Accessibility
We want everyone who comes to our museums to enjoy their time with us and make the most of their visit.
On this page you will find information on accessibility and facilities at the National War Museum.
Our full access guide can be found on the AccessAble website. You can also find access information on Euan's Guide.
Contact us
If you require any further accessibility information, please contact us:
- Phone: 0131 247 4313
- Email: communities@nms.ac.uk
Deaf BSL (British Sign Language) users can make contact using the free ContactSCOTLAND-BSL service.
Getting to the Museum
Admission
The National War Museum is within the grounds of Edinburgh Castle. Historic Environment Scotland charges for admission to Edinburgh Castle. Please refer to the Edinburgh Castle website to buy your tickets.
Entry to the museum is free.
Carers who accompany visitors with disabilities receive free entry.
Accessible parking
There is no public parking at Edinburgh Castle. The NCP Castle Terrace car park is the nearest car park to the castle.
The Castle Esplanade has a small number of spaces available for ticket holders with accessibility requirements. These spaces are available upon arrival at the castle, and may also be booked in advance on Edinburgh Castle's website.
Museum entrance
The National War Museum is within the grounds of Edinburgh Castle.
To get to the museum:
- Pass through the castle gates and follow the path leading upwards to the right.
- You will pass under Argylle Tower on the way.
- Keep heading straight and you will pass the Tea Rooms on your right.
- This will lead you to a small square and the National War Museum will be directly in front of you.
The National War Museum entrance has level access. You can enter via the revolving doors or the automatic wheelchair-accessible door.
Adapted courtesy vehicle
An adapted courtesy vehicle is available at the castle's admissions kiosk. It can transport visitors with mobility difficulties to the museum and other parts of the castle. See more details on the Edinburgh Castle Access Guide.
Accessibility around the museum
Information desks
You can ask for information at the shop kiosk desk. The shop is on your left as you enter the museum.
Hearing induction loops
An induction loop is available for the film in the Nation in Arms gallery.
Borrow a wheelchair
There are no wheelchairs available for loan at the National War Museum.
However, Edinburgh Castle has several manual wheelchairs for loan on a first-come, first-served basis. Please ask for availability upon your arrival to the castle.
Cloakroom and storage
There are no storage options available at the National War Museum. Please check the Edinburgh Castle Access Guide for bag restrictions.
Toilets and changing facilities
Toilets are available on the ground floor of the museum. These include an adapted toilet and baby changing facilities.
Please check the museum map or ask a member of staff for directions to the toilets.
Lifts
There is a public lift between the two floors of the museum. You can check the museum map or ask a member of staff for directions to the lift.
Information on lift dimensions is available on the AccessAble website.
Seating
There are seating options throughout the galleries in the form of permanent seats or foldable chairs. Please ask a member of staff for the nearest seats to you.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome in the museum.
Lighting and noise
The lighting levels are low in all galleries of the museum.
The film shown in the Nation in Arms gallery plays on loop and has audio. It has subtitles and an induction loop.
Audio guide
A summary of the displays in English is available as part of the main audio tour of the castle. You can pick up an audio guide device at the castle ticket office.
