Overview

Recently remodelled, Union Terrace Gardens is in the valley of the Denburn. This valley restricted the expansion of the city until Union Street was started in the late 18th century. The gardens are a good place to ponder on the enormity of the project to build a wide street and the largest single span granite bridge to enable Aberdeen to become Scotland's third city. For adults there is plenty of opportunity to sit and enjoy this city centre green space. The children's play area was well used during our time with the sound of the foot-operated whistles and bells telling of children's delight and the imaginative slide was well used.

Transport & Parking

There are disabled parking places on Union Terrace and the location is well-served with both city and country bus services. Aberdeen Railway Station is physically near. But, although it would seem feasible to have made direct access under Union Street, this has never happened. So, the reality, for pedestrians from the station, is to take the slope up Bridge Street or the daunting stairs to Union Street through the Trinity Centre or from the Green.

Access

Disabled access is good from both ends of the gardens. There is a ramp from Union Street, just next to the King Edward VII statue at the junction of Union Terrace and Union Street. The other access is towards the northern end of Union Terrace. From the four disabled parking bays there is a ramp down to the cafe pavilion and outdoor seating opposite His Majesty's Theatre. Head round the cafe and you come to the granite steps down to the gardens. Weaving around the steps is a gently sloping stepless pathway, ideal for wheelchairs and with ample seating. This is a great place to enjoy the sights of the city centre with its surrounding granite buildings, statues and attractive gardens. The only place my wheelchair was unhappy was the ramp at the south end of the grass in the centre of the gardens. I took the corner too tightly and my power chair couldn't cope with gradient. A more cautious approach round the less-steep outside of the corner proved successful.

Toilets

I did not see disabled toilets.

Staff

I did not have any contact with staff.

Photos