Did you know Edinburgh is Scotland’s greenest city? Whether you’re wrapped up exploring our parks in autumn or sunbathing in a garden during summer, Edinburgh is a city for enjoying the outdoors in all seasons. With long evenings and warmer weather on the way, it’s the perfect time to explore the great outdoors in Edinburgh. Plan a visit with accommodation in our comfortable, spacious serviced apartment accommodation in Edinburgh and enjoy everything the city has to offer on our doorstep.
City Parks in Edinburgh
Aside from history, culture, and rain, the one thing we have in abundance in Edinburgh is parks. From sprawling green spaces to local flower gardens, there is always something natural to discover and explore in Edinburgh. The closest and best parks near our serviced apartments in Edinburgh are The Meadows, George Square Gardens and Bruntsfield. If you’re lucky enough to visit in Spring, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom in The Meadow and you can play pitch and putt all year round in Bruntsfield. There are parks with playgrounds, sports fields, and water features and all are filled with local flora and fauna. Find a park that suits your needs and spend the day exploring and hopefully enjoying the sun.
Arthurs Seat
Arthurs Seat is a popular walk to get to know the area and enjoy some fantastic views. The hill is part of Holyrood Park, which starts at the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the end of the Royal Mile. The hill is actually an ancient volcano that sits 251m above sea level giving excellent views of the city. It is also the site of a large and well-preserved fort, one of four hill forts dating from around 2000 years ago. When you follow the main path, the hike will just over 30 minutes to the top. The total hike is 3.7 kilometres and can be completed in under two hours. It’s especially rewarding on a clear day or at sunrise, just don’t forget water and sunscreen.
Calton Hill
Calton Hill is another popular hill walk in Edinburgh enjoyed by thousands of locals and visitors every day. It’s famous for its statues and the brilliant 360-degree view of the city from the top, which features in many famous paintings and postcards. The historic monuments on the hill include the National Monument, which was inspired by the Parthenon in Athens and the Nelson Monument, which commemorates the death of Admiral Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. It’s a leisurely walk to the top that requires minimal fitness and is a great chance to enjoy one of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Urban Outdoors in Edinburgh
If you want to explore outdoors but don’t have the energy for a long walk or cycle, you can get around easily with a city bus tour. Tour buses in Edinburgh are a great way to get your bearings, learn more about the area and get around with little effort while still enjoying the good weather from the open top! You can hop on and off as often as you like, exploring museums, galleries, parks, gardens and so much more along the way without a long trek back to your Edinburgh accommodation. One place to stop along the way is the grounds of the National Galleries of Scotland Modern Museum to enjoy the sculpture walk.
Keep Edinburgh Beautiful
While enjoying some of the most beautiful outdoor sights in Edinburgh, it’s important to remember our vow to leave no trace. We want to keep Edinburgh as beautiful as it always is so future generations can enjoy it as much as we do. Our serviced apartments in Edinburgh are doing our part to reduce our carbon footprint every day. We have cut down on single-use plastics, encourage bikes and public transport use for guests and staff and carry out regular reviews of our operations reviewing and improving where we can. Guests can reduce their carbon footprint by using refillable bottles, being energy aware and shopping locally wherever possible.
We’d love to hear about your outdoor adventures in Edinburgh. Our team are happy to recommend things to do in Edinburgh and the easier way to get around, just stop for a chat at our reception desk. Book our best available rates exclusively on our website or with one of our friendly team.
