Getting to us at Harry Younger Hall, Lochend Close
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About this document
This is a visual story. It shows you what to expect when you come to Venue 13, step by step, with photographs. You can read it before you travel or use it on your phone while you are on your way.
It is written for anyone who finds new places difficult — including autistic people, people with anxiety, people with learning disabilities, people with dementia and the people who come with them. Anyone is welcome to use it.
If something here does not answer your question, please email info@venue13.com and a person will reply. There is no wrong question.
The short version
- Venue 13 is at Harry Younger Hall, Lochend Close, Edinburgh, EH8 8BL.
- It is near the bottom of the Royal Mile, close to Canongate Kirk.
- Lochend Close is a narrow lane that runs downhill off the Royal Mile.
- There is a pedestrian underpass, which goes below an apartment block, from the Royal Mile onto Lochend Close between shops.
- The ground is mainly concrete or tarmac pavements and roadway and is smooth except for where tree roots have broken the concrete.
- The lane is quieter than the Royal Mile. It is usually very calm.
- Getting in: From the underpass, there are two paths. One is straight towards the venue, with 4 steps. There is a sloping path on the right for access by wheels
- There is one performance space with 50 seats.
- Toilets: The are male and female toilets as well as an all-gender accessible private toilet with a baby changing station.
- You can arrive early. You do not have to queue outside if you would rather wait somewhere calmer — tell a member of staff.
Welcome Checklist
To help you feel prepared, here is a quick list of things you might want to have with you: Ear defenders or earplugs (if you are sensitive to noise), your ticket (ready on your phone or printed), and a water bottle.
Before you set off
Finding us on a map
Our address is Lochend Close, EH8 8BL. The building itself does not have a proper number, but if you use a map app, search Venue 13, Harry Younger Hall or Panmure House — Panmure House is on the same lane and is easier for map apps to find.
Map pin: 55.952305, -3.178249
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Wsf1wxZgBHfMA2hR9
Apple Maps: https://maps.apple/p/mwKIj7~cymm3SG
Open Street Maps: https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=19/55.952242/-3.178375
Three words location: hook.tape.task
I’m sharing a what3words address to help you find this specific location. Tap to see exactly where it is:
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https://w3w.co/hook.tape.task
What the building is called
The building has two names. On the outside it says Harry Younger Hall. During the Fringe we put up signs that say Venue 13. Both names mean the same building. You are in the right place.
Route 1 — Walking from the Royal Mile
Most people use this route.
Step 1 — You are on the Canongate
The Royal Mile changes name as it goes downhill. The bottom part is called the Canongate. This is where you start.
The Royal Mile can be very busy in August. There may be street performers, flyers, music and crowds. However, these are fewer down by us. You can avoid the main pedestrian fringe area, this part lasts only a few minutes.
Step 2 — Look for the statue of a man walking
Outside the churchyard there is a bronze statue of a man walking. He is the poet Robert Fergusson. He is life-size and stands on the pavement, not on a tall plinth.
When you see the statue, you are very close.
Step 3 — Canongate Kirk
Just past the statue is Canongate Kirk, a church set back from the street behind railings, with a churchyard around it.
Step 4 — The opening in the buildings
Keep walking downhill for about 50 metres past the statue. On your left you will see a gap between the buildings by The Genuine Article. This is Lochend Close.
Step 5 — Walking into the close
Turn into the close. It is 3.3 meters or 11 feet wide. The overpass is 2.1 meters or 7 feet and 4 inches tall at the lowest point by the columns with buildings close on both sides. It may feel enclosed. It is short and it opens out. The underpass is well-lit at night, ensuring it feels safe and visible.
The ground stays level. The surface is cement pavers.
Sound changes here. The noise of the Royal Mile drops away quickly. Many people find this part much calmer.
Step 6 — Panmure House on your way
Partway down you pass Panmure House, an old stone house. You do not go in. Harry Younger Hall is on the right side behind the lawn.
During the Festival, we set it up as a picnic area, so there are a variety of places to sit at different levels, both covered and not covered.
Step 7 — You can see the hall
Ahead of you is Harry Younger Hall — a single story building with stone on the front and a red/brown stucco on the road side built in 1969. It looks more modern than the buildings around it. There will be a portal cabin out front (which may be a different colour than the one in the image) where there is a place to buy vegan food and soft drinks.
Step 8 — The door
The entrance is a single red door at the end of a concrete access ramp. There is a handrail. The doorway is 100 cm or 3’ 3” wide. There is carpeting just inside the doorway.
Step 9 — Someone will say hello
There will be a member of Venue 13 staff at or near the door. They will be wearing an orange lanyard which identifies them as a member of staff.
They will say hello and ask which show you are here for. You can show them your ticket on your phone or on paper. You do not have to speak — you can show them your ticket, or point.
If you would like help, or you would like to go straight to your seat without waiting, you can tell them. That is completely fine. Staff are used to being asked.
