Best Parks in Edinburgh: Play Parks and Country Parks You’ll Love

Edinburgh is renowned for its impressive green spaces. From historic gardens in the heart of the capital to expansive country parks on the outskirts, there are countless places to enjoy fresh air, scenic views, and time outdoors. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly play parks, peaceful walking routes, or open spaces to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, the capital offers something for everyone. Here’s our guide to the best parks in Edinburgh. 

Best Parks in Edinburgh: An Overview

Some of the best parks in Edinburgh include Princes Street Gardens, Inverleith Park, Holyrood Park, and Bonaly Country Park. Each park offers something different, from engaging play equipment to scenic cycling paths, making them perfect for anyone exploring the top attractions in Edinburgh.

Best Play Parks in Edinburgh for Families

It will come as no surprise that Edinburgh is home to a wide range of excellent play parks, offering safe, well-maintained spaces for children of all ages. From city centre favourites to neighbourhood parks popular with local families, these are some of the best play parks in Edinburgh.

Princes Street Gardens Playgrounds

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Located in central Edinburgh, this large play park in Princes Street Gardens is one of the most popular play parks in the city. Set in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, it’s an ideal spot for enjoying a picnic and the surrounding views. 

The castle-themed play equipment was recently renovated in 2025 and includes slides of various heights, climbing equipment, swings, and activity boards. Public toilets are available by the Ross Bandstand, just a few minutes’ walk away, and there are several cafes close by serving coffee and other snacks. 

East Meadows Play Park

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Also known as the Magnet play area, this fenced-in play park is popular with local families, and it’s easy to see why. The play park boasts over 40 items of equipment, ranging from a zipline and spinning bowl to multiple play units with climbing frames, monkey bars, and slides, and a seasonal water play area. There are plenty of benches located within the various zones of equipment, making it easy for parents to keep an eye on little ones while they play. There’s also a kiosk serving refreshments, and public toilets nearby.

Inverleith Park Play Area

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Situated in the corner of Inverleith Park, this play area has a range of facilities appealing to children of all ages. The play equipment is ideal for toddlers and juniors, while older children can enjoy the outdoor gym equipment, tennis courts and a fenced court for football, basketball, or other ball games. The large pond, which is home to a model boat club, is also a popular attraction at the park. 

Saughton Park

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Saughton Park is one of Edinburgh’s hidden gems, offering an impressive mix of family-friendly facilities, open green space, and beautifully maintained gardens. Spread across 34 acres, the park features one of the best play parks in the city, with a large, colourful, accessible “Playground for All” that includes a zip wire, basket swings, sand pit, and a variety of creative play equipment suitable for children of all abilities and ages. 

Beyond the play area, Saughton Park is home to one of the largest and oldest skate and BMX parks in Scotland, extensive playing fields, and a multi-use games area, making it popular with teenagers, sports enthusiasts and families alike. Those looking for a more tranquil experience can explore the historic, formal gardens, which include rose gardens, herbaceous borders, a sunken Italian garden, and the Glass Winter Garden. With a popular cafe, picnic areas, toilets, baby changing facilities, and excellent wheelchair access, Saughton Park is a great destination for a full day outdoors. 

Best Country Parks in Edinburgh for Walks and Days Out

Edinburgh isn’t just a city of historic streets and vibrant neighbourhoods; it also boasts some stunning country parks. Whether you’re looking for scenic walks, family-friendly picnics or an escape into nature, here are some of the best country parks in Edinburgh. 

Bonaly Country Park

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Bonaly Country Park is a hidden gem on the outskirts of Edinburgh, offering a peaceful escape into the rolling Pentland Hills, woodlands, and open green areas. Popular with walkers, runners, and dog owners, the park features a series of waymarked paths and cycling trails that cater to all fitness levels. The surrounding natural landscape makes it ideal for family outings and quiet retreats from the city. 

Craigmillar Castle Park

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Craigmillar Castle Park is a peaceful natural heritage site set against the dramatic backdrop of Craigmillar Castle, a 15th-century fortress famously associated with Queen Mary of Scots. The park features a mix of mature and young woodland, open grassland, and old quarries, with over 40,000 trees planted as part of Scotland’s Millennium Forest project. Awarded a Green Flag since 2010, it offers a network of paths ideal for walking, cycling, and jogging, as well as a permanent orienteering course for more adventurous visitors. 

Dalkeith Country Park

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Just a short drive or bus ride from Edinburgh, Dalkeith Country Park is a classic country park with woodland walks, riverside paths, and remarkable heritage. While entry to the park itself is free, there are various payable activities on site, including Go Ape, Soul Water Sauna, and Fort Douglas Adventure Park. 

With its mix of scenic trails, family-friendly attractions and historical charm, Dalkeith Country Park is a perfect destination for outdoor adventures and memorable days out. 

Holyrood Park

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Though not technically a country park, no list of the best parks in Edinburgh is complete without mentioning Holyrood Park. This historic and scenic park is home to the iconic Arthur’s Seat and features dramatic hills, rugged crags, and a rich history waiting to be discovered. Located in one of the most desirable areas to live in Edinburgh, it’s perfect for hiking, picnics, or simply soaking up panoramic views of the city.

Living in Edinburgh? Make Space for Your Outdoor Life

As you can see, living in the city of Edinburgh doesn’t mean giving up green spaces, something that often surprises those wondering whether Edinburgh is a nice place to live! The city is filled with parks, playgrounds, and country estates where you can relax, exercise and have fun with your family and friends. From bikes and scooters to picnic equipment, sports gear, and even seasonal items like tents and sledges, you might find your home getting cluttered fast.

That’s where a local storage solution can help. Keeping your equipment for your outdoor adventures safely stored when not in use means you have more space at home. Whether it’s storing winter gear during summer, or bikes and camping equipment during the winter, storage in Edinburgh keeps your life organised. 

Edinburgh Parks: Frequently Asked Questions

Are Edinburgh parks free to visit?

Yes, the vast majority of parks in Edinburgh are free to access and open to the public year-round. Some parks may have paid attractions, such as Go Ape at Dalkeith Country Park, and other organised activities, but general entry to the park itself is usually free.

Are dogs allowed in Edinburgh parks?

Most parks in Edinburgh are dog-friendly, although dogs should be kept under control and may need to be on a lead in certain areas, particularly near play areas and livestock. Always check signage for specific rules at each park.

Are any parks in Edinburgh fully accessible?

Yes, several parks in Edinburgh offer good accessibility, with level paths, wide entrances, and accessible facilities. Saughton Park is particularly well-known for its fully accessible “Playground for All”, and Inverleith Park is also wheelchair friendly with well-maintained paths and a wheelchair accessible entrance.

Are Edinburgh parks suitable for year-round visits?

Yes, many of Edinburgh’s parks are enjoyable throughout the year. While facilities such as cafes and water play areas may be seasonal, parks like Holyrood Park, Inverleith Park, and Bonaly Country Park remain popular for walking in all seasons.

Which Edinburgh parks have toilets and cafes?

Several of Edinburgh’s larger parks have toilets and cafes, including Holyrood Park, Dalkeith Country Park, and Saughton Park. Facilities vary by location, so it’s worth checking ahead if you’re planning a longer visit. 

Edinburgh’s incredible parks are one of the reasons that people truly love living here, offering space to play and relax all year round. If you’re moving home and need help with a smooth transition, our trusted removals service in Edinburgh can take the stress out of relocating, so you can focus on settling in and enjoying everything the city has to offer.