Dean Castle Country Park

tigerblue

22 May 2023

Good accessibility and a changing places toilet

3.5

3.5

Date of visit: May 2023

I have experience of challenges around: moving around

Overall Rating

Good

Beautiful country park with huge trees, ponds etc. lots of wildlife, much to the delight of visiting children. And lots of adults too! Some areas easily accessible but signage a bit lacking. Eg use a different entrance to get to blue badge parking, both by cafe and castle. This wasn’t signposted. Good wooden paths laid in many areas making wheelchair, rollator access easier. Good info desk in visitor centre as well as the cafe with a changing places toilet. Nice outdoor space for fine days too. Raised my concerns about parking to be told about the extra available through the second entrance. Also there is a small car park on the edge of the park with not clear signage showing where you are in relation to castle etc. The staff member made a note of my feedback. I didn’t go inside the castle on this visit, but I’m told it is not very accessible. Not surprising in a 14th century building? There are buses on the main road nearby and the train comes into Kilmarnock from Glasgow Central. Oh and some scenes for Outlander were filmed there too! I did not notice info re BSL, but think I did see something about braille in the visitor centre.

Disabled Access In and Around

Good

There are steps in parts of the park, but there were several areas without.

Parking & Transport

Good

I drove and have explained the issues I had with parking.

Accessible Toilets

Excellent

First time I’ve actually seen a changing places toilet outside of a hospital.

Staff

Excellent

Friendly, helpful etc. Although a friend asked for directions on the castle gift shop and it was not made clear that there were multiple entrances.