Farm Shop
4
4
Date of visit: February 2026
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, accessing toilets and moving around.
I use or have experience of: changing places toilet, disabled toilet, hidden impairment, powerchair, toilet with hoist, toilets, walking aid, wheelchair
Overall Rating
Good
The Hirsel Gift Shop is located within the vast Hirsel Estate. To be honest, it is more of a pantry with trinkets than a gift shop. You can find local produce, preserves, vegetables and meat products from the estate, the Tweed Valley and elsewhere. It might not be the best place for a weekly shop, but you will find variety, which is always nice.
Disabled Access In and Around
Average
The entrance to the farm shop is close to the car park. The door is up a ramp and opens inwards. Staff were quick to help when I tried to enter. The shop is quite small, but I expect most mobility devices would manage in the space. Accessing the fridges might be a challenge for some, but staff are on hand if you need assistance. There is no lowered counter and no alternative formats are in use.
Accessible facilities: Step-free entrance
Parking & Transport
Average
I travelled to this place by walk or wheel
There are three accessible parking spaces near the Hirsel Cottage Tea Room but they are poorly marked and could do with a refresh. Parking is £2.50 for all visitors. There are no local public transport routes to the estate, so it is definitely a place you need to drive to.
Accessible facilities: Dedicated on-site parking
Accessible Toilets
There is an accessible toilet nearby. The toilet is a short stroll through a paved courtyard. The door to the loo is at the top of a short ramp and is rather light, so it is easy to bump open when using a wheelchair. The door does not require a RADAR key and opens inwards. The accessible toilet is small but should be able to accommodate most mobility aids. There are grab rails on either side of the toilet pan and to the left side of the sink. The sink has a small basin and a long lever-style tap but no mirror, which is disappointing. Crucially, there is no red emergency cord, which is why I have given such a low rating. There is also flaking paint on the walls, which suggests it may be time for a refresh. While they are at it, installing an emergency cord should be a priority. The toilets are a distance from staffed areas, so in an emergency a disabled person may not be able to get help.
Facilities: Accessible toilet
Staff
Good
Staff were very helpful.
