Parks in Edinburgh

Holyrood Park is a remarkable 260-hectare ancient royal park and wild volcanic landscape in the centre of Edinburgh. At its heart rises Arthur's Seat, the highest point in the city at 251 metres, a summit that feels like genuine Highland wilderness.

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) is a 28-hectare living plant collection in Inverleith, just north of the city centre. Founded in 1670, it is one of the oldest and finest botanic gardens in the world.

Princes Street Gardens are a lush, sunken public park running through the heart of Edinburgh, occupying the valley between the medieval Old Town and the Georgian New Town. This was once an artificial loch — the Nor Loch — drained in the early 19th century.

The Meadows is a large, flat public park south of the Old Town, beloved by Edinburgh's students and locals as an informal green space for sports, picnics, and festivals. Cherry blossoms line its avenues in spring.

The Water of Leith Walkway is a peaceful, car-free path following Edinburgh's main river for 20 km from the Pentland Hills to the harbour at Leith. The most scenic and accessible section runs through Dean Village and Stockbridge.