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    Welcome

    The Writers’ Museum celebrates the lives of three giants of Scottish Literature – Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.

    Home to portraits, rare books and personal objects including Burns’ writing desk, the rocking horse Scott used as a child and Stevenson’s riding boots and the ring given to him by a Samoan chief, engraved with the name ‘Tusitala’, meaning ‘teller of tales’. There is also a plaster cast of Robert Burns' skull, one of only three ever made.

    Unfortunately, due to the historic nature of the building, the exhibitions are accessible by stairs only.

     

    Access with steps

    The main entrance has 1 step and a handrail. There is no lift and no ramp.

    There are steps from the main entrance to:

    Lower ground floorFirst floor2nd floorReception/Shop deskSecond floor toiletsFirst floor shop

    Visual

    Some parts of the venue have low lighting.
    We have display information in large print.
    Information is available in different languages including: French, Italian, German, Spanish and Japanese. Large print version of all museum text available on request.

    Getting here

    For further information on accessible travel in Scotland, go to Transport Scotland.
    Lawnmarket
    Lady Stair's Close
    Edinburgh
    EH1 2PA

    Travel by public transport

    You can get to The Writers' Museum by bus, train and tram.
    The bus stop is called "Mound Place" with bus routes 23, 27, 41, 42, 67. More information can be found here: https://lothianbuses.co.uk/timetables-and-maps The bus stop is 0.1 miles / 0.2 km from The Writers' Museum.
    The nearest train station is Waverley Station. The train station is 0.3 miles / 0.5 km from The Writers' Museum.
    The nearest tram station is Princes Street. The tram station is 0.4 miles / 0.6 km from The Writers' Museum.
    You can get a taxi with City Cabs by calling 0131 228 1211. The taxi company has a wheelchair accessible vehicle.

    Parking

    The museum is situated off the main road, on a courtyard. The road is a busy tourist area. There is no designated drop-off area with a dropped kerb.
    The Writer's Museum is located in Lady Stair's Close and the nearest bus stop is only accessible via stairs. For more accessible way from the mound bus stop to the museum, you can travel on foot via Bank Street which brings you to the Lawnmarket.

    Arrival

    Path to main entrance

    From the street to the main entrance, there is 1 step. There is no ramp and no lift.

    Main entrance

    The main door is side hung and manual.
    The door is 900mm wide.
    The main entrance has 1 steps.
    This entrance has a handrail.

    Unfortunately, due to the age of the building, the Writers museum is not accessible for wheelchairs users and visitors with limited mobility may struggle because the museum is located on several floors with no lift. 

     

    Example of spiral stairs in the museum from the basement to upper floors

    Getting around inside

    Visual Impairment - General Information

    Some parts of the venue have low lighting.
    The stairs to the basement exhibit about Robert Louis Stevenson are low lit

    Ticket/ information desk

    Reception/Shop desk

    From the main entrance to this desk, there are 8 steps. There is no lift and no ramp.

    Regrettably, the museum (including the shop, toilets and information desk) is inaccessible for wheelchair users. The stairs are uneven and hazardous, especially later in the day when it is darker inside. 

     

     

     

    View from the first floor to the entrance Close-up of the stairs: as you see, they are unevenly shaped

    Things to See and Do

    We have display information in: large print .
    Information is available in different languages including: French, Italian, German, Spanish and Japanese. Large print version of all museum text available on request.

    Lower ground floor

    From the main entrance to this area, there are 6 steps. There is no lift and no ramp.
    There are seats.

    A volunteer guide in this area devoted to Robert Louis Stevenson's life and works would be very happy to tell you more about the exhibits.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Lower ground floor: Robert Louis Stevenson display

    First floor

    From the main entrance to this area, there are 8 steps. There is no lift and no ramp.
    There are seats.

    The temporary space exhibit, the Robert Burns rooms and the shop/ information desk are on the first floor. The Robert Burns rooms are to the side of the main space, located up 3 steps.

     

     

     

     

    The temporary exhibit space photographed from above Robert Burns room where you can hear traditional Scottish music which adds to its atmosphere

    2nd floor

    From the main entrance to this area, there are 27 steps. There is no lift and no ramp.
    There are seats.

    The second floor is dedicated to Sir Walter Scott and other Scottish writers, old and new. There is a very narrow staircase up to this floor and a balcony with a small dedicated reading space with sofas. 

     

     

     

    The balcony The reading space and the visitor's book where you can tell us all about your visit Narrow stairs up to the second floor (680 mm wide). The steps are varying heights and the ceiling is low. A feature of some old houses, it was intended as a type of burglar because people would stumble and be caught.

    Public toilet

    Second floor toilets

    From the main entrance to the public toilet, there are 27 steps. There is no lift and no ramp.

    Shop

    First floor shop

    From the main entrance to the shop, there are 8 steps. There is no lift and no ramp.
    Shop/ information desk

    Getting around outside

    Customer care support

    Accessibility equipment

    The nearest toilet area for assistance dogs is just outside the museum, in Lady's Stairs Close. Also, we are near to Princes Street Gardens.

    Emergency evacuation procedures

    There is only one way in and out for the museum. The emergency exit is signed and there is a visitors assistance to help you in that case. Assembly point is located in the courtyard. 

     

     

    The courtyard
    Guide info
    Any information, comments and views made available to users via this Accessibility Guide are provided directly from third party business operators. VisitEngland and VisitScotland do not endorse or validate this information. Any reliance on this Accessibility Guide is at your own risk. This guide is not intended to be a substitute for users making their own checks, inquiries and investigations directly with the business operators prior to making any booking or visiting the venue.