Top Rated Parks to Visit in Devonside

"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."

"While you're in Edinburgh, be sure to take a walk through the pretty Princes Street Gardens in the centre of town. From here, you’ll see Scotts Monument, a Victorian Gothic building dedicated to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. It is the largest monument to a writer in the world."

"This one might not run all year round but we couldn't write a piece on Edinburgh's markets and fail to mention it. The European festive market is a huge hit with visitors to the city and has become something of a tradition for many of those living in the capital."

"The ancient King’s Park was, as its name suggests, founded as a royal pleasure ground in the 12thcentury, when it was used for aristocratic pursuits such as jousting and hunting. Today, everyone can enjoy the park, and it is one of Stirling’s best-used recreational areas. Many activities take place there, including swings, trampolines, a tennis court, a wheelie park for bikes and skateboarding, and outdoor gym equipment."

"Kings Park is a very popular walking spot, especially for those of us that own dogs (including a few of the SCHT Team). King’s Park is Scotland’s oldest Royal Park, and was owned by the Crown for at least 900 years. It was used by Scottish monarchs and nobility for jousting, hunting, and hawking, and is comparable in importance to Windsor Castle’s Great Park."

"Enjoy a day of outdoor leisure with the whole family at Kings Park in Stirling. A skate park and BMX bike path keep older kids entertained while various play areas are open for all ages. Sports facilities, tennis courts, picnic tables, walking trails, and greens are just a few of the amenities."

"Stand in awe at the massive 30 m tall Kelpie statues rising from the canal. Once you admire the world’s largest equine structures, make sure to enjoy the park’s 17 miles of pathways."

"Split between two buildings on either side of Belford Road, Modern One and Modern Two, the gallery houses the nation's collection of modern and contemporary art. Modern Two, previously the Dean Gallery, was built as an orphanage. An austere structure, it's home to a large collection of Dada and Surrealist art, and a collection of the works of Sir Eduardo Paolozzi."

"75 Belford Rd, Edinburgh EH4 3DR (website) Open daily 10am-6pmAdmission is free (charges may apply to special exhibitions). Discover a world-class collection and cutting edge art at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. The gallery is home to a range of contemporary Scottish arts collection, with more than 5,000 items of 20th-century art."

"The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is housed in 2 historic buildings. Art lovers will be in their element viewing the over 6000 pieces on display. For the latest exhibitions visit the official Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art website."

"The grounds of 17th-century Bonnington House, 10 miles west of Edinburgh, have been lovingly converted by owners and art patrons Robert and Nicky Wilson into a gorgeous, landscaped sculpture park. Meadows and woodland showcase works – many of them specially commissioned – by a clutch of Britain's leading artists, including Antony Gormley, Anish Kapoor, Cornelia Parker and Nathan Coley, anchored by the the vast landscape sculpture Cells of Life by Charles Jencks. A varied events program includes tours every Wednesday at 10.30am."

"The beautiful grounds of a Jacobean manor house have been transformed by an art-loving couple, Robert and Nicky Wilson, into an impressive…"

"Grasslands Restaurant is the main catering outlet at Edinburgh Zoo. Some of the items on the menu are freshly made pasta, salads, stone-baked pizza, and some seasonal dishes. The food gets served at the table, and the setting is perfect for families, couples, or solo visitors."

"A Leith staple, the pizzeria is the final takeaway to currently be claiming the hearts of Edinburgh, according to Deliveroo. With a huge range of different toppings on offer, there is something for everyone. However the top dish was the pizza that will suit everyone, the classic Margherita."

"With a wide selection of local craft beer, an innovative range of cocktails and a wide selection of pub classics, this popular local has a small number of outdoor tables."

"Not just a pretty cocktail bar, The Refinery offers great brunches for a reasonable price in the heart of the city. The bar is chilled and laid back, providing you with a great opportunity to take a break from the busyness of the city with some good food and drink. They offer a range of coffees, teas and hot chocolate and their waffles come highly recommended by reviewers online."

"Luxurious yet relaxed, The Refinery is ideally placed if you're looking to find yourself in the heart of Edinburgh's Hogamany action. A short walk from Waverley, the bar and restaurant boasts a delicious array of dinner options, and comes complete with cosy festive blankets and views over St Andrew Square."

"The Refinery is one of the city's most popular restaurants in the warmer months. Found right in the heart of the city centre, this place features its own sunny terrace and is keeping punters happy with European fare alongside plenty of refreshing cocktails."