Purple Tuesday: celebrating inclusive destinations in Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire
12 November 2024
In honour of Purple Tuesday, an initiative that seeks to support organisations to improve the customer experience for disabled individuals and their families, we have developed a blog shining light on some of the incredible local businesses in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire that make a positive impact 365 days a year.
Across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, numerous organisations not only work to enhance experiences for those with physical disabilities but also acknowledge the needs of visitors with hidden disabilities and their loved ones.
Explore a few of the inclusive, welcoming destinations you can visit this season:
His Majesty’s Theatre
In the heart of the city centre lies His Majesty's Theatre, a stunning and historical Edwardian style building with a royal like elegance and grand theatre. Hosting several West End musicals, opera performances, comedy shows and many more, the theatre provides inclusive matinee performances for disabled visitors including audio description, captioning, and signed language interpretation. The building is wheelchair accessible, and trained staff are on hand to assist with additional needs.
Image: His Majesty's Theatre
Royal Lochnagar Distillery
Just one mile away from Balmoral Castle at the foot of the picturesque Cairngorm Mountains, Royal Lochnagar Distillery offers expert-led tours and whisky tastings. Disabled parking is available on site, with a ramp available to access the building for wheelchair users. While some areas of the historic site aren’t fully accessible, staff use images and videos to enhance the experience. Onsite accessible toilets are available on the premises approximately 17m from the main entrance.
Aberdeen Science Centre
Designed for the entire family, Aberdeen Science Centre is a fantastic day out for all ages, filled with interactive science displays. A Visual Story guide is available for all guests seeking to plan their trip in more detail. The centre has established a sensory space for any overwhelmed or overstimulated guests which includes dark dens, sensory fidgets, ear defenders, a weighted lap buddy and light ups. Disabled parking, toilets, and indoor ramps ensure easy access for visitors with mobility needs.
Image: Aberdeen Science Centre
Aberdeen Trinity Centre and We Too!
In collaboration with We Too! HQ at Aberdeen Trinity Centre, families are welcome to attend an ASN (additional support needs) Relaxed Lego Session. For ages 5+, this sensory adapted and wheelchair accessible event takes place every Saturday of November with limited dates in December also. Each session includes numerous games to be played, legos to be built and crafts to get involved in! Check out a full breakdown of availability and numerous relaxed events held by We Too!
Peterhead Prison Museum
The Peterhead Prison Museum experience holds 125 years of history at Peterhead Prison Museum, which honours the personnel who served there from 1888-2013. The museum tour is fully accessible by wheelchair with onsite disabled parking, accessible toilets, and assistance dog-friendly facilities. Carers accompanying disabled visitors receive free entry, and an access lift allows visitors to explore all areas. Staff are trained in basic British Sign Language.
Image: Peterhead Prison Museum
Codona's
Codona's in partnership with We Too!, will be hosting Relaxed Skating Sessions at Aberdeen’s Christmas Village. These sensory-adapted, reduced capacity sessions are designed for disabled visitors and their families to enjoy together during the regions festive period. Please note all dates for relaxed sessions will be announced on both Aberdeen Christmas Village and We Too! social media channels. Disabled parking to access the Christmas Village will be located on Queen Street and Littlejohn Street.
With so many accessible local businesses, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire offer a welcoming and inclusive destination for everyone year-round. This list highlights only a few organisations, so there’s plenty more to discover throughout the region.
If you attend any of these inclusive locations, please take us along in your adventures! Tag @VisitABDN or use our hashtags #VisitABDN or #BeautifulABDN for your chance to be featured on our social channels.