Date spot in Edinburgh
Rhubarb at Prestonfield House
Have a grand dinner in the opulent dining rooms of Prestonfield House, a country house hotel below Arthur's Seat.
Priestfield Road, Prestonfield
Address: Prestonfield House, Priestfield Road, Edinburgh EH16 5UT- Restaurant
- Rain-proof β
- A treat
- Romantic
- Big night
Why it's a good date: Chandeliers, silk walls and old portraits make it feel like a proper occasion, and it's only a short taxi from the centre. Go early and have a drink by the fire first.
More from our Edinburgh guide
Cardinal
Eyre Place, Canonmills
Address: Cardinal, 14 Eyre Place, Edinburgh EH3 5EP- Restaurant
- Rain-proof β
- A treat
- Foodie
- Romantic
Book TomΓ‘s Gormley's tasting menu at a small, candlelit restaurant on Eyre Place.
Why it's a good date: Dark walls, candlelight and only a couple of dozen seats make it feel intimate, and the cooking is ambitious without being stuffy. Book ahead.

Arthur's Seat
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
Climb the old volcano in Holyrood Park for a view over the whole city, from the castle to the Firth of Forth.
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)

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)