5 Favourite picnic spots in Edinburgh
Summer is well under way and as the restrictions begin to ease, now is a perfect time to enjoy a picnic in the capital city. Edinburgh has green spaces galore, so make the best of the good weather days and get outdoors! With spectacular views, here are 5 of our favourite picnic spots in Edinburgh to enjoy some alfresco dining.
One last thing before we begin, if you head out for a picnic please remember to dispose of your rubbish or take it home with you.
1. Holyrood Park & Arthur’s Seat
- where: Queen’s Drive
- Fancy staying next to Holyrood Palace and near Arthur’s Seat? Holyrood Road has spectacular views and is centrally located!
The view from Arthur’s Seat
We can’t think of anywhere better to head on a sunny day for a picnic than Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat. Holyrood Park’s dramatic hills, crags, and extinct volcano, shape Edinburgh’s unforgettable skyline, and its history and archaeology span thousands of years. There’s a flat grassy park next to Holyrood Palace that is the perfect place for your little ones or furry companions to run wild! For those of you who are a little more adventurous why not head up Edinburgh’s extinct volcano Arthur’s Seat to soak up the incredible views and enjoy your picnic!
Wonderful view from Arthur’s Seat and the Crags
2. Princes Street Gardens
- Where: Princes Street
- Looking to visit Edinburgh, here’s a lovely holiday for you in Frederick Street, a stones throw from the Gardens.
Where better to enjoy a picnic than under the shadow of Edinburgh’s magnificent Castle. Princes Street Gardens lies at the heart of Edinburgh’s city centre, dividing Edinburgh’s medieval Old Town and the elegant Georgian New Town. It’s a popular spot amongst locals and tourist all year round but when the sun shows its face everyone heads out to enjoy a picnic and top up their vitamin D! Personally, this is our favourite picnic spots in Edinburgh.
3. The Meadows
- Where: Melville Drive
- Fancy staying next to the Meadows, where better to stay than Simpson Loan, part of Edinburgh’s luxury Quarter-Mile development.
Being directly next to the University of Edinburgh, the Meadows is a very popular spot amongst students! When the sun’s out there is a fantastic vibe. Spontaneous games of football begin, the smell of barbecues wafts through the air, and excited dogs bound across the park. It’s a fantastic spot to dig into your pack lunch and people watch!
4. Inverleith Park
- Where: Arboretum Road
- Looking for the perfect home from home in Inverleith, we think you’ll love our Dean Park Mews home.
Located next to the Royal Botanic Gardens and near Stockbridge, Inverleith Park has excellent views of Edinburgh Castle, wonderful sporting facilities, and a children’s play area! The park is very family and dog friendly meaning you can sit back and relax while your little ones play. Once you’ve finished your lunch, we’d recommend taking a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens.
5. Dalkeith Country Park
Located slightly outside of Edinburgh’s city centre, Dalkeith Country Park is a truly special place. Explore the Old Oak Wood with trees over 900 years old, and enjoy lunch at one their lovely picnic areas. With both walking and cycling trails plus the magical Fort Douglas play park alongside the Restoration Yard, we can’t think of very many better places to spend a lovely sunny day!
Website: www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk
Do you have a favourite picnic spot in Edinburgh? Be sure to let us know about it in the comments below…
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