Galashiels is a town in the South of Scotland, in the Scottish Borders region. Visiting Galashiels with autistic children can be really rewarding. We visit Galashiels regularly and have found it to be a nice and comfortable place to visit with autistic children.
We use affiliate links in our posts and if you click on them, we will earn a small commission if you book or buy something.
Getting To Galashiels
If you are visiting Galashiels, you are probably in the Scottish Borders already so you’ll probably take one of four transport options:
- Taxi: This is used by people usually with mobility issues, because Galashiels it otherwise quite well connected by public transport.
- Car: Most people in the area travel by car, their own car or a rental. This is the easiest option and provides you with plenty of flexibility. Many carparks have disabled bays that you can use if you have a Blue Badge. Find out more about the Blue Badge and other disability cards available in the UK here.
- Bus: Galashiels is a bit of a hub for buses and there are plenty that take you there from all over the Scottish Borders. First bus is used within the Borders and they offer First Bus Extra Help to Travel cards that anyone can print and personalise at home.
- Train: There is also one train that comes in and out of Galashiels, you can take it all the way from Edinburgh.
Where To Stay in Galashiels
I’ve never had to stay in Galashiels, because I live nearby. Close enough for it not to make sense for me to stay there. There are a few smaller hotels in Galashiels and I am sure they are all lovely enough. Galashiels is a small town so almost any accommodation will be near the centre of town.
Family-Friendly Activities in Galashiels
Pavilion Cinema
Pavilion Cinema is one of the Borders’ favourite family spots, offering a cosy, friendly atmosphere with modern screens, comfortable seating, and great value tickets. It’s a brilliant choice for rainy-day entertainment, with regular kids’ showings and accessible screenings. The staff are known for being welcoming and helpful, making it an easy outing for families, including those with additional needs.
Market Square
Market Square is the heart of Galashiels, a central gathering point surrounded by shops, cafés, and places to sit and watch the world go by. It’s also a convenient meeting point if you’re exploring the town on foot, as it connects easily to the High Street and transport links. With statues to represent the historical rhyming song Coulters Candy, it a nice spot to stop for a little taste of history.
Old Gala House
Old Gala House is a historic 16th-century mansion turned museum and gallery, set in peaceful gardens just a short walk from the town centre. Inside, you’ll find exhibitions about the town’s textile heritage, local history, and rotating art displays. It’s a quiet and interesting place to explore with kids, and the gardens offer plenty of space to wander or take a break.
Galashiels Swimming Pool
Galashiels Swimming Pool is a family-friendly leisure centre with a bright 25-metre pool with regular family swim sessions. It’s ideal for children of all ages, whether you’re going for a fun splash around or structured lessons. There are accessible changing areas to make visits easier for families with additional needs.
Abbotsford House
Abbotsford House, the former home of Sir Walter Scott, is one of the most beautiful historic sites in the Borders. Families can explore the grand rooms, fascinating collections, and stunning riverside grounds — perfect for peaceful walks and photo moments. The visitor centre has a café, shop, and interactive exhibits, making it an easy half-day trip from Galashiels, with plenty for children to enjoy.
Rowan Boland Play Park
Rowan Boland Play Park is one of the best playgrounds in Galashiels, with modern equipment, a large open layout, and plenty of space for kids to run around. Designed in memory of local boy Rowan Boland, the park is well-maintained and suitable for a wide range of ages. It’s a great place for families to burn off energy, meet other locals, and enjoy some outdoor time.
Bank Street Gardens
Bank Street Gardens is a peaceful green space running through the centre of town, known for its colourful floral displays in summer. It’s a lovely place for a gentle stroll, a picnic, or some downtime between activities. The gardens feel surprisingly quiet despite being so central, making them a reliable sensory break spot for families.
The Great Tapestry of Scotland
The Great Tapestry of Scotland visitor centre is a must-see attraction that tells the country’s story through 160 beautifully embroidered panels. The exhibition is engaging, visual, and accessible for all ages, with interactive elements that help bring Scotland’s history to life. There’s also a brilliant café and gift shop, and the whole space is designed to be welcoming for families and visitors with hidden disabilities. You can grab your tickets ahead of time on GetYourGuide.
Don’t forget to use my discount code if you book via GetYourGuide: AUTISMFAMILYTRAVELGUIDE5
Click here to install the GetYourGuide app.
Our Favourite Sensory-Friendly Experience In Galashiels
Cheeky Pandas Soft Play
Cheeky Pandas is a bright, friendly soft play centre in Galashiels that’s perfect for younger children who need space to climb, explore, and burn off energy. The play areas are well-designed, with separate zones for toddlers and older kids, making it feel safe even when it’s busy. There is also a relaxed café area where you can grab a drink while still keeping an eye on the children. It’s an ideal choice for rainy days, birthdays, and quick after-school outings.
Bonus: they have a sensory room!
Getting Around With Autistic Children
Galashiels is a small town, and a lot of things you want to see are walkable distance from the centre of the town. However, Abbotsford House and Cheeky Pandas Soft Play are both closer to the edge of town (opposite sides) and would be a hard walk with an autistic child. There are buses that drop you just a few minutes walk from both, or you can consider a taxi.
I live nearby, and I have a car, so I have not often had to rely on the local buses to get to place in Galashiels because I just drive there.
Is Galashiels Autism-Friendly?
Galashiels offers a generally autism-friendly environment, particularly due to its quieter, more relaxed atmosphere and the supportive local community. While the town itself may lack some of the specialized services and autism-specific initiatives found in larger cities, the Scottish Borders region is known for its inclusive approach and access to support networks. For families or individuals with autism looking for a peaceful environment with access to natural spaces, Galashiels could be a suitable and comfortable destination.
Things That Make Stand Out
- Galashiels is a relatively small town with a more relaxed pace of life, especially compared to larger cities. This can be beneficial for individuals with autism who might prefer less crowded and less chaotic environments.
- The town is surrounded by scenic landscapes, including parks and green spaces like Gala Policies and Bank Street Gardens. These areas can provide peaceful settings for individuals who may need a break from sensory stimuli.
- Unlike major tourist destinations, Galashiels does not typically experience large crowds, which can make it more manageable for individuals who are sensitive to busy environments.
- Galashiels is accessible by train, with regular services to and from Edinburgh via the Borders Railway. The train service is modern and generally accessible, with staff available to assist passengers who may need additional help.
Tips for a Smooth Experience
- Plan Ahead: Research each location and contact them to discuss any special accommodations your child might need. If you can plan to arrive after check-in time you should, or try to arrange an early check-in. To help plan your trip to Scotland, head to our Scotland travel hub to find all of our guides to travelling in Scotland with autistic children.
- Sensory Tools: Bring along sensory tools and comfort items that help manage sensory needs, such as noise-cancelling headphones, sensory toys, and a sensory toolkit.
- Clear Communication: Ensure that everyone involved in the trip understands the needs and preferences of the neurodiverse individual. Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and enhance the travel experience. Consider using PECS or an AAC. We have a free pack of travel PECS available for download. Consider using our Scotland PECS to help support your trip.
- Safety: Consider getting an autism card for your child, or even better – use our emergency passport for medical information and important contacts. Our absolute must have safety item for travelling with an autistic child is a TinyTags wristband or tag that can be tapped or scanned by a mobile phone – giving the person who tapped it all of the information they need to get your child back to you. TinyTags also feature a location alert to help you find your child.
Pin This!
Ready to plan your trip to Scotland? Check out my Scotland travel hub for links out to destination-specific guides within Scotland, sensory-friendly attractions and transport options. If you already know which part of Scotland you want to visit, simply pick the guide from the list below: