Making the most of the great outdoors in Edinburgh

Did you know that Edinburgh has been named the greenest city in the UK?

 

If the weather is looking ‘braw’ it is a great excuse to enjoy Edinburgh’s many parks gardens and walks. A visit to Princes Street Gardens makes for a tranquil retreat from lively Princes Street, Edinburgh’s most popular shopping location. In the gardens you can soak up the sun and enjoy an ice cream while taking a stroll past some interesting monuments and floral displays. It’s also the perfect location to snap some pictures of Edinburgh Castle in all it’s ‘glory’.

 

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Don’t forget to show us in your best outdoor snaps on Instagram

& Use our hashtag #destinationedinburgh

 

Edinburgh’s locals favor The Meadows as a great spot to go and enjoy the outdoors. Found just the south of the city, close by the National Museum of Scotland and The Elephant House, it’s a popular place to have a picnic or play some ball games. If cycling is what you are after you’ll be pleased to find dedicated cycle paths throughout the Meadows, offering you easy access to all corners of the city. The Meadows is also well suited to families with small children as it features a playpark where they can burn out all their energy.

Don’t mind a bit of a challenge? Arthur’s Seat is a popular spot for keen walkers all throughout the year. When you reach the top you’ll be rewarded with the best possible view of the city. There are five suggested routes in the park, suitable for a range of abilities. Check out some other self-guided walking routes for Arthurs Seat here.

 

If you really want to make the most of your Edinburgh Stay, why not wake up early to watch the sun rise over the city?

 

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If you are looking for some scenic riverside views The Water of Leith offers a great variety. The Water of Leith is Edinburgh’s the main river which flows through the capital and eventually reaching the port of Leith. You can walk much of the way with the sound of water rushing beside you. Look out for the natural waterfalls and the various historic sites linked with this important Edinburgh river. We recommend you start your walk descending down the cobbled road of the sleepy Dean Village, the wide path showcases key remnants from the days the village housed a busy mill.

 

North Berwick is a beautiful seaside town which offers a delightful alternative to the city centre. You can catch a 20 minute train from Edinburgh Waverley Rail Station and hop off to be greeted by the sound of North Berwick’s various sea birds. The town is a much-loved escape for Edinburgh locals, boosting coastal scenery and classic fish and chips shops. There’s plenty to keep you entertained while you are there, with boat trips around the local islands and the Scottish Seabird Centre.

 

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And as promised, here is our best kept local secret;

 

If you are looking for something really different (and affordable) why not try a self-guided outdoor scavenger hunt in the city? Edinburgh has several treasure trails which can be easily downloaded and printed off online and suitable for all ages. The recommended time to spend of a trail is 2 hours but you can take as long as you’d like. Following the clues around the city, who knows what you might find? Have a look at some trials available from our friends at Treasure Trail.

 

Don’t forget to stop for a pint to reward yourself! You’ve been busy making the most of the outdoors.

 

 

Happy Adventuring!

The Destination Edinburgh Apartments Team

Top 10 Tips for Your Stay in Edinburgh

No one knows Edinburgh quite like the locals do, so take it from us, we’ve got the best tips for making the most of your stay in the capital.

 

Go high for the best views

Whilst the view of Edinburgh from the castle is great, a view with the castle in it is even better.  For the more energetic among you, a climb up Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park will undoubtedly give you spectacular views.  Alternatively a climb up Calton Hill will give you brilliant views of the castle along Princes Street.  If you’re not feeling quite so energetic then make your way to the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street and head to the rooftop garden where you can almost reach out and touch the castle!

 

Breathe in the fresh air in one of the many city centre parks and gardens

Edinburgh is the UK’s greenest city so make the most of the wonderful parks on offer.  Not to be missed are the Princes Street Gardens.  Sitting in the old moat of the castle, the gardens offer an escape from busy Princes Street as well as a spectacular view of the castle.  The gardens even feature their own bear!

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Watch out for the One O’Clock Gun

Keep your wits about you if you’re anywhere near the castle at 1pm Monday to Saturday.  In a tradition spanning over 150 years, a canon is fired to mark 1pm, frightening many unsuspecting tourists.  Originally fired to alert docked ships in Leith and on the Firth of Forth of the time, it’s now just a lovely attraction to the castle.

 

Planning in advance is key

To make the most of your time in the city, our best advice is to plan ahead.  If checking off the top tourist attractions is your priority then buying a Royal Edinburgh ticket in advance is a must.  Included in the ticket is entry to the Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Yacht Britannia, Palace of Holyrood House and Edinburgh Bus Tours.  We can sort one out for you, just let our team know and we’ll have the tickets ready for you on arrival.

 

Be prepared for glorious sunshine, thunderous rain and then more sunshine …

Scotland is typically known for its weather, not exactly the warmest of places but it is known for surprising its residents with all seasons in one day.  So be prepared and follow our advice: bring your rain jacket or buy yourself a poncho!

