The Meadows Reviews Summary

Accessibility

Pros:

• "This place has it all and it is so easy to get to as many buses from the City come close."
• "Easy to access the meadows from the city centre as just about a steady 20 minute walk from the Royal Mile going past the University."
• "Restroom facilities available. easy to access by bus."
• "Very accessible with lots of metered nearby parking, on many bus routes too."
• "Good bus transport links only minutes from the city centre."
• "Perfectly located just a short walk south of the city centre."
• "Only a 15 -20 min walk from Princes Street."

Cons:

• "Parking is DREADFUL - you have to park in neighbouring streets, if you are lucky enough to find a space."
• "Free parking space only on sunday, so get there either on foot, by public transport, or cycle."
• "So, not a lot of use for people with mobility issues."
• "Unfortunately toilet facilities are inconveniently far away, quite hidden and closed at early hours."
• "The only downside is there are no public toilets - you have to go to the starbucks up middle meadow walk, or the library cafe at the University! So be prepared for that hah."
• "However, there is no water fountain."
• "The only thing I would recommend against is walking alone at night. Though many people walk these paths, it's not completely safe."

Facilities

Pros:

• "Tennis courts and kids play park East Side and Pitch and Put Golf West Side."
• "There are children's playgrounds, toilets and tennis courts which make this park a great place for families and friends or just individuals."
• "It also has a pitch and put as well as tennis courts."
• "There's Tennis courts. It is a very well used park."
• "Public facilities available at either end near the playgrounds."
• "Has separate children's play area with plenty of apparatus. 2 or 3 public Toilet Buildings."
• "There are benches, a cafe and mobile kiosks for drinks and something to eat."

Cons:

• "Only a shame that the grass in part is ruined for a few months following the festival period due to the circus hubs."
• "Organised activities and sporting events all the way through winter leave the Meadows grass looking sparse and muddy for the year going forward."
• "During the festival it can be so busy it's actually pointless trying to enjoy it."
• "Beware of the running clubs sprinting down pedestrian paths and cycle lanes in large groups."
• "Also, they have a 'worst toilet in Scotland' contender."
• "Lighting is bad, paths around the outside it are bumpy for cycling, roller skating, running, toilets are a shambles and not enough of them, no security, no CCTV, no real facilities, no proper cafe."
• "The only thing that ruins the romantic effect is the hideous Quartermile black glass and concrete complex - the offensive eyesore, the environmental menace."

Atmosphere & Activities

Pros:

• "Popular with dog walkers and people just enjoying the grass, the mature trees changing colours through the seasons and those that like star-gazing at dusk."
• "Occasionally festivals and other events will also be on."
• "Lovely all year round with the occasional festival, circus, events etc to keep you entertained on your jog."
• "The Meadows - the ideal place to relax in the sun, listen to some tunes, meet old friends and new, have a BBQ along with some beers and wine."
• "Absolutely perfect for adults, children and pets! Picnics and games in the summer, meditation, yoga, exercise, strolls, BBQs."
• "You will see people running, cycling around it, playing football, having picnics, bbq's, performing acrobatics, reading books, rehearse for other events and even fire performances on a monday night when it gets dark."
• "Musicians playing every day. Great for lying in the sun, socialising and playing outdoor games."

Cons:

• "It's just that everytime I go here i'm plagued by a certain feeling of, boredom."
• "Not safe to be here at night, without a full battery and a friend or two."
• "Beware of the tube that leads through the fence in the northeast corner. Kids can escape outside the park and then disappear behind the big hedge..."
• "Had to clean up the dog shite before we set pitch."
• "The only downside would be there always seems to be a group of drunk kids blasting music in on corner."
• "It's notorious for muggings and women have been assaulted here, so walk aware and after or in the early hours, best not to use it as a short cut."
• "After the 1st couple of hot days the mud goes brick hard and the smell of alcohol and urine evaporating is immense."

Maintenance & Cleanliness

Pros:

• "It's also very well taken care of, clean and neat all the time (maybe the fringe festival is the only time when it’s not so pleasant there, but it’s still ok)."
• "Clean and tidy."
• "Very clean and well kept. Toilets nearby."
• "Always tidy. Good for walks an runs."
• "Well maintained and respected but take care because there are no fences and cars drive through the area."
• "Absolutely stunning area to walk or run through, take a rest or have a picnic in."
• "A beautiful, tranquil and relaxing green prairie that's popular with local and visitors alike."

Cons:

• "It's overused nowadays, which is a shame."
• "I expect it might get pretty full of trash during tourist season."
• "Very occasionally let down by late night drunken antics or rubbish left behind by weekend party animals!"
• "There is lack of garbage bin. Please bring your own bin bags, don't litter around."
• "But better take or towel or a sheet to sit on when on the grass just incase a dogs had a whoopsie on the grass."
• "On a warm day you can barely see half way through because of the smoke from literally hundreds of barbecues."
• "I gave 4 stars because normally it gets really busy on a sunny day with very little parking available around."