Overview

Lovely attraction in Falkirk that’s fully wheelchair accessible.

Transport & Parking

There are a few different car parks within the grounds of the Falkirk Wheel which are all a different distance from the visitors centre. I think there are disabled parking spaces in each car park however, right beside the the visitors centre there are about 4 disabled parking spaces. Every visitor needs to pay £3.40 to park in the car park, including visitors with a blue badge. This amount is for the whole day and if you are able too, there are also lovely nature walks beside the Falkirk Wheel. As I’m not from this area I don’t know anything about public transport here but, I did notice there was a bus stop at the Falkirk Wheel.

Access

The door to enter the visitors centre is not automatic which could be a little difficult for visitors with weak strength, especially with the door being glass and with wheelchair footplates. I can’t open doors myself so, I would struggle. I would suggest making the door automatic or adding a button to alert staff that a visitor needs assistance. The doors that lead out to the Falkirk Wheel from the visitors centre are automatic, maybe visitors can use that door if they struggle. It’s quite spacious around the visitors centre and gift shop, the information desk/till point is a little high but there’s a lower down desk at the side. The café is a little tight to get around and I didn’t go up and order anything myself so, can’t comment on that area. To get on to the boat that goes on the Falkirk Wheel, staff get a portable ramp (see image below). The step is hardly raised though so, the ramp is not steep at all. There are 2 entrances to the boat and there are wheelchair spaces at each entrance. In the middle of the boat and at the back. I think seats are just taken out of the floor to accommodate wheelchair users.

Toilets

Within the visitors centre there is an accessible toilet which I would say is an average size, although there are a few bins in the toilet which might cause transfer problems. I’m not sure if there is a Changing Place toilet near the Falkirk Wheel.

Staff

I didn’t really interact with any staff members whilst I was at the Falkirk Wheel however, the staff members that were working on the boat on the Falkirk Wheel were very friendly. My trip to the Falkirk Wheel was with some of my fellow Euan’s Guide ambassadors and Robbie phoned ahead to say there would be 5 visitors in wheelchairs. However, this message was not passed on to staff members on the day.

Photos