Overview

The Pleasance Courtyard simply doesn't work for many wheelchair users. With uneven surfaces, a tricky 'accessible' loo and difficult to manage nooks and crannies it isn't great.

Transport & Parking

Limited and busy on street parking. There are buses nearby which could be a good option. Coming in on foot some of the approaches are very steep and require caution. May well be very difficult for manual wheelchair users; accompanied or otherwise.

Access

The uneven surfaces and cobbles render the visit a very challenging experience for many wheelchair users. If you have a mid wheel drive powerchair you'll probably be fine over the uneven terrain but other wheelchairs may well struggle as I did. The signage is good but the sight lines from a wheelchair aren't great to see the signs. Not a venue I'd visit again for fear of damaging the delicate electronics and mechanics of my powerchair. Getting in to the performance venue was fine as there was a side entrance used by performers and which was ramped. It was a little steep so some folk might need a hand going up and down. Once inside, the front row had tip up seats and you could choose your spot.

Toilets

The accessible toilet was great once you got in the room. Therein lies the problem - getting in - a very very tight 90 degree turn in a small corridor is required. I have a small chair and struggled. So much to I decided not to revisit it again.

Staff

The experience was not helped by being mis-directed when looking how to get in to the venue. Thus necessitating going over more cobbles and uneven terrain than what was necessary.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

The installation of a carpet style single pathway through one of the entrance arches and through the core of courtyard would change the experience overnight. Then bring in a proper accessible loo.