Now that we have had some warm and sunny days here in Edinburgh, we would like to share our top tips on how to spend a relaxing day outdoors whilst staying at our apartments in Edinburgh. In this blog you will find out more about:

• Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
• Water of Leith & Dean Village
• Starbank Park Newhaven

Day Out at Royal Botanic Garden & Picnic at Inverleith Park

The Royal Botanic Garden celebrates 350 years since it first opened its doors. On a total area of 70 acres you will discover a diverse range of plant and tree collections, enjoy a stunning view of Edinburgh’s skyline and you might even spot a squirrel, or two, who also inhabit this peaceful oasis.  You can continue across to the Inverleith Park, located next to the Garden’s West Gate, and stop for a picnic by another great view of the iconic Edinburgh skyline just above the Inverleith Pond. On the way back to the city centre, wander around the streets of Stockbridge and discover shops, cafes and charity shops typical for this part of town. Finally, if you happen to be in Stockbridge on a Sunday, pay a visit to the Stockbridge Market!

Walk along the Water of Leith & Dean Village

Another beautiful area to discover is the walkway along the Water of Leith. Just a few minutes away from the city centre, you can join the walkway and enjoy the gems as you follow along. You will come across St Bernard’s Well hidden in an iconic structure dating back over 200 years and dominated by a statute of the Greek Goddess of Health, Hygeia. Back in the day when the well was first discovered, the locals believed the spring water to have healing affects. Moving further away from the city centre, you will pass under the impressive Dean Bridge and in no time, you will reach the Dean Village – a picturesque area that will take you back in time.

Starbank Park & Traditional Seafood in Newhaven

If you feel like venturing a little further out, this beautiful park is in Newhaven, around 2.5 miles from the city centre. The Starbank Park has been restored into its current state by a community-led action group, the Friends of Starbank Park and they have turned it into a favourite spot for local residents. The park has an eye-catching garden full of flowers, plants and even cherry blossom trees. With its unbeatable location, almost at the water-front, it boasts amazing views over the Firth of Forth. To make it a perfect place for a family visit, there is a children’s nature trail and a little library to entertain the little ones. The park is only a couple of minutes’ walk from the Newhaven harbour – you can enjoy the atmosphere of an old fishing harbour and grab a bite to eat.

Before your visit, have a quick look online and check if the places you plan to visit require you to book a ticket, or reserve a table, in advance. This way you will be ready to enjoy what the city has got to offer!

There’s so many things to do in the city, from secret bars to spooky ghost tours, Edinburgh has it all. So to make things a bit easier we’ve put together a list of our must-do’s! Comment below if you think we’ve missed anything critical. Sharing is Caring!

STEEP YOURSELF IN HISTORY AT EDINBURGH CASTLE

Why not get ahead of the crowds and start your day at Edinburgh Castle when it opens at 9.30am. The Castle is set in the heart of the city and the escapade offers a fantastic view. It’s home to the National War Museum and you can see the real Scottish Crown Jewels and Stone of Destiny! If you’re still wandering around in the early afternoon, you can see (and of course) hear the famous One O’clock Gun! Afterwards, enjoy exploring the Royal Mile, visiting the various pubs, restaurants, shops and historically significant closes to find the hidden gems.

BE FASCINATED BY SURGEONS’ HALL MUSEUM

Take a pit stop halfway down the royal mile and grab some lunch on South Bridge. Make sure you’ve eaten before visiting our next suggestion! Surgeon’s Hall Museum is a real treasure trove of historical surgical tools, mind-boggling paintings and – yes –  an assortment of real body parts, displayed in jars. You may not know but Edinburgh’s dark history of  body snatching allowed for the evolution of medical surgeries. Find out about how many great Scottish minds discovered several medical breakthroughs we still use today.

TRAVEL TO THE BEGINNING OF TIME AT DYNAMIC EARTH

Now you’ve experienced some of exciting human history, perhaps it’s time to launch into outer space and see the creation of time itself. Dynamic Earth is a fantastic attraction, suitable for all ages to learn and enjoy. This immersive and interactive adventure takes you on a journey through space and time to learn how the forces of the natural world worked to shape Earth to what we know it to be today. Finish your afternoon off (and rest those feet) watching a short film in their 360-degree cinema dome, its included in your tour price.

SPEND YOUR TIME, NOT MONEY (IT’S FREE) AT NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND

We also suggest a visit to the National Museum of Scotland, its easily one of the best indoor attractions in Edinburgh. Even better, it’s free! With over 20,000 unique artifacts to see, you can learn about the story of Scotland and see fascinating exhibits on the natural world, world cultures, science, design and history. Some museum highlights would be the animal exhibit, the fashion & style gallery and watching the millennium clock chime in the hour with its unique musical display.

GETTING HUNGRY FOR DINNER INSPIRATION? CHECK OUT OUR SISTER BLOG ‘BEST PLACES TO EAT IN EDINBURGH’ FOR OUR TOP FOODIE FAVORITES.  

HAVE A DRAM AT THE SCOTCH WHISKY EXPERIENCE

Head towards the castle from the Royal Mile where you’ll find the Scotch Whisky Experience.  You can honour Scotland’s national (and regularly enjoyed) drink. Whisk around on the barrel ride where you’ll learn all about the whisky making process and behold the world’s largest collection of Scotch whisky. Then don’t forget to finish off your tour with a sample of the good stuff!

THE ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA, ITS FIT FOR A QUEEN

Start your day from Princes Street in the city centre, it’s a short ride on the number 22 or 11 to The Royal Yacht Britannia. which according to votes on TripAdvisor , it is one of the UK’s best attractions. We recommend buying a day-ticket for the bus, its only £4.50 this will set you up on as many buses as you would like throughout the day however, alternatively a single is £1.80. Once you arrive at Ocean terminal you can step on board The Queen’s floating Royal residence. On a tour around the yacht you’ll see the engine room, a Rolls Royce and state apartments across the five decks. After the tour, we would recommend taking some time to exploring terminal’s shops, bars and attractions and of course- the Shore of Leith, one of the most fashionable areas to live in Edinburgh.

SMELLS THE ROSES AT THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS

If you find yourself at the Leith Shore, then you can hop on the number 36 bus and head down Edinburgh’s haven of peace and tranquility. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh offers visitors 72 acres of stunning scenery and is one of the finest botanic gardens in the world, dating back over 300 years.  Wonder around its wonderful exhibitions, exotic glasshouses and be surrounded by a host of colourful plants, trees and shrubs. Once you’ve soaked up the fresh air, either wander back to the centre through the sophisticated Stockbridge area of New Town or catch the number 27 and 23 bus will drop you back off at Princes Street.

IF THERE ARE ANY ATTRACTION WHICH TAKES YOUR FANCY, DON’T HESITATE TO GIVE US A CALL ON 0131 556 3840. WE WOULD BE HAPPY TO ARRANGE TICKETS AND/OR MAKE RESERVATIONS TO SECURE YOUR PLACE AND SAVE QUEUING TIME.