Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

Search for accessible places to go

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Botanic Garden

University of Dundee, Riverside Drive, Dundee, DD2 1QH

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Summary

  • Building View
    • Services / Facilities within the building include; reception and coffee shop.
    • Services / Facilities within the grounds include; a glasshouse, Macro Micro Studio, Education Centre, gardens and coffee shop.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located in the coffee shop and also on the right as you approach the reception .
    • Female standard toilet facilities are located in the coffee shop and also on the right as you approach the reception.
    • Male standard toilet facilities are located in the coffee shop and also on the right as you approach the reception.

Useful Information

Opening Times (Gardens - March to June, September to October)

Opening Times (Gardens - July to August)

Opening Times (Gardens - November to February)

Opening Times (Coffee Shop)

Getting Here

Building Parking

  • The building does have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by anybody.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • The car park is located in front of the entrance.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • There is/are 4 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) markings are faded.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 236cm x 475cm.
    • The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to one side but not at the rear.
    • The marked zone is 120cm wide.
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
    • The nearest designated bay is 60m (65yd 1ft) from the Garden Visitor centre.
    • The route from the car park to the building is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is / are slopes/ramps.
    • The dropped kerb between the car park and the building does not have tactile paving.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
    • There is a designated coach drop of point, but not a drop off point for motor cars etc.

Approach

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is tarmac and block paving.
    • The approach surface is uneven in places.
    • There is a slope with a very easy incline.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a slight gradient and has no handrails.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.

Outside Access

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the top of the slope from the car park.
    • This entrance gives access to reception.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 82cm.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located at the top of the slope from the car park.
    • The reception point is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the entrance.
    • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors at/behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are moderate to good.
    • The height of the reception counter is 80cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • There is no wayfinding signage available at/close to the reception.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
    • Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.

Inside Access

  • Access and Circulation View
    • There is step-free access throughout the majority of the building.
    • The type of flooring is carpet.
    • There is a medium colour contrast between the walls and floor.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • Safe Place(s) View
    • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music/sound.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Comments View
    • There is a lower and a second floor to the reception building, but these are now used as storage, workplaces and office area. The ground floor is now the only public area.

Botanic Garden

  • The Botanic Garden is a 9.5 hectare site with a wide range of plants, trees, shrubs, lawns, water and herb gardens, tropical and temperate glasshouses, gazebos and sculptures.
  • The majority of the main footpaths are over 180cm wide, suitable for wheelchair users, generally level or with slight slopes. Some minor paths have a steep gradient or steps, but are by-passed by paths with a slight slope.
  • The main paths are tarmac or concrete slabs, with occasional cobbles at junctions. Other paths are loose stones, loose wood chippings, gravel, compressed earth or muddy.
  • There are regular benches along paths and on lawns.
  • The gardens have been set out with themed planted areas including the Garden of Evolution, Genetics Garden and Mediterranean, American, Asian, Australia and New Zealand and Native areas.
  • There are various sculptures by University students located around the grounds.

Outside Access (Main Access Glasshouse)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located opposite the Visitors Centre.
    • This entrance gives access to the Glasshouse.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
    • The door(s) is/are light.
    • The width of the door opening is 81cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entry door.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located to each side of the slope leading to the entry door.
    • There is/are 3 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 17cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • These steps (whichever set is chosen) join the walkway that circumvents all of the outside of the glasshouse. They also allow access to the lawns and other parts of the gardens.

Outside Access (Rear Entry Glasshouse)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located the north end of the glasshouse.
    • This entrance gives access to the Glasshouse.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 79cm.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located at exit from the glasshouse.
    • There is/are 3 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 17cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up the step(s).
    • Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are not easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • Comments View
    • The steps on your right as you exit the glasshouse has a rail on the left hand side of the steps. The rail is not comfortable to use, is 65cm for the pitch line of the steps and extends at the top by over 90cm from the end of the top step.
    • These steps (whichever set is chosen) join the walkway that circumvents all of the outside of the glasshouse. They also allow access to the lawns and other parts of the gardens.

