Photo Credit http://www.flickr.com/photos/nigeljohnwade/

Looking for a breezy, sunny spot to while away the hours on a warm. dry Scottish day? Look no further than The Meadows, a beautiful field where  in summer Edinburgh’s residents gather with bottles of beer and wine and picnics to feed themselves, their friends and families while impromptu games of soccer and frisbee take place across the span of these beautiful green spaces. In Winter, the Meadows plays host to cyclists, jogging groups, parents with children and while its patrons are perhaps not as relaxed as during the long summer days, there is still a lovely atmosphere.

The Meadows host two fantastic children’s play  parks, which are always bustling full of children happily playing. The play park at the South side has nearby (clean) toilet facilities and local coffee houses. It is an ideal meeting place for young families, ensuring their off spring catch up on ‘fresh air’ and they catch up with friends. The play park  located at the Bruntsfield end is more geared towards younger children.

But despite it’s appeal with Edinburgh residents and visitors alike, The Meadows were not always a place for relaxation. A little scroll back through history depicts The Meadows at the centre of Edinburgh’s Bubonic Plague outbreaks. During those outbreaks, the fields that now lend grassy relaxation areas to the individuals who visit were sites for the burying of the recently dead – what a macabre thought to greet visitors on a summer’s day!

Phot Credit http://www.flickr.com/photos/bods/

The Meadows are easily accessible from Tollcross and Southside, as well as Bruntsfield, and are only a short bus ride or walk from the Royal Mile. They are far enough from the center of town that they draw a crowd made up more of locals and students than of tourists, making them ideal for relaxed afternoons. As long as the weather is dry, The Meadows has vast expanses of open space to kick a football, throw a frisbee, walk along the paths, cycle, stop for coffee at the Starbucks or simply a stroll through some city greenery.

Bruntsfield Links, Present and Past

Bruntsfield Links shares a great deal in common with other members of the city parks system, but is located far enough outside the city centre that it attracts smaller (though still substantial) crowds during sunny weather.

The pitch 'n' putt golf course in Bruntsfield Links.

[image credit: Daveybot]

Surrounded by hotels and elegant flats, Bruntsfield Links has a pitch ‘n’ putt golf course and the park attracts joggers and dog walkers, although it is not as spacious as the nearby Meadows and bigger sports games rarely organise on the site.

View from Bruntsfield Links towards Barclay Church with Edinburgh Castle in the background.

[image credit: Daveybot]

Bruntsfield Links falls to the west of Meadow Park, and is bordered by Bruntsfield Place, Bruntsfield Terrace, and Bruntsfield Crescent, with Whit Ehouse Loan acting as a border between the two public parks. At times, the borders and uses of Bruntsfield Parks blur with those of the nearby Meadows, although Bruntsfield is often cited as the safer of the two areas for walkers late at night – a huge difference from its early years, when the city council website explains that the moor that previously occupied the space was a place where outlaws and outcasts could be found, and was “not a place to be caught after dark.”

Bruntsfield Links attracts walkers and joggers alike on a beautiful day.

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Signature elements of Bruntsfield Links include its trees as well as the houses and hotels that border it, offering a clear view out over the Meadows and the rolling lawns of the park. Bruntsfield Links is not an area frequented by most of the city’s tourists, although those in the know may stay at nearby hotels and take advantage of this less crowded but much treasured part of the city.

A central, but hidden feature of Edinburgh's Queen Street Gardens is the farm pond which has its own wee island.

[image credit: stommy]

An Elite History

The trees that line Queen Street Gardens shelter the grounds from the public eye, although it’s common knowledge within the city that those who live nearby are able to gain access to this privately-owned city treasure.

The powdery snow in Queen Street Gardens makes this secluded place even more magical.

[image credit: StartAgain]

Visitors may wonder what about Queen Street Gardens allows it the status of such private enjoyment, but they might be surprised to discover that for many years, Princes Street Gardens was subject to the same rules and regulations as this other, lesser-known garden.

While Princes Street Gardens became public through a default process, when a key-holder had their key stolen and it was copied and distributed among other residents. Queen Street Garden has had no such event in its history, and the gardens remain private to this day.

However on “Edinburgh Parks and Gardens Open Day” the Cockburn Association has previously offered the public access to Queen Street Gardens for one day and it is expected that more events are to follow in the future.

It would be easy to question why the park is not opened to the public permanently. As one walks along Queen Street, from East to West, enjoying the view of this secluded spot, one is struck by the deserted nature of the parklands and how infrequently one sees anyone taking advantage of this beautiful outdoor space. .

