The Varied & Notable Green Spaces of Edinburgh
Capital of Scotland and home to numerous incredible natural vistas, the well-loved city of Edinburgh offers both sophisticated city living and nature in abundance, depending on what a person is in the mood for at a given time. When the mood to “go green” strikes, there’s no prettier place to be!
Visitors who arrive via train into Edinburgh’s Waverly Station will be impressed with the vast and striking beauty of Princes Street Gardens, which begin just west of the station, in Waverly Valley. These gardens are several hundred years old, and are located in what used to be a man-made lake. At the east end of the Garden, a spectacular view of the Balmoral hotel (one of the most exclusive Edinburgh hotels) and the North Bridge greets the eyes of all who use this fantastic green space for relaxation. Further west, past the National Gallery which houses some of Scotland’s most important artistic treasures, there are organized paths and playgrounds bring visitors to the gardens right up beneath Edinburgh Castle, where they can appreciate the majesty of this ancient fortress up close.
Looming high above the city – even higher than the Castle itself – is Arthur’s Seat, located in the center of Holyrood Park. A national royal park, Holyrood is used by locals as sports fields and more, while Arthur’s Seat provides a jogging and biking track, as well as fun and challenging climbs for those who want a few hours of testing their mettle against this hill. To the North, Holyrood Park gathers visitors from both Leith and Edinburgh, while further South visiting the park becomes a more private and secluded experience.
As one travels toward Edinburgh’s west end, past some of the best hotels in Edinburgh and down along Lothian Road, one ventures through Tollcross and out into the Meadows – an open, tree-lined field that offers football pitches and other sports activities to teams that congregate both spontaneously and as parts of local sports leagues.
No tour of Edinburgh’s green spaces would be complete without a visit to the Royal Botanic Garden in Inverleith. This world-class research and preservation institute features plant life collected from around the world. In addition to both native and exotic flora that thrives in Edinburgh’s climate, a number of heated greenhouses allow visitors to experience the climates and plant life of more exotic parts of the world. The Garden also houses an exhibition center, where there are often art and science exhibits available to teach those who come to the garden about its mission.
Although it’s not a public space, one of the most beautiful gardens in Edinburgh is Queen Street Gardens. Accessible to locals only via a lock-and-key system, this mysterious, well-shaded garden can be glimpsed through trees and iron fences, but always stays tantalizingly out of reach for those who are simply passing through the city.
Finally, for a secret green space you won’t have expected, head to the roof at the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street. You’ll be treated to an exotic garden and incredible views of this stunning city.