Glasshouse Inside

  • The glasshouses are located to the left as you exit the reception from the visitor centre.
  • The glasshouse is split into temperate and tropical areas.
  • The main path through the glasshouses is generally a minimum of 100cm.
  • There are slight slopes and uneven paving.
  • The side paths are a minimum 60cm with slight ramps and steps overcome by ramps.

Macro Micro Studio

  • This building is a self-sufficient demonstrator prototype "Energy Autonomous Studio", in essence a zero energy laboratory providing an environmentally friendly research venue. It functions as a "living lab", enabling novel design concepts to be tested on a small but realistic scale.

Outside Access (Macro Micro Studio)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to your left as you stand outside the visitors centre, follow the path.
    • This entrance gives access to the ground floor meeting/ teaching room and the IT room on the upper floor.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are light.
    • The width of the door opening is 75cm.
    • This unit is normally locked, but keys can be obtained from reception.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the side of the building as the path turns around the side of the building.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • Comments View
    • The path to the entry door is loose stone, which may cause some difficulties.

Other Floors (Macro Micro Studio)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located inside the building to the right.
    • The stairs are approximately 13m from the entrance.
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 1 and 2.
    • There are 13 steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on the right going up.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is not a landing.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.
  • Other Information View
    • The upper floor serves as a teaching and/or computer room. The ground floor serves as a meeting/ teaching room.

Outside Access (Coffee Shop)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the side of the building.
    • This entrance gives access to the coffee shop and the standard and accessible toilets.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Coffee Shop'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are light.
    • The width of the door opening is 74cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.

Eating and Drinking (Coffee Shop)

  • Location and Access View
    • The café is located at the rear of the car park.
    • There is step-free access to the café.
    • For access there is a single manual door which is easy to open.
    • The door opening width is under 75cm.
  • Service and Menus View
    • Tables cannot be booked in advance.
    • There is a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
    • Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
    • Menu types include; handheld menus.
    • Menus are clearly written.
    • Menus are not presented in contrasting colours.
    • Staff can read menus to customers if requested.
    • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
    • Takeaway cups are available.
    • Adapted cups are not available.
    • Adapted cutlery is not available.
    • Drinking straws are available.
    • This area does play background music.
    • Background music is played at all times.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system .
  • Service Counter(s) View
    • The height of the counter is 100cm.
    • There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
    • The type of flooring in this area is carpet.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Coffee Shop)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to your left as you enter the coffee shop.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 21m (22yd 2ft) from the coffee shop entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 84cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 157cm x 180cm (5ft 2in x 5ft 11in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 106cm from floor level.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • There is not an emergency alarm.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary, nappy/incontinence items bin and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 93cm (3ft 1in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is poor.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is not a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • There is a handheld soap dispenser available.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is poor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available .
    • The height of the baby change table is 84cm.

Accessible Toilet(s)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the path between the car park and the visitors centre.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 23m (25yd 6in) from the car park.
    • There is ramped/sloped access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is fair.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 206cm x 210cm (6ft 9in x 6ft 11in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 135cm (4ft 5in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin and a waste disposal bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is not an emergency alarm.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and general waste (with lid) disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 43cm (1ft 5in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 93cm (3ft 1in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is fair.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the left hand side of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 100cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is good.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available .
    • The height of the baby change table is 82cm.

Standard Toilet(s) (Coffee Shop)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female toilet is located to your left as you enter the coffee shop.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 24m from the coffee shop entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is poor.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 81cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The male toilet is located to your left as you enter the coffee shop.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 19m from the coffee shop entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is poor.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 79cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The male toilet is located on the path between the car park visitor centre.
    • There is ramped/sloped access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 20m from the car park.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is fair.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 82cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The female toilet is located on the path between the car park and the visitor centre.
    • There is ramped/sloped access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 22m from the car park.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is fair.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 83cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are good.