Our venues are where science comes to life!
Each year, the Edinburgh Science Festival takes place in venues across the city, including the City Art Centre, Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh Zoo, National Museum of Scotland, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and The University of Edinburgh.
Visit our Access page for addition accessibility information, or contact our box office via email boxoffice@scifest.co.uk or phone us on 0131 553 0320.
Festival Venues
From historic theatres in Edinburgh to large stages and hidden gems, our venues set the scene for unforgettable performances and experiences.
Archerfield Walled Garden
Archerfield Walled Gardens are made up of different areas to be enjoyed including a Rose Garden, Perennial Meadow, Wildlife Area, Potager, Cut Flower Beds, Perennial Vegetables, Propagation Tunnel and Light & Dark Borders.
- Many paths are wheelchair accessible however some have uneven terrain
- Entrances have double doors
- Blue badge parking
- Accessible toilet
Archerfield Walled Garden Archerfield Estate, Dirleton EH39 5HQ, United Kingdom
Assembly Roxy
The Snug – An intimate venue located in the basement of Roxy theatre.
- There is no level access
- There are 18 steps down into the venue
Bayes Centre – The University of Edinburgh
The Bayes Centre is gateway to the University of Edinburgh for business and entrepreneurship.
- Step free entrance
- Lift access to all levels
- Access toilet on the ground floor
Dynamic Earth
Dynamic Earth is Edinburgh’s science centre and planetarium that tells the extraordinary story of planet Earth, from beginning to mend.
- There is lift access to all levels
- Accessible toilet is located on level 2
- Sensory backpacks available
- On-site car park
Edinburgh City Chambers
Originally designated as the Royal Exchange, the City Chambers was constructed in 1753 by John Adam to serve the city’s merchants. Today, the City Chambers functions as the administrative centre of Edinburgh and accommodates weddings, conferences, and other private events, offering a distinctive blend of historical charm and modern functionality.
- Step free access from road not footpath
- Lift access to all levels
- Accessible toilet on the 7th floor
Edinburgh Futures Institute – The University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh has transformed the iconic, category-A listed Old Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh into Edinburgh Futures Institute, a space for multidisciplinary collaboration, data-led innovation, education, research, and partnership.
- Entrance has level and ramp access
- Five lifts which access all floors
- Access toilet on level 0,1,2,3 and 4 not level -0
Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh Zoo is a world-renowned wildlife conservation park located in Edinburgh, Scotland, just three miles west of the city centre.
- Mobility vehicle and wheelchair access available
- Changing Places facility, close to Penguins Rock
- Accessible toilets around the site
- Blue Badge parking
- Sensory backpacks
Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, 134 Corstorphine Rd, Corstorphine, Edinburgh EH12 6TS, UK
Gordon Aikman Theatre – The University of Edinburgh
Gordon Aikman Lecture Theatre is a long established festival venue situated on the edge of an elegant Georgian garden in the heart of the university campus.
- Lift from foyer to venue
- Access bathroom in lower ground floor
- The venue has a hearing loop
The Grassmarket Centre
The Grassmarket Centre is an architectural, award-winning, city-centre location and social enterprise. Nestled at the foot of Candlemaker Row, the Centre marries the historical Greyfriars Kirkhouse with a light and spacious, modern venue.
- Level access
- Accessible toilet
Holyrood Campus – The University of Edinburgh
The Holyrood Campus is located just off the historic Royal Mile (Canongate) and is within easy walking distance of the Scottish Parliament and Holyrood Palace.
Inspace – The University of Edinburgh
Inspace is part of the Institute for Design Informatics and is a collaborative hub, commissioning and producing creative activity. Our public programme connects data, research and creative talent.
- Platform lift to both levels
- Ground floor seating level access
- Access toilet on 1st floor
McEwan Hall – The University of Edinburgh
The newly restored McEwan Hall is the magnificent home of the University graduation ceremonies and flagship lectures. It is the perfect place to put on an unforgettable event.
