Holyrood Park is a large park home to a number of historic sites and landmarks accessible via a trail system, including Arthur's Seat, Hunter's Bog, Dunsapie Crag, St Anthony's Chapel, Duddingston Loch, and The Radical Road. I approached on foot the morning of Friday 19 July 2019, reaching a sign of the park and its trail system at approximately 9:31 a.m. There were a number of cars coming and going already. It was my first visit to the park, so I opted to walk and skip any hassle I might encounter with parking. I was happy with that decision as it was a quick look at the map to get my bearings and I was on my way without needing to find parking. For my final destination in the park for the visit, I chose to hike to the top of Arthur's Seat - remains of a volcano that was active over 300 million years ago. The trails were well maintained and well designed for handling a large number of hikers. read more

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This hike was perfect!! Beautiful weather in June, over looked the city, not crowded at all, and easy for a family to tackle together (just keep small ones away from the edges as some areas are steep drop offs abruptly). read more

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We had viewed this urban park from the Hop On Hop Off Bus the day before - I'd wondered "That's a pretty impressive piece of real estate that's essentially in the middle of the city". Unlike other urban parks I've run across in San Francisco, New York, and Dublin, Edinburgh's representation has a rather dramatic set of hills in it, which in fact are a dormant (and hopefully for the sake of this city, extinct) volcano. Up these little mountains run a series of impressive looking hiking trails, which naturally caused me to want to walk on them. As it was our last morning in Scotland's capital, I faced a decision - do I want to make my step goal by once again employing our hotel's rather pathetic gym, or should I go out and try to climb Holyrod? Given that my wife was likely to sleep in for at least another 90 minutes, I opted for the latter. And it turned out to be a damn good decision. The skies were cloudy, keeping me protected from direct exposure, but it didn't appear as if it were going to rain anytime soon. The base of the mountain turned out to not even be a 20 minute walk from our hotel's exit, so I realized I had plenty of time to at least try the trail. So I walked, and I walked, and I walked up and up and up. The mountain is just so invigorating that I had to climb more. Views were of course spectacular, both of Leith down below as well as the city's castle. Ran across a multitude of hikers and joggers, most of which seemed as happy as me to be there. If you're the least bit fit, you need to try this hill if you're in Edinburgh. read more

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If you're in good physical shape then at the end (or beginning depending on how you see it) of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh and trek up the mountain for a beautiful nature hike. You'll be treated to great views of the city below on a clear day. It's very strenuous and exhausting but the payoff at the end is worth it. If you like hiking and don't mind often steep paths upward then this is a must if visiting Edinburgh. read more

Holyrood Park - Parks Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Wow, what a gorgeous park! We did the steep hike up to Arthur's seat and then a much more relaxed, meandering walk back down through the park in late April. The colors in the park itself are stunning... the grass is a beautiful, lush green, contrasting with the volanic rock and golden gorse flowers everywhere. It is like a micro version of the Scottish Highlands, available right in the middle of the capital city. There are stunning 360 degree views of the city at every turn, and several different difficulty level paths available (the steeper ones will get you to the peak a lot faster). The park also boasts views of volcanic cliff faces, lochs, and some ruins as well! Another cool thing about the park is that it connects different parts of the city that are desirable to visit (the University area / convention center, the palace and parliament end of Old Town, and beautiful Duddingston village). So if the weather is nice, try walking through the park to get from one neighborhood to another! Make sure you are dressed appropriately for the weather if hiking up to Arthur's Seat, though. We got lucky and had a sunny day for our climb, but I've heard it can get quite rough near the top on a windy or rainy day. read more

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I love Holyrood Park, which is one of the reasons why I moved to this area of Edinburgh. It has a bit of everything: the road for biking or running, trails criss-crossing hilly expanses, beautiful lakes, old ruins, gorgeous views of both the city and the sea, and of course the famed Arthur's Seat and Salisbury Crags. As a word of warning to those who haven't been yet, it sure is hilly and will get you in shape quickly! When running clockwise around the road, the uphill is steep and considerably short, as compared to going the other way around where the uphill is still nothing to laugh at and is less steep but still 1.5k of climbing. The whole way round is 5k, and there are many race events that take advantage of this scenic and challenging space. Of course Arthur's Seat is most people's main destination in Holyrood Park, which is gorgeous and has great views. I am also particularly fond of the Salisbury Crags which are incredibly easy to access during a quick trip to the park. You get a 'big bang for your buck' and are quickly rewarded with fabulous views of the city without much climbing. It's also a perfect place for a romantic summer evening's stroll. In short, Holyrood Park is such a beautiful area to explore, and what a treat it is to have it on the door step of the city centre! read more

