5 Accessible Places to Visit in Glasgow for Disabled People
Scotland's largest city is a lively, bustling place, distinctive and full of character. The city is the second largest retail city in the UK after London, and the commercial capital of Scotland. Glasgow has a wide range of facilities to suit everyone, including excellent hotels and conference facilities, an array of museums and art galleries, first class leisure and shopping facilities, restaurants to suit every taste and pocket, spectacular architecture and much more. Glasgow is known the world over as 'the friendly city' and also as 'Scotland with Style'.
But what if you have accessibility needs? How can you be confident that you’ll find places to visit in Glasgow that will be accessible to you?
Our list of 5 accessible places to visit in Glasgow is here to help you be prepared, whether you need:
- step-free access
- wheelchair access
- ramps and lifts
- a hearing loop
- audio formats
- Braille or large print
- staff trained in sign language
- details of parking facilities
- information on light and noise levels.
For each place on the list we’ve linked to our Detailed Access Guide, which tells you all about a venue’s access. They are all 100% facts, figures and photographs, collected by trained AccessAble surveyors who check out every single place in person.
Buchanan Galleries
Buchanan Galleries shopping centre is in the middle of Glasgow city centre, a city recognised as one of the top retail destinations in the UK. Home to John Lewis in Glasgow, with over 80 of the best retail names under our roof, from retail giants to small independents.
Key accessible facilities include on site parking, level access and automatic doors.
Buchanan Galleries Detailed Access Guide
Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Located in the West End of Glasgow, Glasgow Botanic Gardens is a peaceful oasis just minutes from the heart of the city. There’s exotic tropical places to explore, and calming riverside walks. A heritage trail and the Garden Glasshouses offer plenty to discover, and entry to all areas is free of charge.
Key accessible facilities include surfaced paths with easy to moderate slopes throughout the gardens, and accessible toilets.
Glasgow Botanic Gardens Detailed Access Guide
House for an Art Lover
Designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1901 and built in the attractive setting of Bellahouston Park in the 1990s, House for an Art Lover allows the visitor an insight into Mackintosh's renowned talent not just as an architect, but as a an artist, designer and pioneer of the Modern Movement. The venue runs regular arts themed events and is home to the popular Art Lover's Cafe.
Key accessible facilities include hearing loops, seats for those who need them and accessible toilets.
House for an Art Lover Detailed Access Guide
Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is one of Scotland's most visited free attractions. With 22 themed, state-of-the-art galleries displaying an astonishing 8000 objects, the collections are extensive, wide-ranging and internationally-significant. A favourite with visitors and locals, Kelvingrove has a family friendly atmosphere and stunning architecture. A changing programme of displays and exhibitions means that there is always something new to see.
Key accessible facilities include ramped access, a designated drop of point and staff trained in British Sign Language.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum Detailed Access Guide
Riverside Museum
Riverside Museum is Glasgow's award-winning transport museum. With over 3,000 objects on display there's everything from skateboards to locomotives, paintings to prams and cars to a Stormtrooper. Get hands on with our interactive displays. Walk through Glasgow streets and visit the shops, bar and subway. Climb aboard a train, tram or bus and get a real feel for old public transport. Discover Glasgow's rich shipbuilding history, explore the car and motorbike walls and help put out a fire with our interactive fire engine. There are over 90 large touch screens panels full of images, memories and films that tell the fascinating stories behind the objects. There really is something for all ages to enjoy at the Riverside Museum.
Key accessible facilities include designated Blue Badge parking, facilities for assistance dogs and Braille documents available on request.
Riverside Museum Detailed Access Guide
If you’re visiting any of these attractions, why not download the AccessAble App from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.
For more information about accessible places to visit, stay, eat and drink in Glasgow, click the links below.