 

Go off the beaten track

Some of the best places and sights in Edinburgh are further away from the hustle and bustle of Princes Street and the old town.  We’d recommend a walk along the Water of Leith, where you can take photos of Dean Village, then wander along to Stockbridge Market for lunch, or continue further down to Leith for a fantastic selection of award-winning restaurants including The Kitchin.

 

Get your bearings and map it out

Edinburgh is a very pedestrian friendly city but it can be easy to get lost.  Make yourself familiar with where your apartment is and the bus routes nearby so that you will always find your way home.  All out apartments have maps available for guests so make sure to take one with you when you go exploring.

 

Jump on a Lothian bus

Edinburgh has a fantastic bus network spanning the city so definitely make use of them when exploring the capital.  It’s just £1.70 for an adult flat fayre and £4 for a day ticket which gives you unlimited access all day.  Keep in mind that the buses don’t give change, and if you’re staying for longer it might be worthwhile downloading the app (the minimum top up for the app is £10).  Check out timetables and routes here

 

Do as the locals do and eat brunch

There is no shortage of delightful places to have brunch in the city, take advantage of Southpour, next door to our Southside apartments and receive 20% off when you show your apartment key or a Destination Edinburgh Apartments business card.

 

Stay with Destination Edinburgh Apartments

If you weren’t convinced already, then get booked in with us to explore Edinburgh, see the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and stay in our sister apartments with Destination Edinburgh Apartments in either our Rodney Street, Southside or York Place apartments.  All are self-catering apartments, they give you the freedom to make your stay your own.  Our Rodney Street apartments come with a free parking space and the views from our York Place apartments are not to be missed.  AND if you book directly with us then you’ll receive a free gift!  We look forward to welcoming you soon.

 

Edinburgh Festival to mark 70th Birthday with Additional Funding

A year after experts warned The Edinburgh Festival was slipping out of the “Festival Premier League”, organisers have received an extra half a million pounds of funding. This comes as great news to both big and small businesses throughout the city who often rely upon the festival as a major source of income.

The new head of The Edinburgh Festival, Julia Amour, is also looking to change the ethos of event. She is keen to incorporate funding from local businesses and create a volunteer programme which is similar to the one used at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

After scrutiny in recent times, things are definitely looking better for the Festival. Please click on the photo above to read more on the

Coming to Edinburgh and not sure what do?

Why not check out the . Located only a a few metres from the Castle Esplanade, this is definitely one of Edinburgh’s most underrated tourist attraction. Lots of visual trickery + a great view of Edinburgh from the top!

If you are looking for a weekend break – we have availability throughout November and December. Book direct and receive best price guaranteed and free gift on arrival!

Royal Mile Light Show Held Over Festive Period

Throughout the Festive Period, The Royal Mile in Edinburgh will be transformed into a spectacular light show that will utilise 60,000 lights.

The show which will run from the 30th November – 24th December is sponsored by Virgin Money and Scotland’s Winter Festivals. The event will show twice daily at 6.30pm and 8.30pm. For more information click on this link Royal Mile Light Show

Things to do in Edinburgh

Coming to Edinburgh but not sure what to do? I’d recommend you check out this article: https://ow.ly/RgUXf . Washing your face with the dew from Arthur’s Seat is a must!

Edinburgh as original inspiration for Game of Thrones

Who would have thought Edinburgh was the original inspiration for Game of Thrones. For those of you that have yet to visit Edinburgh this interactive map will give you a perspective of where the various landmarks are situated. Simply click on the link below:

Game of Thrones Edinburgh

Edinburgh Hogmanay Packages Now on Sale!

Our sister group Destination Edinburgh is now selling packages for this year’s Edinburgh Hogmanay Street Party. There is a variety of hotels on offer as part of these packages so why not browse through our selection by clicking on the link below

Destination Edinburgh Hogmanay Packages

Are you a true Scotsman?

At buyakilt.com you’ll find a range of good quality traditional Scottish attire at affordable prices. So why not get into the Scottish Spirit and purchase one today and make your stay in Edinburgh that bit more authentic.

http://buyakilt.com/

 

Savour Edinburgh

Looking for a quick weekend away in Edinburgh? Love food?

SAVOUR

Foodies delight as Edinburgh’s top wine merchants, chefs and food and drink producers come together for an afternoon of tasty exploration at Edinburgh’s Summerhall. Following on from 2014’s sell out eent, Savour Festival welcomes a mix of artisan producers, local restaurants, craft beers, puddings purveyors, gins, mixologists and wine sellers.

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If you’re staying at our apartments already over this weekend why not check out this great event here. Just a short walk from our Southside Apartments.

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Yum!