Overview

A trip to Dobbie’s Garden Centre and Butterfly World makes a worthwhile afternoon outing for everyone. Disabled parking is right by the front entrance and there is plenty of space. I went specifically to look at the new garden centre, to buy plants, plant pots and compost and to treat my father and me with a cup of coffee and one of their excellent cheese scones. The plants are all laid out in sections at table height or on the floor. The pots and saucers are also at a height that is accessible for wheelchair users. They also have fantastic table height troughs that could be used as raised beds or for displaying plants in plant pots. The new cafe is very light and spacious. There are breakfasts and lunches and three coffee and cake areas each with a pay point. The tables have small wooden boxes with cutlery, napkins, sugar and condiments. There is an indoor climbing frame with ball pits for wee ones (£3.50) and an outdoor area for older kids (free). There are also numerous shopping outlets selling clothes and kitchen and household items. Dobbie’s also has a large outlet selling quality butchery, local vegetables, ready meals, Scottish produce in the delicatessen etc. There’s also a section selling books, toys, gifts and cards. The disabled toilets are very well appointed! There is a smaller toilet, a separate children’s nappy changing room and then there is a state of the art toilet , which is suitable for anyone (see video). Staff are friendly and helpful, there to help you with whatever you may want or need.

Transport & Parking

Plenty of disabled Parking just outside the front entrance

Access

Access to all areas, except the climbingframe

Toilets

Perfect

Staff

Friendly, helpful without being patronising.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

I didn’t go to the Butterfly World this time, but I’ve been before and it’s a fascinating morning or afternoon for people of all ages. I enjoyed the different colours and sizes of butterfly. It’s easily accessible but some people with eg autism might find the unpredictable nature of flying insects frightening or unnerving.