Glasgow is Scotland's largest city, and is a fantastic place for anyone with mobility requirements to visit: Easily accessible, with a vibrant nightlife and an expansive shopping district, as well as stunning architecture and natural scenery.
Accessible sightseeing tours
City sightseeing buses have selected tours which are fully accessible to wheelchair users. They are a great way to see lots of attractions and sights in a short space of time.
World-class shopping
With over 1,500 shops, Glasgow is a shopper's paradise. Hit the "Style Mile" early to avoid crowds, and always ask for accessible changing rooms and priority queuing.
Stunning nature
Nature lovers should visit popular Hogganfield Loch, with its resident swans at the tranquil Cardowan Woods. The path around the loch is wheelchair accessible.
Historic neighbourhoods
Merchant Square, at the heart of Merchant City, was originally built in the 1800s as part of Glasgow’s Fruit Market, but is now refurbished and home to various independent bars, restaurants, galleries and shops.
Inspiring art
A must-see attraction in Glasgow is the inspiring Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, located in the West End of the city. Here you can enjoy the interactive natural history and art displays, all at an accessible height for wheelchair users, with subtitles where required. Visitors who need to avoid stairs should use the Argyle Street entrance, which has a lift.
Loch cruises
Escape the busy city centre and take in the stunning scenery of Loch Lomond. Hour long cruises are available, with ramps to assist boarding. At Firkin Point, on the west bank of Loch Lomond, there are three miles of paved, flat and very scenic lochside walkway, which are ideal for wheelchair users. Firkin Point also has free parking and accessible toilets.
Exotic gardens
The People's Palace and Winter Gardens is a fantastic place to spend a leisurely afternoon learning about Glasgow's cultural history and exploring exotic gardens! There is wheelchair and pram access to all areas using the lifts, and there are also wheelchairs available at reception for use by visitors. Extend your visit with lunch in the Winter Gardens Café, again fully accessible.
Fine Indian cuisine
Mother India is a fine dining Indian restaurant in Glasgow's west end. A huge hit with locals and tourists alike, due to the authentic, amazing food, friendly informal atmosphere, and attentive service. The ground floor has level access and accessible toilets too. The restaurant has three floors, so ask for a ground floor table when booking if stairs are an issue. The portions at Mother India are plentiful; so much so that diners are encouraged to take their leftovers home!
And famous American cuisine
A quick glance at the main entrance of Glasgow's Hard Rock Café, situated in the historic Old Athenaeum Theatre on Buchanan Street, might leave you thinking that it's not accessible. Fear not – the alternative entrance to the left is step-free, and the café has lifts and accessible toilets. The menu features the usual indulgent American-style comfort food that Hard Rock is famous for, along with extravagant cocktails. If your access requirements mean waiting for a table is difficult, do call ahead of time. The super-helpful staff can make a priority booking for you. Try the haggis themed burger for a taste of Scotland!
Amazing entertainment
The SSE Hydro is a great place for gigs, and being a new purpose-built venue, the accessibility is to a high standard. There tends to be a really good line up, with all genres of music, children's shows, comedy, and sporting events on offer. Dedicated accessible seating provides a brilliant view, so you can really enjoy the show! To book tickets for the accessible seating areas; there is a dedicated telephone number. Assistance dogs are welcomed, and facilities for them are available on request.
Carrie-Ann Lightley is a traveller, a blogger and and inspiriation for the less mobile traveller. She doesn’t let her Cerebral Palsy slow her down from enjoying the world, near and far. Living with the mantra of ‘there is always a way’ her travel blog provides expertise and inspiration for accessible travel. Visit Carrie-Ann at https://www.carrieannlightley.com
