2024

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN

Parks and gardens
4/5
4 reviews

This botanical garden is a perfect outing in good weather and rainy weather, as you can enjoy a tropical climate in the greenhouses. Lovers of plants or neophytes, everyone will find, in the rarity, multiplicity and beauty of the specimens presented material to be amazed. It is still one of the most beautiful collections in the world! Guided tours are available and explanatory panels provide a wealth of fascinating information, both on amazing natural phenomena and on conservation work.

Glasshouses are a visit in the tour. Their access is not free, unlike the rest of the park, but they are worth discovering. There are 10 of them, each corresponding to a climatic zone and specific species. 10 rooms, 10 climates (hot!), 10 floristic universes! We discover with happiness, a splendid garden of water lilies, an incredible collection of orchids, carnivorous plants, succulent plants... The design of the premises is also interesting, since the greenhouses were built between 1834, in a pre-Victorian style, and 1967, with a more classical and wise simplicity.

Exhibitions are also presented in free access, in the building that hosts you. You will be able to discover photo exhibitions, artists' exhibitions and interactive playgrounds working to raise awareness of the environment. Finally, the Garden offers regular thematic activities throughout the year.

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2024

HOLYROOD PARK & ARTHUR'S SEAT

Parks and gardens
4.4/5
11 reviews

Not every capital city in the world can boast of having a volcano right in the city centre. Edinburgh has two. While Castle Rock is less impressive and has been covered by the castle, Arthur's Seat is a 251-metre giant that gives a real highland flavour to anyone who climbs it. The origin of its name is a mystery and many like to think that it is linked to the legendary Celtic king, although this remains unlikely. At its feet, the vast plateau that ends in 46-metre cliffs facing Queen's Drive is called Salisbury Crags. Together they form Holyrood Park, a 260-hectare park created in 1541 by James V on the grounds of a former royal hunting reserve. The most direct route to conquer Arthur's Seat is on its eastern slope, but the most popular trail is probably the Radical Road trail from the west, a few steps from Holyrood Palace. Built on the initiative of the writer Walter Scott, this small construction site was intended to give work to idle weavers and to make walkers appreciate the natural and heritage heritage heritage of the site. Along the way, one can see St. Margaret's Loch, an artificial lake where geese and ducks paddle, and the ruins of St. Antony's Chapel. Once up there, the view is spectacular. At one glance, one embraces Old Town, New Town, the Firth of Forth and the Lothian. Allow about 2 hours for the hike, good shoes and enough to cover yourself.

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2024

WATER OF LEITH WALKWAY

Parks and gardens
4.5/5
2 reviews

The Water of Leith Walkway is over 13 km long, between Balerno in the west and Leith Harbour in the east. This Garden of Eden is a real luxury for such a big city. Ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of the streets, it crosses the lush green Dean Gardens along the river. You will see some of the statues from 6 Times, a project by the artist Antony Gormley, who designed the Angel of the North in Newcastle. Between Miller Row and Saunders Street is St Bernard's Well, a small neo-classical temple dedicated to the health goddess Hygieia.

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2024

DUNBAR'S SECRET GARDEN

Parks and gardens

This secret garden, hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the Royal Mile, is also known as Dunbar's close. We would also like to call it a "pocket garden"! Surrounded on one side by the walls of Canongate kirk, it is composed in the spirit of a 17th century garden, it offers the happy impression of having discovered a hidden jewel. Its limited surface area makes it a cocoon carved with topiaries, boxwood lace, flower beds and trees. Some benches invite you to relax, far from the noise of the adjacent street which, then, seems very distant....

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