Parks and gardens in Edinburgh

6 parks and gardens to visit in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is full of green spaces, with hills, gardens and riverside walks right in the city centre.

Calton Hill

The ‘Athens of the North’, with its monuments and some of the best views of the city.

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Holyrood Park

Climb Arthur’s Seat, the extinct volcano above Edinburgh, and enjoy Highland-style scenery in the city.

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Princes Street Gardens

The great park between the Old and New Towns, beneath the Castle, perfect for a stroll or a sunny break.

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Royal Botanic Garden

One of the UK’s finest botanic gardens, with glasshouses and skyline views. Free entry to the garden.

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Water of Leith

A riverside walk across Edinburgh, from Dean Village to Stockbridge and on to the port of Leith.

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The Meadows

The students’ favourite park, just south of the Old Town, perfect for a picnic on sunny days.

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What to see near the parks

Make the most of your walk with these nearby spots.

Dean Village

A former milling village on the Water of Leith, ten minutes from Princes Street, where time seems to stand still.

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Scott Monument

The Gothic spire on Princes Street, the largest monument in the world dedicated to a writer.

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Edinburgh’s greenest neighbourhoods

Stockbridge

A bohemian, village-like neighbourhood with independent shops and a Sunday farmers’ market.

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Southside

Residential districts south of the Old Town, with a student vibe, The Meadows and independent shops.

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