Date spot in Edinburgh
Arthur's Seat
Climb the old volcano in Holyrood Park for a view over the whole city, from the castle to the Firth of Forth.
Holyrood Park, at the foot of the Royal Mile
Address: Holyrood Park, Queen's Drive, Edinburgh EH8 8AZ- Outdoors
- Free
- Dog friendly
- Best in Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Active
Why it's a good date: It feels like a proper hill walk, and you're back in town within a couple of hours. Go early for a quieter summit, wear decent shoes, and stop for breakfast in the Old Town on the way down. Dogs are welcome in the park: keep them on a lead where signs ask, in the bird nesting season.
Photo: Gareth James, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)
More from our Edinburgh guide
Calton Hill
Regent Road, at the east end of Princes Street
Address: Calton Hill, Regent Road, Edinburgh EH7 5AA- Outdoors
- Free
- Dog friendly
- Best in Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Romantic
Walk up the short path from Princes Street to the monuments on Calton Hill and watch the sun go down over the Old Town.
Why it's a good date: The classic Edinburgh view for very little effort: the castle, the Balmoral clock and Arthur's Seat all in one frame. Bring a flask and go on a clear evening. Dogs are welcome on the hill, kept under close control.
Photo: Ad Meskens, CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped and resized)
National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Old Town
Address: Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF- Culture
- Rain-proof ☔
- Free
Explore the free national museum, from Dolly the sheep to the Lewis chessmen, then head up to the rooftop terrace.
Why it's a good date: There's so much in here that you can come back and see something new each time. The rooftop terrace has a castle view, and it's the best rain plan in the city.
Photo: Elshad, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped and resized)
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Inverleith Row and Arboretum Place, Inverleith
Address: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Inverleith Row, Edinburgh EH3 5LRWander 70 acres of free gardens, from the rock garden and its pond to the Chinese hillside, with a view of the castle and skyline from the high ground.
Why it's a good date: Calm, green and never too busy, even at weekends. The glasshouses are closed for restoration, so save it for a dry day and walk on to Stockbridge afterwards.
Photo: Daniel Kraft, CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped and resized)