Queen Street Gardens are fenced in to maintain its exclusivity.

[image credit: Darcie]

In the end, Queen Street Gardens are largely a mystery to those who do not hold keys to their grounds (i.e., the greater portion of Edinburgh’s population) but remain a beautiful sight and an enticing area for exploration which many people enjoy from their outer boundaries. Queen Street Gardens are some of central Edinburgh’s most secluded spots, and will remain so in the foreseeable future.

Rainbow over Leith Links

The area is popular with joggers, thanks to its level grade and nearness to a number of residential streets, with several buses that operate along its boundaries. Until recently, Queen Margaret University College operated a campus here which was dedicated primarily to technical medical professions, but the building was sold several years ago and is now undergoing development. Dog walkers also find Leith Links to be a good area for their daily exploits.

[image credit: nigeljohnwade]

Leith Links: An Undiscovered Paradise

Near to the sea and fairly undiscovered by tourists, Leith Links offers a genuine Edinburgh experience for those seeking relaxation and enjoyment in exchange for low prices and authentic interactions with Edinburgh’s local population. Unlike the more posh areas nearer to the city center, Leith Links finds among its patrons those who are simply looking for a good time.

Kids also enjoy the open space of Leith Links.

[image credit: Ewan McIntosh]

Within a fifteen minute walk of Leith’s Shore district, Leith Links offers both a brilliant morning park experience and fun exposure to greenery without traveling too far. The greenspace is well manicured and within a close distance of some of Edinburgh’s better low-price shopping, such as the shops at the Foot of Leith Walk, but in the end this park sums up what it is to be a Leither – unpretentious, rough and ready for whatever life throws its way.

Leith Links with its well maintained lawn

[image credit: Embra]

Leith Links is one of the few unsanitized places left in Edinburgh, despite the recent warning signs of gentrification set to take off in Leith over the next decade or so, and the Links should be regarded as a time capsule and treasure until such a point as it’s taken over by prams and yuppies.

A long exposure of nocturnal traffic on Tollcross, Edinburgh.

Tollcross is home to the Cameo Cinema and Bar as well as the King’s Theatre, where travelling dramas are staged as well as a yearly pantomime.

[image credit: ewanmcdowall]

Restaurants, Charity Shops And Specialty Stores In Tollcross

The charm of Tollcross is in the tiny shops and stores that line its streets, in contrast to the chain store presences along some of Edinburgh’s other shopping areas. Here, small charity stores and groceries, as well as bakeries and restaurants are the norm.

The 10 and 16 buses enter Tollcross crossroads from this direction, winding their way out into the further reaches of Edinburgh’s suburbs. By heading east along Lauriston Place, one can reach the Southside neighborhood, while Brougham Street and Bourgham Place feature a number of tiny shops which are popular with students from the nearby universities and colleges for their health foods and cheaply available meals.

The most significant feature of Tollcross is the clock in the middle of the junction. Made by Edinburgh clock makers James Ritchie & Son, it has been a landmark since the early 20th century.

Tick tock, tick tock. The Tollcross Clock is one of Edinburgh's instantly recognisable landmarks.

[image credit: kyz]

By day, Tollcross is inhabited by workers and families, while the evening sees the streets occupied by students and others eager to take part in the area’s culture. The Cameo Cinema, which offers membership and has been under constant threat of closure for several years, continues to show exciting new films from both the UK and abroad and also functions as a venue during the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF).

Cameo cinema in Tollcross is the place for arthouse films in Edinburgh and a popular venue for the EIFF.

[image credit: angus mcdiarmid]

The wine bars and restaurants of Tollcross attract both the college and postgrad sets as well as those looking for a good pre- or post-theatre meal, and the coffee shops in the area have been known to stay open quite late, especially over the summer festival.

Behind the main streets, Tollcross’ architecture features beautiful old houses and residents who have been in the area for years. While some rent their accommodation to students, others have a strong presence in the neighborhood, and development along nearby Fountainbridge ensures that the area will continue to be one of the main draws of Edinburgh’s city center as time goes on.

St. Andrew Square commemorates St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland, with a park which has recently undergone a major reconstruction, and now contains a water feature beneath Melville Monument and a coffee shop after years of being a sterile zone of greenspace inaccessible to the general public.

The water feature in the beautifully redeveloped St Andrew Square Garden in Edinburgh

[image credit: Spanner Dan]

This means that more and more people are able to enjoy what has been, until recently, an off-limits area in the city centre.

Soaking up the sun in Edinburgh's St. Andrew Square Garden.

