Location: Southside & Holyrood
Top Things to do in Southside & Holyrood
6 Nature & Parks in Southside & Holyrood That You Shouldn't Miss
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city, renowned for its heritage, culture and festivals.
Take a long walk around the centre to explore the World Heritage Sites of the Old Town and New Town, as well as all the area’s museums and galleries. Then stop for a delicious meal made from fresh Scottish produce before heading out to take in one of Edinburgh’s many events — including the famous summer festivals of culture, or the Winter Festivals of music, light and ceilidhs.
Restaurants in Edinburgh
1. Arthur's Seat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21,026 reviews
Arthur's Seat is one of four hill forts, dating from around 2,000 years ago. Situated within Holyrood Park, as well as it's rich cultural heritage, the park offers walks, solace, wildlife, volcanic geology and unparalleled vistas of the city from its many vantage points. The park has several Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) designations due to its exceptional range of grassland habitats and its internationally important volcanic geology. Ranger service on site.
Reviewed By holland21 - Stirling, United Kingdom
Arthur’s Seat is a massive hill in Holyrood Park in Edinburgh and if you’re feeling fit you can walk and/or climb it and of course you can drive round it, able to stop along the way to marvel at the views around the city and beyond, depending if you’re looking North, west south or east and see so many landmarks near and far. I would say that this is a must see and do when visiting Edinburgh !
2. Dunbars Close Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 74 reviews
Reviewed By johnhouston2 - Knaresborough, United Kingdom
Although Dunbar’s Close has the design of a 17th-century garden, it wasn’t actually created until the 1970s when landscape architect Seamus Filor, funded by the Mushroom Trust, transformed the old close into the lovely area we see today. The inspiration for Filor's design was Patrick Geddes, a 19th-century Scotsman well versed in science, philanthropy, and city planning who insisted that the Old Town be revitalized by what he referred to as “pocket gardens.” The garden here is much larger than you might expect. Initially you step into a walled garden with paths between manicured shrubbery. As expected, and no doubt hoped, the atmosphere is immediately much quieter than the hubbub of sound in the nearby, busy street. Walk further towards the back and you find another area with yew trees and various other shrubs, along with beds of flowers. And that's not all, because even further back is a pleasant grass area with benches on which to sit, relax, and feel chuffed that you've discovered this peaceful wee oasis in the centre on the city.
3. Holyrood Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,693 reviews
Holyrood Park is a unique historic landscape in the heart of the city, whose dramatic crags and hills give Edinburgh its distinctive skyline. Within the park is a wealth of history and archaeology spanning thousands of years. Arthur's Seat is one of four hill forts, dating from around 2,000 years ago. As well as it's rich cultural heritage, the park offers walks, solace, wildlife, volcanic geology and unparalleled vistas of the city from its many vantage points.
Reviewed By Protopunk
Standing at 882ft... Looms over Edinburgh with great view from the top. My childhood playground... Park as a whole is great for a day out, with three lochs..dunsapie and st Margaret's are man made but duddingston is a natural loch with a lot of waterfowl and the innocent railway path running beside it. The ruinous st Anthony chapel was a medieval hospital and is a popular viewpoint.the views along the coast to east lothian and fife never cease to amaze me, there is also a community centre on perimeter of park, by holyrood palace with a scale model of the park and Arthur seat and info on many events which are held in the park throughout the year, park is ideal for kids with plenty space to burn off energy, it is a must see for visitors from abroad too...not many cities can boast an extinct volcano in the centre of town. It is easily accessible from the Royal mile and ideal if one wants to visit holyrood palace and the parliament. I'm fortunate that I grew up nearby and played in holyrood park, now I'm older I appreciate it more than I did in childhood... I'd recommend a visit any time any day.
4. Salisbury Crags
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By FlyAtNight - Brooklin, Canada
My wife and I walked up to Salisbury Crags. Our trip started at Holyrood Palace and it took about 45 minutes to get to the top of Salisbury Crags. The path is well marked and definitely worth the effort. From the top there are excellent views of the city.
5. The Meadows
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 223 reviews
Pleasantly green park, perfect for jogging, walking and lounging.
Reviewed By RossJG - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
The Meadows is a large public park in the south side of Edinburgh. Great grassy area to have a picnic in the sun. Tracks round outside for walking, running or cycling. Numerous shops round about for supplies for a picnic. Lovely mature trees line various pathways which zigzag through park. Children’s play park and tennis courts at one end also. Fantastic area to relax and enjoy the sun.
