Location: Edinburgh
Top Things to do in Edinburgh
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The 10 Best Gardens in Edinburgh, Scotland
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. Dr Neil's Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 98 reviews
As COVID-19 restrictions ease we will OPEN from 3rd May Monday to Sunday 10:00-18:00. The toilet remains closed for hygiene reasons. The garden came about due to the inspiration of Drs Nancy and Andrew Neil were a husband and wife team of General Practitioners whose practice was in the Meadowbank area, on the north side of Arthur’s Seat. In 1963 Andrew and Nancy began work on part of the Duddingston Glebe (church land) known as The Calves Field, and Dr Neil’s Garden was born. Though the ground had been used for grazing – for calves and geese, its steep slope and rocky surface made it unsuitable for growing crops, and thus so it had never previously been cultivated. The doctors liked to encourage their patients to assist in the Garden, thus allowing them to benefit from healthy outdoor activity and the tranquil setting beside the Loch. Over the years the garden has become more and more cultivated
Reviewed By katemP4124RL - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Beautiful gardens within Holyrood Park with views of Arthur Seat and Duddingston Loch. Lots of relaxing spaces and the volunteers that run the gardens and cafe are fantastic. It's a beautiful backdrop for photographs and we had wedding photographs taken there which you can book for a small fee.
2. Princes Street Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,323 reviews
Reviewed By wanderlustsurvivor
This large and beautiful park is situated perfectly in town, and large enough to stroll for hours and wander, or sit on a bench, or by the fountain, etc. Would have liked to spend more time here.
3. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,564 reviews
The Botanics offers visitors peace and tranquility amongst its stunning 72 acres in Edinburgh city centre. Founded in 1670, the Garden is acknowledged to be one of the finest in the world.
Reviewed By N8766KRmarkh - Chippenham, United Kingdom
enjoyed a leisurely stroll with friends who were visiting from the south west. it was a lovely day which helps. Free to enter, really well maintained, lots to look at , easy access, coffee at east gate, food in the restaurant across the gardens which offers a visitor centre and shop that sells plants (which are probably superb but a little pricey!)
4. South Queensferry Walled Garden
5. 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.
6. Saughton Park and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By EdinburghLizard - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
We regularly walk our dogs here is that we've discovered it. Firstly the park is massive, there are sporting facilities, a large children's playground, skate park and outdoor gym equipment, all with views towards Murrayfield and Edinburgh castle, and Pentlands to the north. Once you've seen the park then there is the walled gardens. Dogs are allowed on lead, and there is rose gardens, sunken garden, bandstand and the garden bistro, a great place to stop for some food and drinks. If you are lucky you can see otters in the Water of Leith that runs along the edge.
7. 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.
8. London Road Gardens
9. Malleny Garden
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By nickhS515MH
Lovely garden , great for taking a bit of time out. There is a wide variety of plants and trees, with lots going on but there is also lawn space. It is like the ideal huge back garden that you never had.
10. Secret Herb Garden
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 191 reviews
Reviewed By Heida2013 - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
My mum and I visited here on Friday. We have been a few times and it really is one of my favourite places We both had lattes and Isle of Mull cheese scones with herb butter and onion chutney The scones were freshly baked and out of his world So good and the cafe was very well spaced out We then took a lovely walk round the gardens and bought some of their delicious honey from the gift shop This really is a gem of a place
