Visual Story for Autistic Visitors to Edinburgh Castle

30 April 2021

Castle Highlights

As we reopen the doors to Edinburgh Castle, we’ve been working to open up the castle in other ways too.

Working in collaboration with museums access consultant Lynsey Anderson and Colouring Outside the Lines – a local organisation supporting Autistic girls and their families – we’ve developed a new Visual Story, which can be used to plan your visit, and help you know what to expect when you arrive.

A member of staff standing beside a sign marking the entrance to Edinburgh Castle. A socially distanced queue of visitors is forming in the background.

The Visual Story shows the castle spaces. This is the esplanade – the wide open space you cross to enter the castle.

The Visual Story contains pictures of your journey through the castle, introducing you to the different spaces and members of staff. There is a family version, and an adult version available. You can see them on the Edinburgh Castle website.

Just now, visitors can expect the castle to be quieter than usual. The number of people visiting is limited, and there are lots of Covid-safety measures in place. We’ve included these in the Visual Story, but we’ll be keeping this updated as the situation changes.

Visitors to Edinburgh Castle waiting to see the firing of the One O'Clock Gun. Each group is standing in a white circle which has been painted on the ground to ensure they are at least two metres apart

The Visual Story prepares autistic visitors for the COVID Safety measures in place at the castle – like these circles, which ensure social distancing for people viewing the One O Clock Gun.

If you use the Visual Story, let us know! Is there anything about it you’d change? We really want this to keep evolving to make it as useful as possible. Contact us at interpretation@hes.scot

More information to help you plan your visit:

How to get to the castle

Our website has information on how to get to the castle. Please be aware that the street approaching the castle (The Royal Mile) can be busy.

Accessible parking

A limited number of blue badge spaces are available on the castle esplanade (the open space in front of the castle). With prior notice, it may be possible to use these without a blue badge if you believe it will help reduce sensory overload. Use the contact details below to get in touch with our staff.

Tickets

You’ll need to pre-book tickets for a particular timeslot.

A photo from a Visual Story showing a one way system allowing for socially distanced entry into Edinburgh Castle

The visitor route into Edinburgh Castle.

If it is too busy and you find it necessary to leave the Castle before you were planning to, it may be possible to get your ticket stamped to allow you to return and complete your visit. Please speak to a member of staff, who will also be able to advise on quiet times for your return visit.

Carers

For visitors who require a carer, the carer will be admitted free of charge. Book your paid tickets online through the webstore, and then email ticketing@hes.scot with your confirmation number. They’ll be able to add a carer ticket to your order. If you have any problems arranging this, staff in the castle Ticket Office will be able to help on the day of your visit.

Storage

Please be aware the castle has no storage for bags or buggies.

Special events

Occasionally the castle will host special events – like a gun salute – which could be noisy, or which could make it busier. To check if there are any special activities on the day you would like to visit, contact us at the number/email address below.

Mobility vehicle

A mobility vehicle is available at the castle. This is primarily for physically disabled visitors but please speak to a member of staff if you feel that using the vehicle may assist in your visit due to sensory needs etc.

Useful resources:

Edinburgh Castle Visual Stories
Edinburgh Castle on Google Streetview
Edinburgh Castle Access information