Communication & Arrival
We want you to feel comfortable. If you find it difficult to speak, or if you are feeling overwhelmed, you are welcome to communicate in whatever way works best for you. You can show our staff a pre-written note on your phone or a card. If you feel overwhelmed, you can use these simple phrases to our staff: “I need a quiet space, please.”, “I need to leave for a moment.”, or “I am feeling overwhelmed, can you help me?”. Our staff are trained to support you.
Route 2 — From Waverley Station, or arriving by car or taxi
Lochend Close also connects to Calton Road at its lower end. This is useful if you are coming from Waverley Station or arriving by vehicle, and it avoids the busiest part of the Royal Mile. Note there is is no public parking on Lochend Close
Blue Badge parking: There is not allocated Blue Badge parking in Lochend Close. Blue Badge permit holders can park in metered spots on the Royal Mile and Calton Road.
Taxi drop-off: It is safe for a taxi to drop off and pick-up in Lochend Close directly next to the pavement.
Route 3 — By bus
The 35 bus stops on the Canongate near Canongate Kirk.
From the bus stop “To City” going to “The Avenue” as its final stop it is a short walk of 137 meters or 450 feet to the mouth of Lochend Close, then down the close as described in Route 1.
From the bus stop “From City” going to “Ocean Terminal” as its final stop it is a short walk of 100 meters or 322 feet from the stop to the mouth of Lochend Close, then down the close as described in Route 1.
Inside the building
The entrance area
When you enter, there is a small foyer which has our box office table and the toilets. People typically wait outside to keep noise from entering the performance space.
While it will be more decorated during the festival, our small entrance lobby/foyer is cozy and will always be attended by a member of staff. This is what it looks like.
The performance space
There is one performance space with 50 seats. The layout of the chairs can change for each show, but some of the common configurations looks like the following:
Toilets
There are male and female toilets as well as an all-gender accessible private toilet with a baby changing station.
If you need to leave
You can leave at any time during a show. You will not be in trouble, and nobody will stop you. Tell a member of staff or just walk out.
If you would like to be re-admitted, a member of staff will assist you in finding an appropriate time to re-enter the performance space.
We try to have a calm area you can sit out in, without having to leave entirely, for most shows. A member of the staff would be happy to assist you with getting comfortable and taking a break if you do feel you need to leave a performance.
What it might feel like
Sound
Each show has a different sound design, and some may be louder or have more jarring noises. We always endeavour to make you aware of all the potential sensory experiences in a space. We also encourage you to review our schedule so you can see when we offer relaxed performances for each of our shows which reduce the variation and overall intensity of the sound design for those who are sensitive to this. For specific sensory details, please check the “Show Content Notes” on our website schedule, which include information on strobe lights, sudden bangs, or high-volume segments.
Light
Each show has a different lighting design, and some may be darker or brighter or have more jarring visual shifts. We always endeavour to make you aware of all the potential sensory experiences in a space. We also encourage you to review our schedule so you can see when we offer relaxed performances for each of our shows which reduce the variation and overall intensity of the lighting design for those who are sensitive to this. For specific sensory details, please check the “Show Content Notes” on our website schedule, which include information on strobe lights, sudden bangs, or high-volume segments.
Smell and haze
None of our shows use haze or are intended to have strong smells, and we endeavour to minimize scents in our spaces, but you may find there are scents which may be due to the adjacent food services or the perfume/cologne of another audience member. If this is impacting your experience, please let us know and we will do what we can to help.
Crowds
The venue holds 50 people. It is small. You will be near other people. If you would like a seat at the end of a row, or near the door, please ask when you arrive — we will do our best.
Weather
Lochend Close is outdoors and Edinburgh weather changes quickly. If you are waiting outside, you may get wet or cold. We have seating on the lawn and some coverages to protect from the rain. There is limited cover at the entrance, and we can allow those waiting for a show to wait quietly in the foyer/lobby if required.
Show-by-show notes
Each production at Venue 13 is different. Age guidance and content notes for every 2026 show are at venue13.com and on the Fringe website.
We will provide additional information outside the theatre as well, and add it to this document as soon as it is confirmed with our artists.
Things we know are difficult
We would rather tell you honestly than have you arrive and be surprised.
- The Royal Mile approach is crowded in August.
- The building is an old church hall, not a purpose-built theatre.
- The venue itself is nearly barrier free, but we do not have automatic doors, and there are a couple of bumps and cracks along the exterior pathways which can pose a challenge.
- There is no available parking at the venue itself.
If any of this would stop you coming, please contact us before you book. We may be able to help more than you expect. We offer special relaxed performance dates later in the run of every show, can arrange specific seats for you and any companion or caregiver which would help you, and provide priority entrance.
Contact
Email: info@venue13.com
Website: venue13.com
During the festival: Depending on the schedule, staff are typically at least one hour before our first events at the venue from until the last show ends at around 22:15. Shows run 12:00–22:00 daily except Mondays with some additional events on select mornings at 10:30.