Committed to providing an accessible attraction, Dunvegan Castle & Gardens strives to ensure that visitors with disabilities can enjoy as much of this historic home as possible. We warmly welcome visitors with physical, sensory and learning disabilities. We recognise that some areas of Dunvegan Castle & Gardens may present difficulties for people with disabilities due to the nature of an historic fortress that was originally designed to keep people out. We are continually reviewing our procedures to make access improvements wherever possible to ensure that all our visitors have a safe and enjoyable day out.
WHEELCHAIR & LIMITED MOBILITY
Although there is level access to the castle gardens from dedicated parking bays in the castle car park opposite the main gate Ticket Office, some sections of the garden path network are steep in places due to the nature of the terrain itself. Steps on these moderately steep sections were not installed in order to facilitate wheelchair access, and more accessible paths connecting the three formal garden areas have been put in place to resolve previous access issues in other areas. Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs can be used in the gardens. Please see the garden route map for disabled visitors below, a printed copy of which is available at the Ticket Office.
There is no step-free access inside the castle. The castle’s entrance hall is accessible with assistance via a temporary ramp which can be installed on request. The main castle visitor route is located on the first floor with more limited access via 12 steps (no ramp). Access to the first floor is not encouraged during the peak season, but it may be possible depending on the nature of the visitors’ disability and visitor numbers at the time. A seat is available in each of the first floor state rooms for visitors to rest if required. Where a visitor is unable to access the castle, an armchair visit can be provided by one of the castle guides who will arrange to screen the castle video (English language with subtitles) on a portable electronic device in the flower room, or outside on the land bridge weather permitting. Unfortunately, powered wheelchairs cannot be accommodated inside the castle.
The MacLeod Tables Cafe is wheelchair accessible via a ramp located on the right-hand side of the Gift Shop in the car park. The Gift Shop is accessible via a temporary ramp which can be installed on request.
HEARING IMPAIRED
Visitors are encouraged to self-identify on entry. A short film about the castle’s history is played in the video room, which is subtitled in English. The video room also has a Hearing Aid induction loop system. Information cards in various languages are available in the castle’s main state rooms.
VISION IMPAIRED
Visitors are encouraged to self-identify on entry. Braille information is currently unavailable.
ACCESSIBLE TOILETS
These facilities are located in the car park toilets and the MacLeod Tables Cafe.
INFANTS & SMALL CHILDREN
As part of our great value family ticket offering, there is a special castle key hunt and lots of activities for children to enjoy in the gardens including our popular Wild Wood Trail featuring a playground and the rotating ‘Dunvegan Pebble’ sculpture in the Walled Garden. The seal trips are not to be missed, and they are free for children under 5yrs. Please ask a member of staff about the family workshops and activities during the school holidays, such as our annual Easter Egg hunt.
Please note that for safety reasons, pushchairs and baby backpack carriers are not permitted inside the castle. Parents carrying infants should take extra care when entering the castle dungeon and medieval kitchen due to low ceiling heights.
Baby changing facilities are available in the car park toilets and the MacLeod Tables Cafe. All children under the age of 12 must be supervised by an adult at all times.
ASSISTANCE DOGS
Registered assistance dogs are permitted in all public areas of the castle and gardens.