[image credit: LodewijkB]

Restaurants, Shops And More

A number of businesses have their homes or major branches in St. Andrew Square, including banks, coffee and sandwich shops, and a small Sainsbury’s where city-dwellers or those on their lunch break can pick up necessities. Around half of the buses that travel down Princes Street stop in St. Andrew Square, with the other half heading down Leith Street or across the Bridges.

A view onto St. Andrew Square as seen from Scott Monument with Leith and the Firth of Forth in the background.

[image credit: thomesy]

St. Andrew Square itself is notable for its fine cocktail bars and a number of business offices on its south side, as well as an easy way to make the passage from the nearby St. James shopping center through to Harvey Nicks and George Street. It is within a stone’s throw of the Stand Comedy Club, and during the summer months the park and new coffee shop allow residents and visitors a safe and enticing place to rest their feet after a day’s shopping on Princes and George Street before they carry on into the evening with the clubs and bars on Queen Street.

St. Andrew Square is one of those rare gems in Scotland’s capital city, a square that has held its place in history while moving with the times and showing its modern side as well.

Edinburgh's Cowgate - After a few drinks some cannot make head nor tail of it...

[image credit: jaakko.hakulinen]

This lower-level street winds its way beneath the South Bridge and George IV bridge, and is home to what some may call less reputable pubs and clubs, as well as student mainstays and Festival venues come August.

Cowgate looking towards the Grassmarket, crossing above is George IV Bridge.

[image credit: DNQA]

Wandering along the Cowgate

The Cowgate, which stretches from the Pleasance to the Grassmarket, is one of the longer streets in Edinburgh’s city centre. There is a great deal of history here, and as you wander this long, almost subterranean street, you can find traces of Edinburgh’s old history in the names of the closes and wynds that cross its borders.

Beginning at the Pleasance, where views of Arthur’s Seat and the nearby Dumbiedykes housing projects are readily available, one can pass along a number of older streets. Notable points include restaurants and bars that offer happy hours and pole dancing competitions, as well as Opium, which enjoys great rock cred with younger college students out for a night on the town.

One really big pub in the Cowgate is the Three Sisters, especially popular for stag and hen parties.

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Edinburgh's Cowgate by night as seen from South Bridge

[image credit: Mr Pauly D]

A number of new venues have started popping up over the last few years, with private clubs and fringe venues cum members only bars taking the place of once deserted cavernous rooms.

One notable event in recent history is the fire that consumed a large portion of the Cowgate several years ago.

Burnt-out - The Cowgate fire site has left a gaping hole where clubs and pubs used to be.

[image credit: Ipoh 子]

This burnt-out region has been under construction for a number of years, with several large Fringe venues expressing an interest in rebuilding it for their own use during August months.

The fire site in Cowgate transformed to a venue during the festival

[image credit: chrisdonia]

Toward the west end of the Cowgate, one starts encountering a number of the regular clubs frequented by Edinburgh’s college and university students, including the lower level entrance to Espionage and pool halls where Channel 4 Comedians are known to reside during the Fringe’s drinking hours.

View from Cowgate Head towards Cowgate with Candlemaker Row and a backpacker's to the right.

[image credit: Ipoh 子]

Finally, the Underbelly venue (which is located in the vaults underneath George IV bridge) spills its guests out into the Grassmarket, where their revelry can continue.

The Cowgate as it runs under George IV Bridge

[image credit: Peter Nijenhuis]

Life on George Bridge

Built between 1829 and 1832, George IV Bridge is a centre of knowledge and culture – but really, what parts of the centre of Edinburgh aren’t? Once you leave the Royal Mile, there is some initial construction, but once you reach Victoria Street (a winding street which is rumoured to be the basis for J.K. Rowling’s Knockturn Alley, and if you stand at the bottom of Victoria Street and look up you’ll know why) you find yourself surrounded by history and knowledge.

Sunset on George IV Bridge's south end with Candlemaker Row to the left.

[image credit: Aaron G Stock]

The National Library of Scotland is to the east side of the street, while the central branch of the Edinburgh City Libraries is on the west.

Edinburgh's Central Library on George IV Bridge.

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The latter is open to any resident of the city at no cost, while the former is an archive which has a right to a copy of every book published in Scotland and is used primarily for students and scholars doing research on their work. The City Library offers computer sign ins with internet use, free of charge, for its registered users.

