Luckily, Edinburgh is a city brimming with historic and natural beauty, offering everything from expansive parks to hidden mini gardens in the most unexpected corners. Here are some locations that are great for escaping the festival buzz without straying too far from the action:
1. Princes Street Gardens
Located between Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle, the Princes Street Gardens sit in a miniature valley which filters out some of the noises and busy-ness of the city. You can simply lie down and enjoy the castle view or close your eyes while listening to the sound of the Ross Fountain.
2. Dunbar’s Close
Dunbar’s Close is tucked among some tightly packed buildings towards the bottom of Royal Mile, but it’s a hidden gem that’s worth the search! Walking through the close, you will find yourself surrounded by a serene 17th century-style garden with several benches to sit on.
3. Arthur’s Seat
Arthur’s Seat is one of Edinburgh’s landmarks, where you can overlook the city view within 40 minutes of hiking, but don’t worry – we’re not asking you to climb it! The path at the bottom of Arthur Seat is good for a stroll while admiring the hill. Starting from Holyrood Palace, the walkway takes you around Duddingston Loch, and you can exit anytime to return to the festivities.
4. The Meadows
Wanna lie down and enjoy a wee sunbathe? The Meadows is definitely the place to go. Just five minutes’ walk from Edinburgh’s Old Town, this spacious park is ideal for a picnic with a book. There are also walking routes throughout the park leading to Tollcross and Bruntsfield, where you can find loads of cafes and cute shops.
5. Union Canal
Fancy a more watery element instead? Just five minutes’ walk from Lothian Road, the Union Canal at Fountainbridge offers a calming escape from the city's hustle. There are a handful of parks along the canal route too, making it a perfect place to pause for a quiet meal break while not travelling too far afield.
6. Water of Leith Walkway
A 13-mile waterway that wanders the length of the city, the Water of Leith has its most iconic spots at Dean Village and Stockbridge, just 15 minutes from Princes Street. Shaded by trees and greenery, this walkway makes you feel you’re miles away from the city. There are some spots where you can nip down to the water's edge for a makeshift picnic lunch while having the sound of the stream as your background music.
7. Inverleith Park
Not far beyond the city centre, Inverleith Park is a local favourite. The park has a big pond that homes swans and ducks, as well as plenty of green space – the perfect place to sit down and unwind. The park also offers various sports grounds and jogging tracks for you to boost energy and elevate your mood. You might also want to go for a deeper natural exploration by visiting the Royal Botanic Garden, which is right next door.
We've put together this handy map in case you need to find anywhere not mentioned above:
We hope this guide helps you find a quiet spot if you ever catch yourself feeling overwhelmed by the excitement of the festival. Edinburgh has many more serene places to help you unwind, a quiet oasis is never far away, so remember to be conscious of your mental health and take a break when you need to.
