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Royal Observatory Reception Building

The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Blackford Hill, Edinburgh, EH9 3HJ

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Access Guide

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Introduction

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • This building is located on Blackford Hill to the west of the King's Buildings campus off the Observatory Road in South Edinburgh.
    • There is a public car park and some restricted university parking. The Transport and Parking Office of the University of Edinburgh manages parking at the University. University car parks are for the use of permit holders only, and are subject to the university’s parking regulations.
  • By Bus View
    • The nearest bus stops are at the bottom of the long steep hill on Blackford Avenue.
  • By Train View
    • The King's Buildings site is approximately three miles from Edinburgh Waverley Train Station, the city's main train station. Buses are available from the station to the campus where a lift or taxi may be the best option up to the observatory.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Site/Campus Car Park

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located at the side of the building.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Royal Observatory Reception.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are not available.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by visitors.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • Signs are not provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is sloped access to the car park from the reception.
    • This car park is not clearly signposted from the reception.

Building Parking

  • The building does have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by visitors and permit holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • The car park is located opposite the building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are not available.
    • The route from the car park to the building is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance .
    • Assistance may be required because there is / are slopes/ramps.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is a site/campus car park for staff, students and visitors within approximately 200m.
    • The name of the car park is Royal Observatory Car Park.
    • The car park is located adjacent to the reception building.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • On Street Parking View
    • Clearly signed and / or standard marked parking bays are not available.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • The bell is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
    • The bell is at a height of 125cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 94cm (3ft 1in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) both ways.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 103cm (3ft 5in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp/slope gradient is moderate.
    • The ramp is portable.
    • Please contact a member of staff.
    • The ramp does not have handrails.
    • The width of the ramp is 75cm (2ft 6in).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is / are 1 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do not have handrails.

Reception

  • The Royal Observatory Reception is located to the left as you enter.
  • The desk is 3m (3yd 10in) from the main entrance.
  • The reception area is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to this reception area.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are bright.
  • The reception desk/counter is high (110cm+).
  • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low counter.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is not signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the area.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • This building does not play background music.

Accessible Toilet

  • Accessible toilet facilities are not available.
  • Comments View
    • There are accessible toilets located within the Royal Observatory teaching building. Please refer to the separate guide for details.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • There are standard toilets located within the Royal Observatory teaching building. Please refer to the separate guide for details.