Words and photography by Shawna Law
There aren’t many opportunities to enjoy al fresco dining in Scotland throughout the year but when the warmer weather arrives and the sun doesn’t set until 10pm, it makes dining outdoors all the more special. There are plenty of green spaces dotted around Edinburgh to choose from so here are just a few of our favourite places to enjoy a picnic.
A few things before we begin, if you decide to head out for a picnic, please remember to dispose of any rubbish after the meal or take leftovers home with you. Furthermore, most of these parks are dog-friendly so be sure to keep an eye on your food or you may lose it to a furry friend.
1. Princes Street Gardens
Beginning with Edinburgh’s most central green space, Princes Street Gardens stretches out over 37 acres and sits between Edinburgh’s medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town. The gardens play a key role in the city throughout the year and during the summer months, they provide ample space for those who want to soak up a bit of sunshine or enjoy a picnic with friends and family. Princes Street Gardens is divided into two parts by The Mound, an artificial hill that connects Edinburgh’s Old Town and New Town, each with its own distinct character. East Princes Street Gardens is the smaller of the two but often more popular due to its proximity to Edinburgh Waverley train station and it’s characterised by the Scott Monument, the Royal Scottish Academy and the Scottish National Gallery. West Princes Street Gardens sits directly below Edinburgh Castle and is home to a wide variety of monuments, as well as, the Ross Fountain, Ross Band Stand, and the charming Gardener’s Cottage.
Both gardens have a scattering of benches, plenty of grassy open space to spread out a picnic blanket and enjoy a packed lunch plus incredible views of Edinburgh Castle that makes this a unique picnic spot.
Local suggestion for picnic food: Victor Hugo Deli’s (104 George Street) was founded in 1955 by Hugh and Zdzislaw (known as Victor) and the deli is well-known for its range of continental foods, breads, coffees and wines.
2. Holyrood Park
3. Dunbar’s Close Garden
If you prefer a more cosy, intimate picnic spot, head along to Dunbar’s Close Garden – a 17th-century-style garden located along the Canongate. The Canongate was once filled with fine houses and spacious gardens so it’s lovely that a few of these green spaces remain and provide peaceful pockets along a generally busy street. As you enter Dunbar’s Close, you’ll pass under a canopy of lush trees and emerge into an elegant garden divided into eight distinct sections. There are picturesque knot gardens which would have been common to find in the Canongate during the 17th-century, patches of wildflowers, a rose garden as well as a lawn sheltered by large trees at the foot of the garden which is perfect for a tranquil picnic. There are also various benches dotted around the garden for those who prefer a seat.
Local suggestion for picnic food: The Edinburgh Larder (11 & 15 Blackfriars Street) is known for its delicious, seasonal, local food. Lunch options include their Taste of Scotland plate, wraps, sandwiches, and soups.
4. The Meadows
The Meadows is a lush, open stretch of grass with tree-lined paths crisscrossing through it. The green space boasts views of Arthur’s Seat and is surrounded by the grand buildings of the former Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, the Victorian tenements of Marchmont and the University of Edinburgh. Coming in at 58 acres, the Meadows is well-loved by the surrounding neighbourhoods and comes into its own as a community hub on sunny summer days. It’s not surprising to walk through the Meadows on a summer’s day and spot a sea of people claiming every inch of grass soaking up the rare Scottish rays. The smell of barbeque wafts through the air, music is played in the distance and there are often various cheers accompanying a game of football. This isn’t the ideal spot if you’re looking for peace and quiet but there is something undoubtedly special in the atmosphere of the Meadows on a sunny day that is very enjoyable.
Local suggestion for picnic food: There’s the option to visit Victor Hugo Deli’s Marchmont branch (29 Melville Terrace) which is well-known for its range of continental foods or enjoy a takeaway sourdough pizza from Söderberg Pavilion (1 Lister Square).
5. Inverleith Park
Inverleith Park is another one of Edinburgh’s sprawling green spaces which stretches out over 62 acres and includes lush meadows filled with flowers, sports fields, coffee kiosks, a pond and a playground. The land was once farmland before it was purchased by the town council in 1889 to create an attractive and pleasant public park. As you walk along the tree-lined avenues past the ornamental pond to the allotments and playing fields, it’s interesting to note that much of Inverleith Park’s original design remains. With views towards the city centre and Edinburgh Castle, it’s a beautiful spot for those who wish to make the most of the good weather by packing a picnic and lounging in the sun. If you feel like a little light exercise after your picnic, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is opposite Inverleith Park and consists of scenic gardens that are divided into various segments including the Rock Garden, the Alpine Houses, Woodland Garden, Pond, and the Chinese Hillside.
Local suggestion for picnic food: Stockbridge is just a stone’s throw from Inverleith Park and has a wealth of places to choose from. We’ve gone with IJ Mellis Cheesemongers which offers the finest cheeses, freshly baked bread, cured meat, pates, pies and more.
6. Calton Hill
Despite being the smallest of Edinburgh’s seven hills, Calton Hill is renowned for its magnificent panoramic views over the city and the surrounding areas. As long as it’s not too windy, Calton Hill is an ideal picnic spot as you won’t have to carry your packed lunch up the likes of Arthur’s Seat to enjoy spectacular views. Once you’ve finished your picnic, there’s plenty to see beyond the views such as Calton Hill’s collection of historic monuments and the former city observatory which has been beautifully converted into a contemporary gallery space called the Collective.
Local suggestion for picnic food: Valvona & Crolla (19 Elm Row) is an independent family business and a cornucopia of Italian deli produce, pastries, bread and wines.
6. Lauriston Castle
Lauriston Castle is a charming 16th-century tower house with extensive grounds that overlook the Firth of Forth. Despite being only a short distance from the city centre, a visit to Lauriston Castle feels like escaping to the countryside. The grounds consist of wooded areas, an award-winning Japanese garden, croquet lawns, a small pond and a café run by Mimi’s Bakehouse. There are also bountiful green open spaces and benches which overlook the castle or the Firth of Forth which provides scenic picnic spots. If you feel like an after-picnic walk, take a stroll down to Silverknowes beach or Cramond beach which is just a short distance from Lauriston Castle.
Note: There are toilet facilities on site
7. Saughton Park & Gardens
Located slightly outside of the city centre but easily accessed by tram, Saughton Park and Gardens was nationally recognised as one of the finest public parks in Scotland in 1911. Today, the park remains one of Edinburgh’s hidden gems and consists of playing fields, the biggest skateboard park in Scotland and a walled garden which is a beautiful spot for a picnic. A beautifully planted Promenade runs through the centre of the garden with paths branching off of it to various sections such as the sunken garden with topiary peacocks, bandstand garden, physic garden, rose garden and winter garden. The highlight of the park is the Rose Gardens, a magnificent formal garden in classic style featuring the largest herbaceous border in Edinburgh. These various sections provide ample space to spread out a blanket and enjoy alfresco dining amongst the blooms plus there are various benches dotted around the garden too.
Note: There are toilet facilities on site.
