Free parks and gardens
the Water of Leith running through Dean Village, city centre
relax in Princes Street Gardens
Arthur Seat from the Scott Monument
John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh
Edinburgh has more green space than most cities. Along with gardens and parklands there are inner-city paths along old train tracks and beside rivers which feel so peaceful it is hard to believe that you are in the middle of the city.
Princes Street Gardens
Right beneath the castle and beside the city’s main shopping street is Princes Street Gardens which is a great place to take a break from the hustle and bustle. Dominating the gardens is the prickly Scott Monument, a gothic structure built in the 1840s which is the largest monument to a writer in the world and can be climbed for a small fee. Numerous statues and pretty flower arrangements are scattered across the park as well as an unusual floral clock, a band stand, fountain and a play park. The park host concerts during the year and sparkles during the annual winter festival with a German market, fair ground and ice rink.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Another green attraction is the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, near the boutique shopping area of Stockbridge. Founded in 1670 and covering 72 acres, the garden is considered to be one of the finest in the world. The John Hope Gateway, an eco-friendly interactive visitor centre where you can discover more about work carried out by the Royal Botanical Gardens is also free to enter.
Find out more about gardens in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Arthur’s Seat
Head to the Old Town to scale one of the most prominent landmarks on Edinburgh’s city skyline - Arthur’s Seat. This extinct volcano is within the boundaries of Holyrood Park and has inspired geologists for generations to uncover the mysteries of how the earth was formed. Reach the top and you will be rewarded by fantastic panoramic views of the city.
Find out more about parks in Edinburgh and the Lothians
The Water of Leith
Running in between the Botanic Gardens and Stockbridge is the Water of Leith, a river which flows from the rolling Pentland hills, winds through the city and down to the dock area of Leith before reaching the sea. With pathways along most of the river, you can even begin a walk at the Water of Leith Visitor Centre on the south side of the city which provides free, fun and informative exhibits.
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Edinburgh and the Lothians sits on the eastern side of Scotland's central belt, in the heart of the country.
