Enjoy open spaces within the city with these top 5 suggestions:

1.) Princes Street Gardens
Built in the hollow of a drained loch, these gardens run the full length of Edinburgh's main shopping street. Bridging the Old and New Towns and seperated by the National Galleries' complex, the east side is home to the Scott Monument while the west has the oldest floral clock in the world, the Ross Theatre and a small busy playpark.

2.) Royal Botanic Garden
A short walk or bus journey from the city centre, the Botanics offer acres to stroll through, a collection of glasshouses, sculptures, cafe and shop to pass a few hours. With no sports, bikes, picnics or dogs allowed you'll be guaranteed a peaceful visit. www.rbge.org.uk


3.) The Meadows
On the site of the drained Borough Loch, the Meadows are now a popular spot in the south side of the city for locals to jog, play frisbee, fly a kite or just hang out. Spring time sees numerous pink cherry trees in full bloom.

4.) Holyrood Park
In the shadow of Arthur's Seat this amazing variety of landscapes offer crags, moorland, glens, lochs and fields. Holyrood Park can be found at the end of the Royal Mile, just beyond the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

5.) Water of Leith
This gentle riverside walk has a number of manageable sections within its full 12 mile route from Leith to Balerno. www.waterofleith.org.uk