A spectacular oasis of calm
4.5
4.5
Date of visit: July 2019
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Excellent
The park and gardens have transformed over recent months to become an amazingly inclusive destination. A sports centre, playing fields, children's play park, skate park and gardens all add up to a great day out.
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
Getting around the park was fairly easy with level access and good paths. There were a few areas with light gravel and this made wheeling harder but not impossible. Powerchairs and scooter users will have no problem getting around with wide paths and entrances. Inside the gardens we ventured into the Winter Gardens, a large glasshouse, with its majestic plants and a pool to sit by. A state of Ghandi greets you as you enter the area. Just off the glasshouse are a modern block of toilets, including a good sized accessible toilet. Venturing into the gardens you are on hard paths which criss cross the site as you walk through the rose garden, the floral areas, the green spaces. A bandstand with a fabulous integral ramp allows you to sit amidst the imaginary performers as you 'play' to the audience. For the inquisitive amongst you there's the Physic Garden which was great as all the beds were clearly labelled and were created in raised beds. Seats built in allowed for a pause and rest for companions as we enjoyed the resplendent colours and smells of the various medicinal plants. At the end of the gardens is the new Bistro which looked fantastic. We couldn't go in as it is yet to open - it's only a week or so before it comes alive and welcomes its first visitors. We were so excited at this point to see that this part of the garden incorporated more toilets, an accessible toilet and a Changing Places Toilet!
Parking & Transport
Good
Getting to the park was easier than we expected. We arrived by bus, the number 22, and short walk took us to the nearby entrance. Once in the park it was a level, smooth, tarmac path that followed the edge of the playing fields to the skate park and entrance to the gardens. When we left the park we decided to explore and find the Balgreen Tram stop - it was surprisingly closed being on a ten minute stroll along the road. If you wanted to visit using a car there are two car parking areas. One at the main entrance to the gardens and the other at the rear of the gardens. Both had several accessible parking bays by the entrance. If you a heading for the Bistro for a coffee or a bit to eat it's best to head for the rear car park.
Accessible Toilets
Excellent
It can only be five stars for the park and gardens as there are accessible toilets and a Changing Places Toilet!
Staff
0During our visit we didn't see any staff to chat to but we did see lots of information on the notice boards from the "Friends of Saughton Park" and the work they have been doing.
Additional Information
We spend a couple of hours exploring the garden and will be revisiting when the Bistro opens. It is definitely one of Edinburgh's hidden gems!
