

Relaxed performances are available.

Disability awareness/equality training

Staff have received disability awareness or equality training.

Other features at Underbelly Cowgate

If you require the assistance of a personal assistant or a carer to attend, your companion may be eligible for a complimentary ticket. Free companion tickets can be booked in person, online or over the phone. To discuss this with a member of our team, please email boxoffice@underbelly.co.uk. For more information about our access facilities, or if you have any ideas about what we could do better, please contact us in one of the following ways: Email us on access@underbelly.co.uk Call us on 0131 510 0395 Talk to a member of staff during your visit.

Online Booking

Carers discount

A carers discount is available.

Dedicated disabled access information email address

The venue has a dedicated email address for customers to request additional detailed accessibility information.

Dedicated disabled access information phone line

The venue has a dedicated phone line for customers to request additional detailed accessibility information.