{Edinburgh} Harrison Park West Playground
This morning we ticked off another playground in our ‘how many different playgrounds can we visit this year’ quest. It’s situated in Harrison Park, next to the Union Canal, which offers nice opportunities for walks and duck spotting (though watch out for speeding cyclists!).
This is a playground we frequent occasionally when we go walking along the canal. I’d say it’s best suited for toddlers and younger children, maybe up to age 8ish, as the slides, rockers and activity boards are aimed at a younger audience. However, there are also regular swings to hold my 11 year old’s attention.
There’s also lots of grass area around the playground for running around, kicking a ball or throwing a frisbee. And just across from the playground there is a fenced in ‘no dogs allowed’ space which is perfect if you want to have a picnic without fears of having your sandwiches snatched. The park itself doesn’t have any catering facilities, but there’s a very nice little cafe just one road along where the No.38 bus stops, called Tea & Sympathy. Edited to add: There is also the Terrace Cafe, just past Margiotta on Shandon Place/Ashley Terrace. Many thanks to Catherine from Friends of Harrison Park for this suggestion.
Gallery
Playground Stats
Name: Harrison Park West
Location: Harrison Park, Edinburgh
Map coordinates: 55.93389, -3.22662
Best for: Toddlers, Juniors
Ground cover: Rubber covered with felt
Rating: Thumbs up
Play Equipment
- Multi-play unit with slide, climbing wall, fireman’s pole, nets and climbing frames
- Springer rocker/ horse
- Swings
- Toddler swings
- Activity boards (times table, maze, word search)
Facilities
- Benches
- Large park
How to get there
Harrison Park West playground is located in the west half of Harrison Park, between Harrison Gardens, Harrison Road and Ogilvie Terrace. There are a few bus options that stop within a 5 minute walk away.
Closes Bus Stop
No. 10 & 27 Lothian Bus: Polwarth Parish Church
No. 38 Lothian Bus: Ashley Terrace
Check out our A to Z map of public playgrounds in Edinburgh to plan your next playground visit, and let us know your favourites that you think we should check out in the comments below!
Catherine, Friends of Harrison Park Admin
Thank you for including Harrison Park (both west and east!) on your site. What a great idea to review the Edinburgh play parks and free activities for families. You have done a great job! We are spoiled in Edinburgh, and are lucky to have so many parks and interactive museums (indoor play parks!) to choose from… in addition to all the cycle/walking paths, hills and beaches.
For your note on local catering facilities, addition to Tea & Sympathy, we also have the Terrace Cafe, just past Margiotta on Shandon Place/Ashley Terrace.
Jenni
Many thanks for the additional cafe recommendation. I have edited the post to add this in.