Date spot in Edinburgh
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Wander 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)
More from our Edinburgh guide
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)
Scottish National Gallery
The Mound, between the Old Town and Princes Street
Address: The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL- Culture
- Rain-proof ☔
- Free
See Scottish and European old masters in the free gallery on the Mound, including Raeburn's skating minister.
Why it's a good date: Small enough to see properly in an hour, which leaves time for a walk in Princes Street Gardens right outside. Each of you picks a favourite painting and makes the case for it.
Photo: Kim Traynor, CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped and resized)
The Shore, Leith
The Shore, Leith
Address: Fishers in Leith, 1 The Shore, Edinburgh EH6 6QW- Restaurant
- Mid-price
- Foodie
- Romantic
Have dinner on Leith's old harbour front, where seafood restaurants and pubs line the quay along the Water of Leith.
Why it's a good date: It has a different feel from the city centre: slower, by the water and easy to linger in. Book ahead at weekends, and walk the riverside afterwards while it's still light.
Photo: Alan Murray-Rust, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)