- Only the stalls are accessible to wheelchair users as it is level access
- There is lift access to all levels
- The venue has a hearing loop
- Access toilets are on the ground and basement levels
The National Museum of Flight
The National Museum of Flight is home to Scotland’s only Concorde. Climb aboard to discover what transatlantic flight was like for passengers and crew and learn about the legacy of this iconic aircraft. Before or after boarding Concorde herself, take a trip through the Concorde Experience exhibition to discover the story of supersonic flight.
- Level access or ramp access
- Only stair access available to board aircraft
- Accessible toilets
- Lift to the viewing platform in the Military Aviation hangar
- Induction loops throughout the museum
National Museum of Scotland
Discover the story of National Museums Scotland, from our 18th century beginnings to the present day.
- All levels accessible via lifts or ramps
- Changing places toilet on ground level
- Accessible toilets on all floors
- Hearing loop in auditorium and information desk
- Sensory backpacks available
- Visual Story: Front Entrance
- Visual Story: Tower Entrance
Chambers Street,
Edinburgh,
EH1 1JF
Please note events after 5pm access is:
Lothian Street,
EH1 1HB
The National Robotarium – Heriot-Watt University
Is home to three distinct areas of research and development; Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS), Human-Robot Interaction (HRI), and Precision Laser Applications (PLA), providing a range of labs, offices and flexible spaces for science, engineering and industry to work collaboratively under one roof.
- Lift access to level 1
- Accessible toilet on ground floor and first floor
- Blue Badge parking
Old College Quad – The Edinburgh University
Edinburgh University was founded in 1582 at the site occupied by Old College Quadrangle. The original buildings were destroyed 200 hundred years later, making room for the splendid buildings that you see now around the immaculately kept carpet of grass.
The Old College Quad is the meeting place for Higgs Theoretical Physics Walking Tour
Playfair Library Hall – Old College
Located within the Old College quadrangle, the stunning library is located on the first floor Old College South.
- Lift access
- Steep ramp
- Access toilet on ground floor and basement
Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a world-renowned centre for plant science and education, aiming to explore, conserve and explain the world of plants for a better future.
- Accessible toilets in visitor centre, restaurants and in Garden
- Mobility scooters and wheelchairs available
- Seating at regular intervals throughout Garden
- Hearing loops are located at our welcome points
John Hope Gateway (West End)
7 Arboretum Pl, Edinburgh EH3 5NY, United Kingdom
Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
The College helps qualified doctors to pursue their careers in specialist (internal) medicine through medical examinations, education and training.
- Steep stairs at the main entrance
- Self-operated platform lift rear entrance, at 11 Queen Street
- Accessible toilets
The Royal Society of Edinburgh
Beneath its distinctive copper green dome in the centre of Edinburgh sits the RSE – the Royal Society of Edinburgh – Scotland’s National Academy. The RSE offers a choice of resplendent rooms with an ambience to spark the imagination.
- Small and large lift access all levels
- Accessible toilets
- Step-free access to these rooms – James Clerk Maxwell, Upper Gallery, and Wolfson Lecture Theatre
- Sensory backpacks
Scottish Parliament Building
In front of the public entrance is the meeting point for Edinburgh’s Veterinary History – an outdoor walking tour, starting at the Scottish Parliament and ending at Summerhall.
Edinburgh EH8 8BZ, United Kingdom
Scottish Poetry Library
The Scottish Poetry Library is a unique national resource and advocate for the art of poetry, and Scottish poetry in particular. We are passionately committed to bringing the pleasures and benefits of poetry to as wide an audience as possible.
- Step free entrance
- Portable hearing loop available
- Lift to all levels
- Accessible toilet on basement level
St Giles’ Cathedral
St Giles’ Cathedral, founded in 1124 by King David I, has been a working church for almost 900 years. A backdrop to Scotland’s turbulent religious history, it has seen the seeds of civil war sown and been John Knox’s parish church during the Reformation.
- Ramp exterior to the building
- Ramp interior to access the main venue
- The nearest accessible bathrooms are in the National Library Scotland
