Top Rated Parks to Visit in Union Canal

"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."

"Princes Street Gardens is located in the middle of Edinburgh, right beneath the castle. They used to be the site of the Nor Loch – the North Loch which was drained when the New Town was built in the 1760s. The gardens have a wonderful view of the castle, and it is a great place to stroll or stop for a picnic."

"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."

"Auchinlea Park lies on the edges of Glasgow’s East End, with its principle attractions being Provanhall House and Blochairn House, two A-rundown structures. With both going back to the fifteenth century, Provanhall House specifically has increased some appeal because of its set of experiences as the past chasing cabin of King James IV and flaunts numerous vivid phantom stories. The main room is said to have been the setting of various paranormal sightings, and purportedly houses the apparition of a warrior who killed his better half when he got back from battle to locate her pregnant with another man’s kid."

"Auchinlea Park lies on the outskirts of Glasgow’s East End, with its main attractions being Provanhall House and Blochairn House, two A listed buildings. With both dating back to the 15th century, Provanhall House in particular has gained some allure due to its history as the previous hunting lodge of King James IV, and boasts many colorful ghost stories. The master bedroom is said to have been the setting of a number of paranormal sightings, and allegedly houses the ghost of a soldier who murdered his wife when he returned from war to find her pregnant with another man’s child."

"Auchinlea Park is located on the outskirts of Glasgow’s East End, with its main attractions being Provanhall House and Blochairn House, two listed 15th century buildings. It’s also one of the parks in the area with a lot of spooky history. If you are feeling brave enough to enter former hunting lodge, Provanhall House, you can discover the ghost stories about the manor, or if Halloween is enough spookiness for you, steer clear by walking through the pretty garden grounds."

"his 4 Star Visit Scotland certify movement focus makes for the ideal outing in East Kilbride, an enormous town toward the south of Glasgow. The recreation centre’s 16 section of land loch plays host to various energizing water sports exercises, including windsurfing, power-drifting, kayaking and untamed water swimming. These exercises are given by outstanding associations, for example, the Royal Yachting Association and the Scottish Canoe Association, who try to guarantee that the recreation centre’s common offices are effectively utilized."

"This activity centre in East Kilbride, south of Glasgow, makes for the perfect day. It’s got the seal of approval from Visit Scotland with its 4 star accreditation so it is definitely up there as one of the best parks. It features a 16-acre loch, which provides beautiful and tranquil surroundings for an exciting range of water sports, including windsurfing, power-boating, kayaking and open water swimming."

"Frozen Loch at James Hamilton Heritage Park|© Patersor/Flickr. This 4 Star Visit Scotland accredited activity center makes for the perfect day out in East Kilbride, a large town to the south of Glasgow. The park’s 16 acre loch plays host to a number of exciting water sports activities, including windsurfing, power-boating, kayaking and open water swimming."

"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."

"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."

"It opened less than a month ago and we’ve been quite a few times already. It is a wooden fort styled playpark. The upper level has wooden bridges, rope bridges, and leads to a few different slides."

"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."

"There are a number of buffet style Chinese restaurants in Edinburgh, but China Red is arguably the best. With an absolutely massive range of dishes, even the pickiest diner will find something to their taste, and their high tech buffet tables ensure the hot dishes remain hot and the chilled dishes nice and cool. The range includes all of the classics you would expect with numerous seafood and vegetarian offerings as well."

"China Red is a buffet restaurant, so slightly different to the other options featured on this list. And you don't have to spend too much time scrolling through reviews before finding one very satisfied customer who described the place as the "best Chinese buffet I've ever been to". They add: "I usually find buffet food all tastes quite bland and samey, but the chicken curry was so tasty and the noodles were amazing."

"Always fresh, delicious food with a variety so much bigger than any other Chinese buffet I've been to. Polite staff, funky entrance and good availability of seating space." 30 Grindlay Street, EH3 9AP"

"Just a short walk from Haymarket station you’ll find a little bit of Naples in Edinburgh. Chef Rosario Sartore (pictured) imports Denominazione di Origine Protetta (D.O.P) artisan produce from Italy, combining them with prime Scottish ingredients to recreate authentic dishes from southern Italy. The menu changes daily and includes fresh fish and seafood, hand-made pasta and cakes, with gluten-free options always available."

"Locanda De Gusti is a warm and friendly Italian restaurant on Dalry Road, in the west end of Edinburgh. The chef and owner Rosario Sartore made his mark on the Edinburgh food scene over a decade ago with the popular La Partenope. Locanda De Gusti is a smaller and more intimate affair, but lacks none of the charm of his earlier venture."

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

"That’s because it’s hidden away in Gartcosh - but don’t let a trip out of the city centre put you off. Number two on the TripAdvisor list also ranks in at number 35 out of almost 2,000 restaurants in Glasgow. Not shabby at all for your local Chinese … the ultimate hidden gem?"