Facilities and Access

Accessibility at The Inverness Castle Experience

Accessibility has been at the heart of the development of The Inverness Castle Experience. Every effort has been made to ensure the site is welcoming and accessible to all, with thoughtful design features and facilities that make it easy for everyone to enjoy their visit.

Take a look at the guides from AccessAble for the Castle Experience. AccessAble provides the detailed information you need to determine whether a place will be accessible for you.

Getting to The Inverness Castle Experience

Main Entrances

• The main entrance is located on View Place, recommended for wheelchair users.

• Alternative pedestrian access is available via Castle Wynd, though this route is not suitable for wheelchair users.

• All entrances feature both stepped and ramped access, with electronic doors at entry points and throughout the building.

Accessible Parking

Four pre‑bookable Blue Badge parking spaces are available.

• Slots available:

  • 2‑hour slots – suitable for visiting the Shop and the Saltire Bistro.

  • 3‑hour slots – for visiting the full Castle Experience.

  • Late afternoon slot (approx. 3pm–5.30pm) – ideal for evening visits to the Shop and Bistro.

• Additional disabled parking is available in the Castle Street car park and other city centre locations

Arriving and Leaving the Castle

• On arrival for your pre‑booked parking slot, a team member will escort you through the gardens to your parking space.

• Visitors are asked to switch on hazard lights while driving through the gardens for safety.

• Car keys are securely stored during the visit.

• When ready to leave, a team member will escort you back to your vehicle and assist with exiting the site.

Inside The Inverness Castle Experience

Wheelchair Accessibility

• The site is fully wheelchair accessible except for one part of the South Tower viewing area (the Flag Tower).

• Lifts are available in both the North and South Towers, providing access to all floors.

Companion Access / Plus One Scheme

• If booking a Carers Pass with the Plus One Scheme, you must bring your valid Plus One card.

• Staff will check the card at booking or entry.

• Equivalent companion‑access cards from other local authorities are also accepted.

Wheelchairs

• Wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge on a first‑come, first‑served basis.

• Ask a Visitor Experience Assistant on arrival.

Hearing Support and Audio Guides

Hearing Loops & BSL

• The audio guide is available in British Sign Language (BSL) on your own device.

• Larger BSL screens are available during the main part of the experience.

• Headphones can be borrowed to use the audio guide.

Audio Guides

• Audio devices are available in:
  English, Dutch, French, Gaelic, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Mandarin

• Visitors can explore stories by moving the audio guide over beacons throughout the experience.

Assistance Dogs

• Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the Inverness Castle Experience, the Saltire Bistro, the North Tower Bar, and the Castle Shop.

Toilets and Baby Changing

• Accessible toilets on each floor of the South Tower.

• Accessible toilets on the ground and first floors of the North Tower.

• A Changing Places toilet is located on the ground floor of the North Tower.

Lifts

• Lifts are located in both the North and South Towers.

• The Roof Terrace in the South Tower is partially accessible via a platform lift.

• The Flagpole Tower is not accessible for wheelchair users.

Seating

• Seating is available throughout the experience.

• Portable stools are available to borrow—ask a Visitor Experience Assistant.

Shop and Bistro

Castle Shop

• Fully accessible, with staff available to assist.

The Saltire Bistro

• Fully accessible with table service for all visitors.