Facilities & Accessibility
The Edinburgh Dungeon welcomes all guests with disabilities and their support assistants. This page aims to provide information to help visitors with a disability to make the most of their trip, using the following details of accessibility and visitor information.
THE MAJORITY OF OUR FACILITIES ARE DESIGNED TO BE FULLY ACCESSIBLE TO OUR DISABLED GUESTS, HOWEVER, THE EDINBURGH DUNGEON IS SITUATED IN A LISTED BUILDING AND THIS DOES CAUSE SOME RESTRICTIONS FOR GUESTS WITH MOBILITY ISSUES.
ACCESS
For wheelchair users:
- Navigation around the Dungeon is mainly via level pathways. However, due to the nature of the attraction and the building, it is housed in, some floor surfaces are uneven.
- Access is also gained via low gradient slopes and passenger lifts (restrictions apply) to the various levels of the attraction.
- For safety reasons we can only accommodate one guest using a wheelchair at a time to ensure an evacuation chair is available to exit the building should the need arise.
- We have several flights of stairs both with stairlifts (Max weight 120kg/ 18.8 stone) and guests have to be able to transfer from wheelchair to the chair of the stairlift unaided by Dungeon staff.
- We would advise wheelchair users to book in advance as, without advanced booking, guests may need to wait a considerable amount of time to start the tour.
- Please note that The Edinburgh Dungeon is not accessible by mobility scooter.
For those with other mobility impairments:
- The Edinburgh Dungeon tour lasts approximately 70 minutes, during the majority of which guests will be required to stand unless using a wheelchair.
- Seating is available in some shows, but due to the nature of the attraction and the demographic of groups we cannot guarantee priority seating
Guests with visual impairments, blind and partially sighted visitors
- As the Dungeon is very dark and the floor is often uneven, guests with visual impairments, blind and partially sighted visitors may have difficulty navigating around the facility. Please email Edinburgh.Dungeon@merlinentertainments.biz for more specific information.
Assistance Dogs
- Assistance dogs are welcome in the Edinburgh Dungeon. Please note there are loud noises, mist effects and smells (good and nasty) that may be confusing to assistance animals. For more detailed information please email: Edinburgh.Dungeon@merlinentertainments.biz
Photosensitive Epilepsy
- Three Show area’s contain flashing lights which may affect visitors with photosensitive epilepsy.
- We recommend speaking to a member of the team before you enter and begin your tour so we can fully brief you on the locations strobe lighting is used.
- An alternative route will be provided for guests who would like to bypass these areas.
Deaf visitors, users of BSL and guests with hearing impairments
- Deaf visitors, guests with hearing impairments and users of BSL can bring an assistant free of charge. The Edinburgh Dungeon experience is largely delivered by actors and voiceover audio often in low lighting, so some deaf visitors, guests with hearing impairments and BSL users may not fully experience some elements of the attraction.
BOOKING CARER TICKETS
- A support assistant is welcome to accompany any disabled visitor without charge. Only one carer can receive free entry per guest.
- Please pre-book online or through our contact centre so you can avoid the general admission queue and also book your time slot on the tour.
- We may ask for proof of your disability in document form, i.e.: blue parking badge, Access Card, DLA or PIP confirmation, or a letter from a doctor or specialist physician.
FACILITIES
Accessible Parking:
Unfortunately, the Dungeon does not have any designated parking for blue badge holders.
- The nearest car parks to the Edinburgh Dungeon are the Waverley Station Car Park (Postcode: EH8 8BH) and Hollyrood Road NCP Car Park (Postcode: EH8 9UL) which both have parking bays for blue badge holders. Please note that these car parks are not operated by the Edinburgh Dungeon and that the use of these parking bays is subject to the terms and conditions of the car park operator.
Please telephone +44(0)131 240 1040 for further information
Toilets:
- The main accessible toilets are located just after admissions on the lower level which is accessible by lift before the tour.
- You may then use the Fast track / VIP entrance which is on the same level to start your tour. If you are unsure please ask a member of the team and they can assist you.
Shop:
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The Edinburgh Dungeon Shop has a fantastic range of goodies to remember your visit! Like the Dungeon, it is a unique experience and is only accessible from inside the Dungeon, so for those with access issues please use the lift on admissions to access this area.
Watch out for our latest offers on Facebook and Twitter!
RESTRICTIONS
Drop benches and flashing lights - Anatomy, Graveyard and Castle Ghost
In Graveyard the seating benches drop down with a sudden movement and in the Castle ghost show the benches rock from side to side as well as vibrating.
Please inform the actor on the carriage show whether you have:
- Heart complaints or pacemakers
- Back or neck complaints
- Broken limbs or have had recent surgery
- Pregnant guests
- Have a condition that may result in injury or complication from quick movement
- Chronic pain conditions
The Anatomy Theatre also has a short, yet surprising, movement under the seats at one point during the show, which may cause discomfort to those with one or more of the above conditions.
- Please make a member of staff aware if you suffer from epilepsy before your tour begins and necessary arrangements can be made.
- Wheelchair users need to be able to transfer un-aided in and out of the ride seats.
- The minimum height restriction is 1.4 metres tall
SUITABILITY
For children and young infants:
- We recommend the experience is suitable for children 8 years and above, but this is at the discretion of the parent or guardian
- Children under the age of 16 years must be accompanied by an adult 18 years and above
For pregnant women:
- Pregnant women can take part in all shows at any time during their pregnancy that they feel confident to visit
- A few of our shows have special effects that we do not recommend for pregnant guests or those with back or leg issues. These are found in our Graveyard, Braveheart's Revenge and Drop Ride. In these shows our actors will ask if any guests are pregnant, this is your cue to raise your hand and wave it wildly, to let them know you need moving to a ‘safe’ area.
- If you feel unwell, or don’t fancy being picked out for a certain show, just let the actor know and we will do what we can to make you comfortable.
- We are a scary & funny attraction, so expect to scream and laugh. If you have any questions on the day, just ask a member of staff. Also, Dr Knox is happy to do a check-up on you, but leeches will cost extra…
BALPAA STATEMENT ON PUBLIC SAFETY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Members of the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions (BALPAA) welcomes visits by all visitors with disabilities and will do all that is possible to ensure a safe and pleasurable stay. However certain rides/attractions within our attraction can be physically demanding and vigorous. We, therefore, reserve the right to refuse admission to certain rides/attractions should we feel there is a danger to a particular individual or individuals for whatever reason. We have been advised by the health and safety executive that refusal on the grounds of health and safety does not constitute discrimination. We hope that you understand and accept the decisions made in the interest of your safety.
