We stopped here to view the site where the Council intends to reopen the cafe as we thought it was a great idea. But when we arrived at the nearest car park all the accessible spaces had been fenced off by the builders building the new toilet block and they had not marked out any temporary spaces for those that need them. Therefore we found ourselves much further away than I was really able to comfortably manage with my rolator. At least they are putting in a fully accessible toilet block wth a facility for adult changing as well. Well done for that! Anyway, we walked down the slope round the back of the toilet heading towards the Coach House and the site where the cafe will be reopening opposite and turned right at the corner of the building to be met with a short, very steep incline going down. The unexpectedness of this caused me to stumble and had me wife and daughter not been there, I would have gone down. Rolators are good for allowing some freedom, and the seat means you can stop and rest a moment if you need, but as you push them in front of you, sudden unmarked dangers like this are easily missed and you are falling down them before you realise they are there. What makes it worse is there is another unmarked similar short steep slope at the other corner of the building! Still, once we had negotiated the Council's Disability Traps we had a look at the cafe site. It looks like it should serve well except for one giant problem. No accessible toilet. There are toilets in the Coach House opposite, some 25 to 30 meters away but not one meets the minimum standard for a disabled loo. So the nearest loo to the proposed cafe is going to be....wait for it.....that's right, the one back up the slope in the car park, some 100meters or so away. Apart from the regs stating a max of 50m to the nearest accessible toilet, do you get the feeling that those responsible for this project regard disabled as little more than an inconvenience, as second class citizens? I would have scored lower stars but the shop and onsite staff were pleasant and helpful and at the end of the day, it is a beautiful site steeped in...
Read moreHave visited here twice now (four years apart) and while it's a shame to see the storm damaged areas it's a credit to those who have worked on keeping the park safe and open to visitors.
The mansion house is great to walk around and imagine what it might've looked like once upon a time (would be a nice touch to have info boards about the building and it's history, having read about it since online). The arboretum is a really lovely bit to walk around, love the addition of the boardwalk by the river.
Very dog friendly, and various different paths you can take through the park. Having duck food in the shop was a great idea as we enjoyed feeding them (and the swan!) in the wee lake. Staff in the cafe were very friendly and there was a good selection of food to choose from (and well-priced).
Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area, massive open park area with plenty of picnic benches and stands for bbqs as well, seems to have everything you need to enjoy...
Read moreAden Country Park is an absolute gem! From the moment you arrive, you're greeted by the serene beauty of nature and the rich history that surrounds the area. The walking trails are well-maintained, offering a peaceful escape through lush woodlands, open fields, and picturesque spots perfect for a family picnic or a quiet moment alone.
The historic Aden House ruins and the old estate buildings give the park a unique charm, blending history with natural beauty. The Heritage Centre is fascinating and provides great insight into the estate's past.
For families, the children’s play area is fantastic, and dog owners will love the open spaces for a stroll. The café on-site serves delicious snacks and drinks, making it an ideal stop after exploring.
Whether you're there for a relaxing walk, a bit of history, or simply to enjoy the autumn leaves, Aden Country Park is a place that leaves a lasting impression. Highly recommend visiting—this park truly has something...
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