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Best Parks in Edinburgh

, 9 Options Found

Holyrood Park, also known as Queen's Park, is an area of wild natural beauty representing all the features traditionally associated with the Scottish landscape, such as craggy mountains, lochs, fields of heather, glens and marshland. It contains Arthur's Seat (an extinct volcano), Holyroodhouse Palace, and a bird sanctuary. It was a Royal hunting ground in the 12th Century and then became a Royal park in the 16th Century, but the massive site is now public. Take care, because the paths are steep. They form a slightly tricky yet delightful walk and the view from the top always makes the climb worth the effort.

Founded in 1670 as a medicinal garden, Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Garden today sprawls across acres and acres and is both, beautiful and educational. This iridescent garden houses an evocative display of cycads (plants from the dinosaur era) and Britain's tallest Palm house, and in the rock garden, there are marsh orchids, campanulas and lilies. The Pringle Chinese Collection houses an unrivaled assembly of wild-origin Chinese plants that grow in a wild water ravine, while the teeming herbarium is where hundreds of thousands of preserved botanic specimens reside in complete harmony. Strewn across the garden's expanse are gorgeous alpine flowers, a beautiful lawn of azaleas, peat walls, a fernery, delightful tropical houses, the lovely, glass-topped Palm House and the 18th-century Inverleith House sheltering myriad exhibits and artworks. A sprawling green oasis speckled with tufts and tinges of vibrant colors, the Royal Botanic Garden is a striking nexus of education, conservation and unabashed natural beauty.

The grounds of Princes Street Gardens stretch to the foot of Castle Rock, to the West End of the city and eastwards to Waverley Station. Dissected by the Mound, which houses the Royal Scottish Academy and the National Gallery of Scotland, they make a wonderful green spot in the valley between the Old and New Town. Permanently saved from commercial development by an Act of Parliament in 1816, the park was completed in 1830 after the Nor' Loch was drained. Today it is a favorite area for a stroll and a verdant short-cut to the Castle.

Even though it is located so close to the the town center of Dalkeith, Dalkeith Country Estate is an oasis of calm and a natural getaway. This estate with its vast playgrounds, scenic trails, cycle tracks and picturesque farms is an ideal location for family outings and picnics. The 850- acre farmland is also home to several wild animals and birds. So whether you are a nature lover or someone who is looking for a fun day out with family, Dalkeith Country Estate is the place to be.

The Meadows Park which is located in a very prominent area of town has beauty written all over it. Green and neat, this park is a great place for walks and recreational activities. Complete with a croquet club, tennis courts and the very popular visiting cheese van (Cheasee Peasee) which comes all the way from France. A number of attractions can be seen from this gorgeous park and it plays host to a number of cultural events throughout the year.

One of the most scenic outdoor landscapes in Edinburgh, Pentland Hills stretch all the way from the southwest of Edinburgh into Midlothian. The Regional Park was designated in 1986. These beautiful Scottish Highlands are perfect for escaping the maddening city and offer great opportunities to experience and enjoy the natural outdoors. There are many sites like Flotterstone, Bonaly, Hillend or Harlaw that are ideal for activities like walking, cycling, camping, horse riding and many more. Make sure you carry all the necessary gear and equipment as conditions can can get pretty tough.

Dating back to the 18th Century, St Andrew Square is a prominent attraction in the heart of Edinburgh. The square is easily distinguishable by the ornate column of the Melville Monument, built in honor of the first Viscount Melville, Henry Dundas. A number of historical buildings cast their shadows on this important city square; while the Dundas House stands on the square's eastern end, the 19th-century British Linen Bank building captures attention with its neoclassical form. The renovated St Andrew gardens also form part of the square. Its beautiful landscape unfolds under moody Edinburgh skies, and it forms the backdrop for a host of cultural events and exhibitions.

One of the most well-kept parks in Edinburgh, Saughton Park is a great place to relax or spend some time with kids. Complete with walled gardens, floral exhibits, children's play area, athletic track, glasshouses and a skateboard park, there is everything for everyone here. The glass Winter Garden has the widest variety of exotic plants and flowers. You will be enchanted with the scenic flower beds and yew hedges once you lay your eyes on them. So just retire on one the benches and soak in the serenity of this place.

Located on the Northwest outskirts of Edinburgh, Cammo Estate is a historical park with beautiful meadows, woodlands, ponds, glades and grasslands. The rich and diverse flora and fauna along with fascinating history add to the charm of this place. You can explore the remains of what once used to be the grandest residences of Edinburgh. Some even say that the estate grounds are haunted. The Cammo House, the old canal and the striking Cammo tower are a must visit while you're here. Unlike recreational parks, Cammo Estate has a character of its own.

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