Finding the right place to take your elderly loved one doesn’t have to be a challenge
We’ve compiled a list of our favourite places in Edinburgh and Glasgow that are accessible to older people or people with mobility issues. Many are also dementia friendly and can offer additional support to visitors with dementia and their companions. Don’t forget to check out our top tips for days out for loved ones with dementia.
Edinburgh Castle
Reasons we like it:
- Historic Environment Scotland has taken great strides in making the historic fortress accessible to people with limited mobility.
- Blue Badge parking is available on the esplanade when booked in advance by telephone, as is the shuttle bus service which can accommodate a wheelchair if required.
- Although you will need to be mindful of walking or pushing a wheelchair on the cobbles, particularly in wet weather, there is good access to many of the castle’s main attractions and accessible toilets, café’s and shops within the castle grounds.
Royal Yacht Britannia
Reasons we like it:
- The Royal Yacht Britannia was home to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family for over 40 years. Now berthed in Edinburgh, you can follow in the footsteps of Royalty to discover the heart and soul of this most special of Royal residences.
- Audio handset tour (head phones available).
- There are lifts and ramps throughout the yacht so most of the tour is accessible for wheelchair users.
- Some areas are not accessible for some electric wheelchairs, but you can borrow a regular one for free from the visitor centre.
- The tearoom caters for special dietary requirements.
- You can park for free at Ocean Terminal.
- Other features include accessible toilets, audio tour handsets, sign language tablets, accessible parking and wheelchair hire.
- Assistance dogs are welcome.
- Full accessibility guide available.
The Scotch Whisky Experience
Reasons we like it:
- You can enjoy a 90-minute tour around a replica distillery and view the world’s largest whisky collection in a spacious complex with good wheelchair access.
- There is a lift to all areas of the building and a wheelchair which can be borrowed free of charge.
- The Amber Restaurant caters for dietary requirements.
- Other features include accessible toilets, audio tour handset in 18 languages, British Sign Language and American Sign Language.
- Assistance dogs welcome.
- Carers are admitted for free and concessionary rates are applied to those they are caring for.
- Specialist assistance with planning visits – contact to arrange.
- Full access guide and accessibility information available.
Glasgow Clydebank Museum
Reasons we like it:
- Permanent exhibitions celebrating Clydebank’s proud industrial heritage sit alongside exciting temporary galleries in a building that is fully accessible for wheelchair users.
- The Singer Sewing Machine collection was awarded the ‘Recognised Collection of National Significance’ by Museums Galleries Scotland in 2013.
- Our Companion Carers report that there are very helpful staff on hand, together with plenty of accessible facilities, along with a museum shop and café.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery
Reasons we like it:
- Kelvingrove is one of Glasgow’s most loved architectural jewels. It has excellent facilities and services.
- Some members of staff have been trained in basic British Sign Language. All audio-visual presentations within the galleries can have subtitles where required.
- There is free accessible parking and assistance dogs are welcome – they even provide water and bowls for our furry friends.
- The museum has lifts to all floors and each floor has accessible toilets with adult changing facilities.
- The entire gallery is wheelchair accessible. All cases and interactive displays are at an accessible height for wheelchair users.
- Wheelchairs are available at reception for visitors to use.
Summerlee Museum Of Scottish Industrial Life
Reasons we like it:
- Sunny Coatbridge nestles between Glasgow and Edinburgh and is well worth a visit. It received a £10m overhaul in 2008 and now has an exhibition hall that is fully wheelchair accessible.
- Visitors can take a ride on tram that is wheelchair accessible, experience a mine tour, reminisce along miners row and finish the day off with a cup of tea in the café and a look around the gift shop.
- You can even take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the canal. You should note that only assistance dogs are permitted.
About Us
Bright Care is a private care and companionship provider to the elderly in the peaceful comfort of their own home. Get in touch to talk to our dedicated care team and discover what’s possible for those you love. Â
