Top Rated Parks to Visit in Balerno

"If you don’t want to venture too far out of the city, kids can also play in Prince’s Street Gardens in the shadow of the Scott monument – which you can climb, although at 287 often narrow and twisty steps, you might want to stick to the views from the Camera Obscura instead. At Christmas, the gardens turn into a Winter Wonderland including Christmas market, ice rink and ferris wheel, dubbed the Edinburgh Eye."

"Nestled below the castle is this charming, flora-filled park, which features walking paths as well as the Scott Monument and the Ross Fountain. The Ross Bandstand plays home to assorted concerts and special events, including during Edinburgh’s legendary hogmanay, or New Year’s Eve, celebrations as well as a Christmas Market and ‘winter wonderland’ in the lead-up to Christmas."

"Enjoy a glass of mulled wine at Edinburgh Christmas Market|© Monica Wells / Alamy Stock Photo. No visit to Edinburgh in the wintertime would be complete without a browse round the atmospheric Christmas Market (daily 10am – 10pm, mid November to early January). It’s also pretty much impossible to avoid, regardless of whether you’re a tourist or a beleaguered Edinburgh shopper."

"Established and run by Leith Community Croft, Market on the Croft is a new farmer's market on Leith Links. Selling a wide range of local produce including seasonal fruit and vegetables, this new market is well worth a visit."

"If you arrive at Leith Links and feel like you’re on a golf course, you’re not wrong. Originally designed as a golf course, the Leith Links has evolved into a strong community hub, with much of the flora planted and maintained by local community groups. It’s a popular spot for dogs to run and play, so bring your own."

"If you are museum lover then this will be at the top of you list when looking for things to do in Edinburgh. The National Museum of Scotland is situated in Chamber’s Street in the old town and is a fine Victorian building that opened in 1866. The museum is free and is very extensive."

"On rainy Scottish days, the National Museum of Scotland is a welcome respite from the weather for many tourists. However, once inside some people seemed to find the exhibits more confusing than enlightening."

"Take a journey through Scotland’s history in the National Museum of Scotland. The biggest and most diverse museum in Edinburgh."

"A quaint and pretty location, Castello Coffee’s main window offers the perfect view of the neighbouring Bruntsfield Link’s picturesque fields, showcasing some of the more peaceful greenery that can be found within Edinburgh’s rolling hills. With an attention-grabbing baby blue outside décor, Castello’s is also stylish and cosy inside, with a two-shop structure that combines a quirky low ceilinged mezzanine with a more spacious high-ceilinged narrow seating area. And of course, the coffee… is exquisite."

"Castello Coffee uses Allpress Espresso in its drinks|© Stuart Kenny. Castello Coffee boasts a modern interior, evoking feelings of Scandinavia. It’s very clean, very stylish and lies right on the edge of the Bruntsfield Links – giving it a lovely green view on sunny days."

"Located next to the Bruntsfield Links, this popular cafe is filled with delectable pastries and coffee. With properly brewed beans perfectly paired with knowledgeable baristas, Castello Coffee is a great place to sit and watch the world go by."

"For a genuinely luxurious high-tea experience, nothing can currently beat this packed little shop selling, as you might guess from the name, teas and antiques. But if you don't have time to sit in and try the teas (and you'd need to book anyway as they're so popular), you can squeeze past the tables to sift through the ever-changing stock of antiques, including elaborately decorated cutlery and ladies picnic parasols, and then dither over dozens of green, black, scented, infused and special loose-leaf teas, and accessories, to buy. Once you've visited, it's guaranteed you'll want to shrink the whole shop and take it home with you.17 Clerk Street, 0131-667 8466, anteaques.co.uk."

"Tucked away in Marchmont, Deadly Donuts pride themselves on serving up freshly made, high quality and different doughnut recipes on a daily basis. The shop is owned by classically trained chef, Freddie Spindler, and their selection of doughnuts range from traditional flavours, to the more intriguing flavours such as matcha green tea. Website: www.instagram.com/deadlydonuts"

"Located near the Meadows, Considerit is a relatively new addition to Edinburgh’s exciting foodie scene. If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, this is one for you as Considerit believe in a plant-based future and therefore all their sweet treats are free from animal products!. Also, their doughnuts, chocolate, and ice cream are all hand crafted on a daily basis."

"Vegans don’t have to miss out on dessert, especially in Edinburgh!. Considerit is a chocolate, doughnut and ice cream cafe that’s entirely vegan. They sell the most amazing and indulgent doughnuts, like this amazing chocolate hobnob creation, which is glazed with Biscoff spread, topped with crumbled oaty Hobnobs and finished with a chocolate drizzle."

"Considerit is a must-visit for all the vegan sweet-tooths out there!. This place specialises in decadent chocolate, doughnuts and, in the warmer(?) weather, ice cream. Whether you are vegan or not, you are going to love the baked delights here at Considerit."