Overview

Edinburgh and this venue is fortunate to have the space, locations and facilities to broaden this Market from what it used to be, to what it is now. The Market theme is located over 4 sites in the City, though we reviewed this one in East Prices Street which is on 3 levels from the lower gardens which straddle the railway lines to the top most level at Princes Street itself. Our entry was near Cockburn Street, Market Street and Bank Street, Access is upon variable ground so chair users must be very carefully - I would strongly recommend having someone with you if you are seated or using any walking aid. Although it’s tarmac there are pot holes, cracks rough patches and uneven ground. There is ongoing work at the Playfair Steps to the East of the Galleries on the Mound so there are staff at each gate who were exceedingly helpful in directions to other areas and pointed out potential difficulty. The Lower Garden level was an area where there were fun rides - 2 carousels - one carousel was lower and had a wide platform that may have been chair friendly. The miniature rail way did not look as if there was an Access area, but the children and adults were certainly enjoying it. There are various food and drinks stalls here too, the next level was mostly retail and accessed alongside the entrance to Continis at the Art Gallery, you need to enter the Gallery here to gain access to the next upper level. Very well sign posted and good directions. There was a wide variation of stalls here from crafts, to seasonal novelties, clothing, lighting, pottery, ceramics, artwork, jewellery and refreshments. Although the areas of tarmac are in better condition here, temporary flooring has been laid down so there is a about a half inch rise onto the platform you want to visit. The upper level with Princess Street is the busiest level and where the majority of stalls both food and non food are located, there are two large wooden lodge marquees with bars and some seating areas. There are high rise rides here and various food and drinks stalls give out the Festive aromas and choices at Christmas as you go around and throughout the Market Area.

Transport & Parking

Ample access opportunities whether it be from Railway Station, bus or taxi all less than 5 mins from the Market area. Ample parking in Market, Bank and Cockburn Street. All significant bus routes travel past the Market and stops are available throughout the area of the Gardens, the nearest Tram stop is at the Mound, the trams and bus stops also link directly with the Princes Mall, St Andrew Square and George Street Market area which are part of the same Market theme, but over 4 locations.

Access

Ramped Access and where required lift access at the Galleries, but be prepared for uneven and variable hilly terrain in tarrmac areas. There are seating locations throughout the various levels of the gardens.

Toilets

Did not use or require them but located in Portable facilities at East Princes on the Mound in the Market between the Galleries at Street level, the themselves, within Continis in the Galleries with fully equipped facilities.

Staff

Event staff at every entrance and exit, very helpful and supportive. Particularly aware of any additional needs that may be required.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

I said plenty room and in the Christmas Spirit, that was very evident with Ghluewein and other drinks and foods available, well worth the visit to all the levels especially for and with children, good to see lots of dogs assistance and otherwise around. Although not congested in the 2 hours or so we were there would imagine weekends and in the evenings particularly busy. We go every year and it gets better with more thought and learning having gone into the different locations, accessibility, event provision and staff support.