The Best Parks To Visit In Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a city of many nooks and crannies and winding alleys, but equally it is a city of open green spaces which are perfect for exploring, hiking, or just relaxing. How many cities can boast a dormant volcano in their midst? Read on for seven of the best parks in the Athens of the North.

Holyrood Park

Located in the heart of Edinburgh, Holyrood Park is a sprawling expanse of green lawn and trails, book-ended by the Royal Mile and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and dwarfed by craggy hills. It is best known for being the home of Arthur’s Seat: a dormant volcano and the highest point of the park, which makes for an approximately 2-hour hike which depending on the weather can be a delightful walk or an athlete’s challenge. The view from the top, though, is one of a kind.

Inverleith Park

Calton Hill

At the end of Princes Street lies this immense hill, famous for its dramatic placement overlooking the city. Atop the Hill are several monuments, including the striking National Monument of Scotland, a Parthenon-inspired stone memorial to fallen Scottish soldiers in the Napoleonic Wars. Nelson’s Monument is also a prominent feature of Calton Hill, and can be seen from throughout the city.

Princes Street Gardens

Nestled below the castle is this charming, flora-filled park, which features walking paths as well as the Scott Monument and the Ross Fountain. The Ross Bandstand plays home to assorted concerts and special events, including during Edinburgh’s legendary hogmanay, or New Year’s Eve, celebrations as well as a Christmas Market and ‘winter wonderland’ in the lead-up to Christmas.

The Meadows

South of the city center, this park comprises open grassland and paths, tennis courts, a croquet club, a playground, and various other sporting pitches. Due to its prominence and size, The Meadows is used frequently for sporting competitions, including the annual Meadows Marathon, and is also often used as a venue for the Edinburgh Festival as well as hosting marches, rallies, and visiting circuses.

Water of Leith Walkway

Slightly further afield, don’t miss the Water of Leith Walkway, a footpath and cycle-way running alongside the titular river. Starting at Balerno, passing through the lovely Dean Village neighborhood of Edinburgh, and ending at the Leith docks, this is a glorious spot for walking, jogging, or cycling amidst verdant greenery and rushing water.

Bruntsfield Links

This park was formerly part of the Burgh Muir, a woodland cleared in 1508 under a decree of King James IV in order to gather timber for construction in Old Town. Today the Bruntsfield Links is popular with dog-walkers, is used by historical re-enactors as a practice ground, and its north-facing slope proves an excellent spot for sledging in the wintertime.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.