Not for the faint hearted but great when you get there
4
4
Date of visit: August 2014
overall Rating Text
Good
The West End Fair is an amazing mix of arts and crafts on display for you to see and buy. Built, in the main, on stilts above a graveyard it is remarkably accessible once you get in. To gain access you do have to transcend a cobbled slope of around 30 metres which may be pushing the boundaries for some wheelchair users. I managed with my powerchair and once down the slope you proceed along the terrace to gain access to the Fair. At the entrance you need to go over a small rough gravel area adjacent to the cafe picnic benches to get in and this is narrow with a clearance of around 70cm. Once beyond this the rest of the journey is easy.
disabled Access In AndAround Text
Good
I am going to give four stars because of the effort and thought put into access by the Fair's organisers. Building platforms and access ramps on stilts was no mean feat. It did mean I could wheel around the whole show and see every stand which was great. The access down to the graveyard is outwith the Fair's control but they have made every effort to make it as easy as the terrain allows. Part of the Fair is at street level alongside the church and has been made accessible and this houses another twenty or so stands to see.
parkingTransport Text
Average
Buses stop outside the church in Lothian Road.
staff Text
Excellent
Top marks for the Fair's staff who went the extra mile to make sure that I could get in to the Fair and were receptive to the suggestions I made about improving access.
Additional Information
A challenging place to visit as a wheelchair user but worth the effort. Loads of things to see and buy. So interesting I went back for a second visit!
Comments
bwi
11 Jul 2025
Since writing the review i have discovered there is a lift linking the ground level of the church to the lower cafe and shop area. Ask staff and they will help you.
