Scottish Castles with Good Accessibility
I have summarised a few of the castles that are disability friendly below but I would recommend using Euan's Guides for more specific reviews and details that I may have missed.
Balmoral Castle
Known for its frequent visits from the Royal Family, Balmoral Castle is a must visit to anyone travelling to the North while in Scotland. As mentioned below, check on their website before visiting as it does close when royalty are staying at the castle, and it is a bit of a detour just to get there to find out its closed!!
If it does happen to be closed, Royal Lochnagar Distillery is right beside it and offers tours and tastings which can be tailed to be accessible to everyone, although some parts cannot be fully accessed.
Parking
Whilst the main parking for most visitors is outside of the main castle gates, there is accessible parking next to the visitor centre, so long as you are a blue badge holder.
Tours
When there is no royalty here (check the website below before visiting), you can get tours of the castle. The tours have separate entrances for wheelchair access and they are able to adapt the tour to make sure it is an enjoyable experience for all. The tours are led with headsets which have numbers correlating to the area you are in.
Urquhart Castle
Can you spot Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster? Whilst you're up north, Loch Ness is a must on any Scottish Bucket List. This castle is accessible via public transport (a bus from Inverness) or driving, and is unique with its viewpoint over the loch and history to be discovered inside.
There were some comments recently that both the disabled toilets were closed for refurbishment so keep that in mind, may be worth checking beforehand.
Parking
There is a car park right outside the castle which has to be reserved when you preorder your tickets. There is disabled parking beside the entrance to the castle which has lots of room.
Tours
Urquhart Castle has many slopes to access much of the castle, some of the areas do only have stairs to access them, however many have had slopes added to them. Check the link below as they explain which areas have stairs or slopes and also how steep they are.
Edinburgh Castle
Arguably (don't fight me) the most iconic castle in Scotland, sitting in the middle of Edinburgh overlooking the city this is a castle not to be missed. This is walkable from the Royal Mile or Princes Street, however the road to get here is cobblestones and the paths are very narrow.
Entry to this castle is free on St Andrew's Day (30th November) and there is the 1 o'clock gun that goes off daily, so try to time your visit in with that - although it can be heard across Edinburgh city centre if you can't make it to the castle for then.
Parking
There are a few accessible parking bays but from the months May-October these may not be available, and the other closest parking will be at Castle Terrace NCP. The car parking area outside the castle is also full of tourists wandering around, so be wary of that and have some extra patience when parking!
Tours
The tours for Edinburgh Castle are accessible, however most of it is cobbled and uneven surfaces inside. There is a mobility vehicle that will take you to the top level, Crown Square, as it is a steep slope along uneven surfaces all the way through the castle. This should be arranged beforehand, try to avoid going just before the 1 o'clock gun as there will be longer wait times.
Stirling Castle
Even though it may not be the top of Scotland guides, Stirling Castle is one of the most historic castles and worth a tour. Children can dress up in period clothing, making it a popular school trip destination (consider this your kid warning!!). Learn about this iconic castle which almost all of Scotland's royalty have visited, as far back as 1110.
Parking
There are 5 accessible spaces available on a first come, first serve basis. There is also parking in the city centre if needed however the castle is situated on a steep hill.
Tours
Again, this castle is largely cobblestones, and while there is a mobility vehicle available upon request some of the rooms have steps down into it. The majority of the areas have level ground access from cobbled courtyards. Learn about Stirling Castle's history through virtual tours or guided tours which start every 30 mins and are included in the ticket price.
Crathes Castle
Whilst you're in Aberdeen for Balmoral Castle, Crathes is worth a visit. With gorgeous grounds, a cute coffee shop and gift shop Crathes, this underrated castle will have you pretending you're in a movie.
Parking
There is disabled parking spots opposite to the cafe, which has a sloped access to the castle and grounds, You are able to park at the castle but it is by arrangement only.
Tours
The ground floor of the castle is level and accessible however the upstairs is via stairs only which are steep and narrow. The gardens are also flat and accessible however it is gravel path along the way.
Culzean Castle
This castle is right by the sea and is unique because of its location. It is a bit out of the way however if you're in Glasgow it may be worth for the drive.
Parking
There is accessible parking near the beach as the walk there is rocky and uneven. There is also regular and disabled parking beside Home Farm, Swan Pond, the Walled Garden and the Castle.
Tours
Whilst you can tour through the castle, the grounds are also accessible with altered paths and walkways. Below I have linked a map which shows the different trails around the castle with ratings for each and clearly showing the different options. This castle is good if you want to wander around the grounds as well as see the castle and learn the history.
Scone Palace
This palace is an amazing place for a day trip, spot the peacocks and swans outside and take a tour inside the castle to see what life would've been like.
Parking
There are parking spots nearest to the castle which can be pointed out by the staff when entering the park.
Tours
Most of the ground is able to be toured, although some of the ground makes it unsuitable for wheelchair users. The palace can be explored via a wheelchair lift and the rest of the palace is one floor so is easily self guided around with plaques telling of the history of the place. There is also a gorgeous view over the hill that is accessible via a gravel pathway outside the palace.
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