Further along the bridge, one can peer down onto the Cowgate before heading into Bar Kohl, the city’s premiere vodka bar (try the Vampire Martini, or one of the myriad of shots available, with helpful bartenders who will gladly provide water for those who over-imbibe). Across the street is The Elephant House, a gorgeous cafe with another Potter connection.

The Elephant House on George IV Bridge is rumoured to be the birthplace of Harry Potter.

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Chambers Street with its museums and Greyfriar’s Kirk (including a statue of the famous dog Bobby) are also found along the bridge.

The south end of George IV Bridge in Edinburgh with the wee statue of Greyfriar's Bobby.

[image credit: andyhayes.com]

At the opposite end of George IV Bridge is the Bedlam Theatre, home to the Edinburgh University Theatre Company, which presents original work.

View of Edinburgh Castle from the Grassmarket

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Historical And Present Significance

Historically, the Grassmarket was a site for hangings and revelry – today it retains one of those purposes, as one of the prime locations for pubs visited by local and visiting hen parties, university students, and young professionals looking to enjoy a few drinks … and then a few more.

Beginning in the South as it departs from Victoria Street, the winding street filled with shops which runs the steep hill down from George IV Bridge, the Grassmarket offers viewers a glimpse of the old site of hangings, with a memorial to those who were executed.

Enscribed on the Covenanter’s memorial on Grassmarket it says "On this spot many Martyrs and Covenanters died for the Protestant faith"

[image credit: Mark Thompson Design]

A number of pubs as well as french and Italian restaurants line the eastern side of the road. The western side is home to Armstrongs, a well-loved vintage clothing shop as seen in the film “Festival” and known to local film and theatre costume designers for both student and professional pieces as a great resource for period dress.

Sunshine on Edinburgh's Grassmarket

[image credit: thisstage]

The Grassmarket is also the location of the yearly French market and a much beloved crepe stall which has been serving students and other revellers for over a decade.

A colourful stall at the Grassmarket's French market in Edinburgh

[image credit: theedinburghblog]

Near the south end of the Grassmarket one can find Dance Base, dedicated to classes and other displays of modern dance, and also host to industry events during the Fringe.

Artists magnetise the crowd on Grassmarket during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

[image credit: Alan Stanton]

The Grassmarket is the perfect location for meeting friends, arranging a rendez-vous with large groups, or simply passing the time over nachos and a cold lager.

Edinburgh's Grassmarket by night with its illuminated pubs.

[image credit: Donnie Ray]

A popular spot for late night drinking and dancing is The Black Bull, while several of the inns and pubs along the way double as stops on local literary and history tours.

Flowery metal entrance gate to the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh

[image credit: miss mass]

A Haven of Greenery

Green, green, green! The beautiful landscape of Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Garden.

[image credit: Richard Bloomfield]

The Royal Botanical Garden Edinburgh is a large tract of land dedicated to preservation and research on plant species of the world.

A gorgeous flower found in one of the Royal Botanic's greenhouses in Edinburgh.

[image credit: cawa]

Built 1858, the Temperate Palm House has a height of 21.95 m (72ft) to accommodate even the tallest plants.

[image credit: Peter Nijenhuis]

Offering exotic flowers and trees, and running their own expeditions to foreign countries to collect worthwhile specimens, the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh is one of the world’s leading Botanical Gardens. The Gardens offer a rest from the hectic pace of city life for those tourists and locals who find themselves overwhelmed by the city.

The lily pond in Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Garden, reflecting the roof of the glasshouses.

[image credit: Maria Keays]

Year-round, the Royal Botanical Garden Edinburgh offers a programme of events, speakers, tours, and more, all of which can be found at their website. In the summer, the Garden often hosts at least one Fringe production, an outdoor adaptation of Shakespearean work (for the last few years). There is a small exhibition hall in the North-East corner of the Garden, where artists’ work and children’s events often take place.

Spirit, the Chinese Lantern Festival at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh

[image credit: jvhemert]

The Royal Botanical Garden Edinburgh prides itself on its strong connections to the community around it, not just the wider scientific community. They have a dedicated following in both Inverleith – the neighbourhood of Edinburgh where they are located – and in the wider Edinburgh community as well.

One little-known fact about the Royal Botanical Garden Edinburgh is that the many squirrels who live on the grounds share a less-than-savoury feature with many humans – because of visitors who drop cigarette butts on the grounds, many of these squirrels are addicted to nicotine! (This nugget of information was explained by a relative of a garden worker.)

A grey squirrel in the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh

[image credit: g.naharro]

By wandering the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, one can experience a number of floral environments, enjoy their visitors’ center and cafés, and learn about the ways in which our world is impacted by its plant life.