In our latest reporters’ recommendations feature, we take a look at our favourite parks in Edinburgh, with so many great green spaces available to choose from for meeting friends, going for a walk, keeping fit, taking the children for some fun or just relaxing on the rare instance of beautiful blue skies and hot temperatures in the Capital.
Among our favourite parks are city centre green spots and parks a bit more out of the way which are loved by locals and enjoyed every day.
. Victoria Park
Ginny Sanderson, deputy editor of The Edinburgh Evening News, chose this Leith park off Ferry Road as her favourite in Edinburgh. She said: "Found at the intersection of Leith, Trinity and Newhaven, Victoria Park is connected to many parts of Edinburgh through a web of old railway lines which make beautiful, tranquil walks. The park itself is leafy and sprawling, beloved by dog walkers and often with a cracking coffee van serving hot drinks and sweet treats." Photo: GS
. Holyrood Park
Evening News reporter Anna Bryan chose the iconic city centre park as her favourite Edinburgh park. She said: "I have many happy memories of days spent in Holyrood Park, hiking up hills. Even when I had little legs, and had to be dragged up, the gorgeous skyline from the top of Arthur's Seat made the journey well worth it." Photo: Lisa Ferguson
5. The Meadows
Evening News reporter Rachel Mackie chose this popular city centre green space as her favourite park in Edinburgh. She said: "I took my nephews to the park in the Meadows a few times and they loved every second - very fond memories." Photo: SNS Group
6. Bruntsfield Links
Evening News editor Rhoda Morrison likes to take a walk from the Meadows up to Bruntsfield Links and enjoy the views. She said: "It's so hard to choose just one park that's my favourite but I think it'd have to be The Meadows just for the amount of time I spend in it. One of my favourite parts of my day is walking round The Meadows, up to Bruntsfield Links and back with a coffee in hand and a podcast or music playing. It's even better in the summer when I can get out early in the morning and see the blue skies over the castle and Arthur's Seat. It's the best way to start the day!" Photo: Neil Hanna
7. Spylaw Park
Evening News reporter Kevin Quinn chose Spylaw Park in Colinton as his favourite Edinburgh park. He said: "Spylaw Park is a quiet and relaxing spot in a beautiful setting, with a great playpark for the kids to enjoy. With the Water of Leith running by and well kept grounds this really is an oasis of calm in a busy city like Edinburgh, perfect for relaxing with family, particularly during the rare outbreaks of Scottish sun!" Photo: Greg Macvean