Committed to providing an accessible attraction, Dunvegan Castle & Gardens strives to ensure that visitors with disabilities can enjoy as much of the MacLeod Estate 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. We are continually reviewing our procedures to make access improvements wherever possible to ensure that 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 in order to resolve previous access issues in those areas. Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs can be used in the gardens.
The castle’s entrance hall is accessible with assistance via a ramp (6 steps) and more limited access to the 1st floor (12 steps). Access to the 1st floor is not encouraged, but it may be possible depending on the nature of the visitors’ disability and visitor numbers on the day. When 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 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 ramp which can be installed on request. Accessible toilets are also available in the car park.
HEARING IMPAIRED
Visitors should be encouraged to self-identify on entry. Information cards in various languages are available in all the state rooms.
VISION IMPAIRED
Visitors should be encouraged to self-identify on entry. Braille information is currently unavailable.
INFANTS & SMALL CHILDREN
As part of our 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 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 Dungeon and Medieval Kitchen due to low ceiling heights.
Baby changing facilities are available in the car park and cafe. All children under the age of 12 must be supervised by an adult at all times.
PETS – DOGS
Registered assistance dogs are permitted in all public areas of the castle. Dogs are permitted in the castle gardens but must be kept on a lead at all times. Dog owners must ensure they clean up after their dog. A dog drinking bowl is located outside the MacLeod Tables Cafe in the car park.