Spring is on its way (honest!) and the days are getting longer and warmer. At this time of year, Edinburgh really blossoms with countless parks, coastlines and gardens to explore and enjoy. So get out of your winter hibernation and relish in the fresh air in some of our city's most beautiful outdoor spaces.
Holyrood Park
No piece on the Edinburgh outdoors would be complete without a hat-tip to our most famous park, right slap-bang in the town. This huge open space encompasses Arthur's Seat, the Crags and three lochs, giving you a real slice of the Scottish countryside right in the middle of the city. Whether you're up for the challenge of scaling the Seat, or just fancy a wee sit down and watching the ducks paddle by, there's no better way to spend a relaxing day than wandering through Holyrood.
The Water of Leith
Starting at the Shore and meandering through the heart of Edinburgh via Canonmills, Stockbridge and Dean Village, the Water of Leith provides a perfect backdrop for a Sunday afternoon stroll. You'll be in good company with runners, dog walkers and yummy mummies with their strollers. There's something about the sound of gentle babbling water along the path that is so relaxing. If you find your hands getting cold, stop off at one of the cafes in Canonmills like Earthy or Blue Bear Cafe for a well deserved cuppa.
One of the most underrated parks in the city, Craigmillar Castle Park has it all - sprawling woodland, open fields and an immense playpark that even the adults will want to play in - and that's even before we get to the 15th century castle. Its location on a slight rise in the south of Edinburgh means that you get panoramic views of the city centre, including Edinburgh Castle and Arthur's Seat. You can explore Craigmillar Castle too, which was home to Mary Queen of Scots among other notable historical figures, but bear in mind there is a small entry fee to get in.
A mere 20 minutes' walk from town, our famous Royal Botanic Garden is nestled between Canonmills and Stockbridge. Most of the gardens are free to explore, and they boast an ever-changing array of plants and blooms throughout the four seasons. The place is big enough that you can dip in and out as you please, exploring the rock garden one visit, then coming back to enjoy the Chinese hillside the next.
This is where you want to go if you want to plaster your Instagram with those postcard perfect pictures of the city. A relatively short climb rewards you with some of the most breathtaking views Edinburgh has to offer, with 360 degree panoramas stretching over Princes Street, to Holyrood Park, Musselburgh and Leith.
Portobello Beach
If gardens and woodland aren't your thing, then try a wander down Portobello beach's famous promenade. The wind can sometimes be a bit bracing, but it is absolutely glorious on a sunny day and would be rude not to indulge in a poke o' chips or an ice cream, enjoy the views of the shore and breathe in that gorgeous sea air!