Accessible Places to Visit in Scotland This Spring
- Enjoy the beautiful loch scenery in Clatteringshaws
- Discover wildlife and rare plants at Benmore Botanic Gardens
- Learn more about giraffes at Edinburgh Zoo
- Explore a piece of Scottish history in Sterling Castle
Scotland is renowned for its fantastic scenery and historic sites. When you are planning your next day out, you are not short of choice.
We have gathered our top four favourite places to visit. Each facility is accessible, allowing you to enjoy your day.
1. Clatteringshaws, Dumfries and Galloway
This location is Scotland features breathtaking loch scenery. By starting from the Clatteringshaws visitor centre, you can access multiple trails around the area.
The Bruce’s Stone trail is an easy route, but not specially designed for a wheelchair.
It takes approximately half an hour to finish and has a firm gravel surface. There may be some loose stones on the path. We recommend having an assistant with you if you access the path by wheelchair.
The visitor centre area is fully accessible, with easy access from the car park to the visitor centre. You can also find a ramp from the centre to the Lochside picnic area. Plus, there’s accessible toilets available just outside the visitor centre.
For more information, check the Clatteringshaws website.
2. Benmore Botanic Gardens, Argyllshire
Discover the beauty of nature in this magnificent 120-acre mountainside garden.
The area is full of history and boasts a collection of iconic plants. The plants growing in the garden come from as far as China, Japan, and South America.
Other highlights of the area include:
- Giant redwoods
- Wildlife, including red squirrels, and Golden Eagles
- Views of Holy Loch and the nearby mountainside
The area has been designed with accessibility in mind, offering an Easy Access Route throughout the gardens. There are also accessible toilets available. If you come with an assistant animal, there’s also water available. All carers can also access the gardens for free.
If you require additional information, visit the Benmore Botanic Gardens website.
3. Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh Zoo is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Scotland. It’s home to over 2,500 animals – from giraffes to birds.
The zoo is a fantastic chance to learn more about different species and get closer to nature. Plus, visitors can also listen to interesting talks about wildlife preservation.
Those who require a wheelchair access can enter most areas of the zoo. Unfortunately, some areas of the zoo are hilly and there are some steps and steep slopes.
All carers can enter the zoo free of charge. There’s also Blue Badge parking available on site.
Assistant dogs can enter the zoo but must be up to date with all inoculations. They must also be kept on a lead at all times.
More information about the accessibility at Edinburgh Zoo can be found from their website.
4. Stirling Castle
As one of the largest castles in Scotland, the Stirling Castle is a popular visitor attraction. The castle grew over the years as a crucial royal residence and stronghold. It was also the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots.
The castle has been carefully restored to its former glory, and key locations opened to the public. From the grounds, you get astonishing views of the surrounding countryside.
If you require accessible parking, there are five spaces available in the castle car park. There are also two wheelchairs available for use.
Those who require additional equipment, such as visual stories for autistic visitors, or ear defenders, can request them from a member of a staff.
Assistance dogs can also access the castle but must always be kept on a lead.
You can find out more about accessibility at Stirling Castle from their website.
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