7 Things to Do in Edinburgh this Spring
After what feels like the longest winter we’ve had in a while, temperatures are finally beginning to rise and the days are getting noticeably longer! This means it’s time to pack away those winter coats and spend a little more time outdoors. There are signs of life all around the city and with help from the daffodils and crocuses, Edinburgh is looking wonderfully colourful. To help you make the most of spring in Edinburgh we’ve listed 7 fun things to do!
1. Visit New Arrivals at Gorgie Farm
Here’s a fun one for the little ones. What better way to spend a day out with the family than a visit to Gorgie City Farm – a free-entry city farm. The farm boasts a range of different animals, such as sheep, pigs, goats, chickens and a cow. There are also smaller animals such as hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, tortoises and a snake. Spring is an extra special time to visit as you’ll get the chance to pet their adorable lambs.
Photo Credit: Gorgie Farm (Twitter)
2. Take Time to Enjoy the Flowers
Edinburgh is beautiful throughout the year but there’s something extra special when the city literally comes alive and is transformed with splashes of yellow from the daffodils, an ocean of blue when the bluebells bloom, and everyone’s favourite time of the year, cherry blossom season (roughly sometime during May) when the city is covered in a blanket of pink. So, why not make the most of the longer days and warmer weather by heading out for a walk around the city or through the Botanic Gardens to admire nature’s latest offerings.
3. Visit Edinburgh’s Outdoor Markets!
We’re lucky to have so many regular markets here in Edinburgh – places where you can buy fresh produce, tasty street food and beautiful craftwork by independent Scottish traders whilst enjoying that special market atmosphere all year round. There are several local favourites including The Farmers’ Market held at Castle Terrace every Saturday, the Stockbridge Market held every Sunday, the Grassmarket Market every Saturday, and Leith Market every Saturday.
4. Beltane Fire Festival
On the evening of the 30th April, you might see fires burning atop Calton Hill. Don’t be alarmed, this is just how the start of summer is celebrated in Edinburgh. The Beltane Fire Festival is back and represents the end of winter and the arrival of spring and summer. The modern Beltane Fire Festival was started in 1988 by a small group of enthusiasts in Edinburgh. Since then the festival has grown, and now involves over 300 volunteers and performers with tickets often selling out.
More info: www.beltane.org
Image by Louise Spence.
5. Enjoy a Dram during Whisky Month
World Whisky Day is on the 19th May but here in Scotland, we’ve claimed the whole month of May as Whisky Month! To celebrate, why not head along to one of Edinburgh’s top attractions, the Scotch Whisky Experience. The interactive exhibition represents 90% of the Scotch whisky industry, making it the ideal first stop for whisky enthusiasts. There’s also the option to head to the WHISKI Rooms for whisky tastings and fresh Scottish food, drop into The Balmoral‘s whisky bar which is home to one of the cities largest collections, or visit the Devil’s Advocate bar and sample their 200-strong eclectic whisky shelf. We’re sure you’ll have lots of fun taking part in the celebrations!
Photo Credit: Felix Wolf
6. Jupiter Artland Reopens
Jupiter Artland is a fantastic sculpture park set in the 100-acre estate that surrounds Bonnington House, a Jacobean manor house. When visiting you’re given a map of the grounds and the location of the artworks and you’re then allowed to explore the park on your own. There are also horses, donkeys, sheep and a lama that the little ones will love to meet! The exciting news is that spring is here and that means it reopens on the 12th May – 30th September.
More info: www.jupiterartland.org
Photo Credit: Jupiter Artland (Website)
7. Pamper yourself at Edinburgh’s Life & Style Weekender
Last but not least, Edinburgh’s Life & Style event is back on the 5th & 6th May! Edinburgh’s annual style event provides visitors with a fun and fabulous weekend, packed with fashion, beauty, interiors and so much more. Included in each ticket is access to the much-loved fashion show and trend talk, which returns this year and will be hosted by Scottish fashion designer Lynne McCrossan, an express beauty treatment in the pop-up beauty hall, including a choice of mini makeovers, manicures or massages, along with an Edinburgh Gin cocktail, and the first 500 ticket holders will receive a fantastic goody bag.
More info: www.edinevents.com/lifestyle
Stay in a Dickins Home: 8/3 Lynedoch Place
Have we convinced you spring is one of the best times to visit Edinburgh? Well, we think you’ll love this charming two bedroom, two bathroom home on Lynedoch Place. It’s in a superb central position with Princes Street less than five minutes away and Stockbridge and the West end within very easy walking distance too.
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