Date spot in Edinburgh
Calton Hill
Walk up the short path from Princes Street to the monuments on Calton Hill and watch the sun go down over the Old Town.
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
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)
More from our Edinburgh guide
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)
Dean Village and the Water of Leith
Dean Path, West End, to Stockbridge
Address: Dean Village, Bell's Brae, Edinburgh EH4 3BE- Outdoors
- Free
- Dog friendly
- Best in Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Romantic
Follow the Water of Leith Walkway from Dean Village, a cluster of old mill buildings in a gorge, downstream to Stockbridge.
Why it's a good date: Ten minutes from Princes Street and it feels like a village. On a Sunday, time it to finish at Stockbridge Market for lunch from the stalls. Dogs are welcome on the walkway; keep them on a lead where it's busy.
Photo: Graeme Yuill, CC BY-SA 2.0 (resized)
