Popular Gardens in The Southern

"In the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, and at the very centre of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Princess Street Gardens is another of Edinburgh’s important parks. Here you will see the world-famous Floral Clock and an array of public monuments such as the David Livingstone Statue and the Scott Monument, to name a couple. Please note this is a gated park and the gates are opened and closed according to the opening times."

"In view of the Castle and separating the Old Town and New Town, Princes Street Gardens are one of the most popular green spots in the city. Divided into East and West, they attract dog walkers, city workers and families in search of some calm and tranquillity on the midst of the capital. The perfect spot for a picnic on a sunny day."

"At the foot of the castle and along Edinburgh's main thoroughfare you'll find Princes Street Gardens. It's a popular place for locals and tourists to enjoy a spot of lunch and take in the breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle. The park is split into two by The Mound where you'll find two excellent art galleries."

"Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Garden is the second-oldest institution of its kind in Britain (after Oxford), and one of the most respected in the world. Founded near Holyrood in 1670 and moved to its present location in 1823, its 70 beautifully landscaped acres include splendid Victorian glasshouses (admission £6.50), colourful swaths of rhododendrons and azaleas, and a world-famous rock garden. There's a second entrance to the gardens at 20a Inverleith Row."

"A quiet suburban sanctuary just off Leith Walk, this elegant four-storey Georgian townhouse is a hidden secret behind Calton Hill. Appealingly simple, its snug doubles and suites are the place to whisper sweet nothings; in particular, the two Georgian Suites, with fit-for-two roll-top baths, feature wallpaper and four-poster beds that cry out for pillow talk. The ground-level Brasserie offers a classic Scottish tasting menu, but another close-at-hand option is Roberta Hall’s the Little Chartroom, where the cooking will have passions running high."

"Located in Edinburgh’s trendy East End, No 11 Brasserie has created a space that celebrates fresh Scottish produce and ingredients with an ever-changing seasonal menu. Their current autumn menu includes Fillet of Sole Meuniere and Butternut Squash with local foraged woodland mushrooms and many more. The brasserie’s interior also reflects the heritage of the city’s Georgian architecture."

"Also known as Edinburgh’s Secret Garden and on the other side of Holyrood Park from Edinburgh city centre, Dr Neil’s Garden is a heaven of tranquillity and a font of inspiration for artists, musicians and writers. It was originally created by Drs Nancy and Andrew Neil, who had a keen interest in horticulture and medicine. Child friendly: yes Address: Dr Neil’s Garden, Old Church Lane, Duddingston Village, Edinburgh EH15 3PX Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 10am – 5pm More information on visiting this garden"

"Dr Neil’s Garden is a wonderfully quaint place to wile away an afternoon or as a pit-stop on your way up to Arthur’s Seat. Tip: If you're lucky you may catch deer cooling off in the nearby Loch. *Guide-dog friendly!"

"Edinburgh’s quintessential secret garden, in the shadow of a 12th-century kirk, is one of the most peaceful green spaces in Scotland. Cultivated in the 1960s by doctors Andrew and Nancy Neil from a scrappy piece..."

"With its mercat cross, cobbled streets, tolbooth, and narrow wynds (alleys), seaside Culross is a picturesque little town. It's also…"

"I suggest a late lunch after you explore the charming, cobbled streets of this historic area and experience some street performers, Canongate Kirkyard (Adam Smith is buried here), Dunbar Close, St. Giles Cathedral, and eventually Edinburgh Castle itself, all the way at the top of the Royal Mile (Be sure to book your Edinburgh Castle skip the line tickets in advance). The charm and beauty of Edinburgh, Scotland never cease to amaze me."

"If you love gardening, you will love the Archivists’ Garden located in between the General Register House and the New Register House. Home to 57 different plant species, the Garden is not only beautiful, but all the plants are connected to Scotland’s history, be it through folklore, heraldry or association with famous Scots. Child friendly: yes Address: HM Register House, 2 Princess Street, Edinburgh EH1 3YY Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 9am – 5pm More information on this green space"

"Image SourceThe market is an ideal place in Edinburgh to explore shops from leading-edge designers to fashion origins. The market is filled with designers, artists, and individuals selling crafts and classy clothes. Take a look for designer hats at Fabhatrix and Mr. Wood’s Fossils and if what you are looking for are old trend hats then Armstrong’s is the place to be."

"Source: Photo by user in Bourke Street, used under CC BY-SA 2.0. This shop is a little off the beaten path, but if you’re looking to take someone on a rainy day date (or you’re just too lazy to microwave yourself some soup – which I feel), head over to Maki Ramen and watch cars and people walk by while you guzzle down a bowl of hot ramen. Don’t forget to read the post-it note memories and doodles left on the wall by other customers, and maybe add your own to the mix!"

"Scotland is not especially renowned for its culinary highlights. However, if you are staying in Edinburgh, you will be blessed with a very rich food scene extending much further than Haggis and fish and chips. As every major city, Edinburgh has a very broad and multicultural food scene."

"Bread Meets Bread is a great place to go for lunch when you need some much needed catch up time with your bestie. With a large menu, including a specialty glazed doughnut burger; this is the best place in Edinburgh for a good old catch up and great food."

"Vitality and Kynd is a vegan café that specialises in food and drink infused with CBD. Cannabidiol (or CBD) is found in the hemp (or cannabis sativa) plant, and is separate from the THC compound that is usually associated with a cannabis high. Their menu is completely vegan and includes goodies such as waffles (pictured) hemp bagels, and a range of hot drinks and wholesome fruit juices which can be boosted with a shot of CBD."

"Image SourceThe market is an ideal place in Edinburgh to explore shops from leading-edge designers to fashion origins. The market is filled with designers, artists, and individuals selling crafts and classy clothes. Take a look for designer hats at Fabhatrix and Mr. Wood’s Fossils and if what you are looking for are old trend hats then Armstrong’s is the place to be."