Dalkeith Country Park

Accessible Places, Midlothian, Scotland Add comments

Dec 282009

A Place for the Kids

: Adventure Playground

The main attraction of Dalkeith Country Park is it’s Woodland Adventure Playground. This large area just inside the woods provides plenty of opportunity to let off steam.

Equipment is provided both at ground level and high up in the trees with aerial walkways linking much of it together. The most memorable features are the “Flying-Fox” Zip wires and the huge chute from the top of one of the towers right down to ground level.

This Adventure Playground tries to cater for all ages. In the main, it seems to succeed BUT if there is anyone in your party with mobility needs, think carefully before making this trip!

Just Off The High Street

Finding the Park is not difficult. It is at the “old” end of the High Street, the Northern end on our map. The cobbled entrance takes you through the wall and into the grounds. Immediately on your left is a kiosk for paying. On this occasion there were five of us. Grandad (OAP) got in for free with the rest of us qualifying for a family ticket £10. There was no concession for Disabled visitors.

Take the road straight on for the main car park. You will see St Mary’s Church to your left and there is a road off to the right leading to the house. On our visit this road was closed. You can see the house from the car park and it is rather obvious that there is extensive work being done to the building.

Going Not So Good

: Car Park is a Field

The main car park is a field! During the week preceding our visit, there had been a fair amount of rain. The surface seems to have stood up to this reasonably well with the only muddy areas being the routes taken by cars. Otherwise, the going was soft, OK by foot but not easy by wheelchair. On a dry day, this would not have been a problem.

Inside the Adventure Playground the ground was covered in wood chips. This did a good job of soaking up any moisture, mud and puddles but made it very difficult to get anywhere in my wheelchair. It might have been slightly better if the ground was dry but would still have been tricky.

The Rest of the Park

The road down to the car park continues down the hill through the trees. At the bottom of the hill is an old courtyard that now houses a cafe. Surrounded by the building on all four sides, this creates a wonderful area to stop for a coffee or even sample their Home-Made Soup of the Day.

: Courtyard

The courtyard is easily accessible through openings at either end. The ground is split into areas that are paved, cobbled and covered in gravel. A little confused but it was easy enough to get to a table even if you have to go around the gravel.

The full menu included hot filled rolls (Bacon, Black Pudding, Sausage), Soup of the Day and some cold rolls. There was also a selection of cakes and scones. Hot and Cold drinks and a small selection of Ice Cream/Lollies. My Black Pudding was excellent!

You will also find toilets in this area. The usual three sexes are available: Male, Female and Disabled!

Through the other side of the Courtyard, there is a small river crossed via an old bridge. On the riverbank is an extraordinary construction that looks a little like a large band-stand. It could have been a number of different things. Our best guess was some sort of conservatory.

Something For Everyone?

If you have kids and need easy access to the Playground you might have problems. This is definitely not the place for children that have mobility difficulties. In addition, there are a number of walks and trails available but these did not look accessible either.

If, on the other hand, you don’t need access to these areas, then it is quite possible to drive down to the Courtyard, park and find a seat for something to eat. Ordinarily, the setting would be worth the trip BUT you still need to pay the entrance fee for the privilege. I’m not sure I consider that value for money!