Overview

During the 1840.s there were three stations in Edinburgh, collectively known as Waverley, but due to congestion at Waverley, plans were put forth to demolish all three stations and build just one large station, and by 1873 the new station was more suitable to take the extra traffic now needed. This soon became apparent it was not able to cope with so much more railway expansions, and a further alteration had to be made, and work began in 1892. It was a Hugh task, now to cover 23 acres of ground, and it included the new entrance from Waverley Bridge, which had started in the 1873 plans, and a new ridge and furrow system roof was built to lay as low as possible so it would not spoil the city,s skyline. Then the first and second class waiting rooms were built, ( but now, sadly due to the COVID 19 problems, the first class lounge has been closed during 2020/21, and it remains to be seen if it will be reopened. ) Finally, the new station was opened in 1921. Over the years further improvements have had to be made, (bearing in mind the Listed status now held ) so any work has to have Listed building consent. In 1994 the railway was privatised, and by 2004 new projects were put in place, including lengthening of the platforms, and between 2010/2020 the roofs glazing was replaced with 27,000 new panes of glass. (Photo3) It is now one of the largest of all British stations. After having wheelchair assistance to get us off the platform at Waverley station, and along to the concourse (photo 1) which is all on the level, but very busy although we found everyone very friendly and helpful, including a number of passers by, who were very nice in allowing us to move around very easily, and my wife pushed me along to the lift (photo 2). We then rode up and across Waverley stations glass roof, (Photo 3) exiting we moved along the Bridge walkway, and a long push for my wife, which would take us eventually to the way out for Princess street, to Another lift (photo 4) which took us up to the level needed for Princess street. (Photo 5). A paved walkway (photo 6) took us along to Princess street (photo 7). All the main bus stops are along here (photo 8) which lead to Edinburgh castle. (Photo 9), and we had quite a view to the castle itself (photo 10). Crossing over Princess street, there are a number of hotels and restaurants. (Photo 11). Our final thoughts. We enjoyed the train ride to Waverley station, arriving on time, and assistant service was there waiting for us, who took us along past all other platforms, we had arrived at the far end platform, so a long push for wheelchair, but it was easily handled for us, and it was no trouble using a number of lifts to get us up onto Princess street, so overall, an interesting journey, and we would suggest that if you are going to Edinburgh, you consider using the train service, as we found it so convient.

Transport & Parking

We did not arrive by car, as we knew in advance that parking would be a problem for disabled, so arrived by train. General buses all seem to arrive and depart along Princess street, so no problems there for us, as our hotel stood right opposite Waverley station on Princess street.

Access

The access here on the station is very good, easy push along the platforms and bridge walkway, with quite a number of lifts available, even if these are a little small, but it’s nearly all on the flat, and we experienced no trouble at any point.

Toilets

No advice on these, as on this journey our hotel was just a few yards away from station exit. On our return journey we did use toilets, but found no disabled toilets, just general public use.

Staff

We found all the staff we dealt with to be very willing and supporting, helping us all the way.

Photos