Visiting Edinburgh in the summer months and even the milder days of Autumn makes a wonderful break and it is often perfect picnic weather. If you are looking for the perfect picnic spot in Edinburgh, then you aren’t short of great locations to choose from. Whether you are looking for somewhere for all the family to enjoy and the children can run around and play, or somewhere quiet for a more secluded, romantic picnic, our city has it all.
The Meadows
Offering you a real Edinburgh experience, at The Meadows you can enjoy a picnic surrounded by tree-lined paths, tennis courts and the children can have great fun in the nearby play area. It is a great spot for watching the world go by or you can even get involved in an impromptu game of football or if you are lucky you might be able to watch some cricket while you relax.
Princes Street Gardens
This spot is perfect if you are looking for a pretty city centre lunch break while you are shopping or sightseeing. You can enjoy your picnic surrounded by pretty flowerbeds, an ornate fountain, open-air theatre, outdoor café and a children’s play area.
Harrison Park
Here, you can relax and tuck into your picnic next to the pretty Union Canal. This is popular place with dog walkers, picnickers and families with young children wanting to feed the ducks. It is particularly lovely during the summer months and on bright warm days.
Granny’s Green at The Grassmarket
Sitting under Edinburgh Castle and surrounded by charming bars and cafes, Granny’s Green in The Grassmarket, is a busy and popular spot that makes it the perfect place to enjoy an evening picnic during the summer.
Calton Hill
If you want to enjoy the stunning views of Arthur’s Seat, but don’t want to have to make the steep climb, then this is the perfect spot for you. It offers you spectacular views of Edinburgh and some of its historic monuments.
Inverleith Park
This is a lovely spot to have a picnic, plus a walk and a play too. You can enjoy your picnic in a quiet secluded spot, with the Royal Botanic Gardens just next door. Make sure you bring plenty of bread with you to feed the ducks. There is always lots going on and you may be lucky to catch a rugby or cricket match while you tuck into your lunch.