I love this park. It's my favourite place in Edinburgh, so close to the city yet so peaceful. There are so many paths that it's easy to while away a few hours here and not even realize it, it's always busy with folk out walking/jogging/running/cycling/feeding the ducks/having a picnic/playing sports/kite flying/sledging and on Sunday's the bottom road is closed to traffic. The Rangers often put on events for kids & adults - bat counts, guided walks etc. https://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/index/places/events.htm There are toilet facilities down at the Education Centre and the Centre itself often has exhibitions and stuff on. If you don't want to venture off the beaten track or tackle the Crags, then there's a path all the way round that takes less than an hour to walk right round. There are great views of Edinburgh Castle as you hit the last bit of hill. The views from the Crags or Arthur's seat are amazing. You can see right down the coast, out to the Forth Bridges and Fife and over to the Pentlands on a clear day. Over Duddingston way you can get to Dr Findlay's garden, up the lane at the side of the car park. There's the ruins of St Anthony's chapel to explore if you want a wee climb but don't fancy going as high as the top of the Crags or Arthur's seat. The other reason I love the park is for watching the fireworks during the Tattoo or the ones at the end of the Festival. It's not as crowded as Princes Street or Calton Hill. Take a torch and a flask, climb up the path above the Crags in daylight and settle down to watch the best show in town. You won't regret it. read more

Holyrood Park is a lovely bucolic green area around the slopes and crags of Arthur's Seat, with walking and cycling paths and three lochs (St Margaret's Loch, Dunsapie Loch, and Duddingston Loch) Best 360 º Edinburgh views from Arthur's Seat, great for joggers, ramblers, picnics and for relaxing in general. A must see (and climb) attraction to do in Edinburgh. read more

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Holyrood Park is amazing. Why? I'll tell you why. Pull up a chair. On my jog the other night I passed: A Palace, parliament, 3 (count 'em) Lochs, an extinct volcano, loads of baby cygnets and about a million feathers from feather boas left over after the Moonwalk the night before. Sure where would you get it?! The views around Queens Drive are amazing. It's about 25 minutes around walking and you will see the whole of Edinburgh, better than any bus tour. On a sunny day the place is jammed with joggers, cyclists, picnicers, dog-walkers and people who have just given up and are lying down where they dropped. On a windy/rainy/cold day there's less people but more of a challenge to get around that hill. Sure it's bloomin' brilliant! read more

Holyrood Park is a beautiful and large park in the centre of Edinburgh, stretching from Duddingston to Newington and of course to Holyrood as well. Encompassing Arthur's Seat and the Crags, walking and jogging opportunities are endless, and the amazing views atop these hills make it very worthwhile. Of course, you don't have to climb to the very top, as there's a beautiful walk along a ridge at a lower altitude, which is a nice way to walk from Pollock Halls to the Parliament or Holyrood Palace, for example. There is a road running through the park, which vehicles can and do use, so be careful with dogs and children. At night time, most parts of the road are not well-lit, so high vis jackets are recommended. read more

I jogged it. It was steep as fuk. I almost passed out. Vacations should not include death. read more

Holyrood Park is a fab place! a massive green space right in the centre of the city with paths for running, cycling, and if you're really ambitious a bit of trail running! there are numerous walkign routes to get to the top of arthur's seat as well so defintiely a great place if you like the outdoors and are in need of some fitness. the view here are amazing, as mentioned in the other reviews! on a clear day from the top of arthur's seat you can see all of edinburgh in one direction and out over to fife in the other. looking up to the top of arthur's seat and the crags is also a fab view, especially with a clear blue sky! so why four stars? well on a sunny day this place is PACKED! which makes it a bit difficult if you are trying to use the paths for running or cycled. also, while this isn't a fault of the park, it's sooooo hilly! and i also find it quite windy, so not my favourite training location when i'm out on a run. however, the natural beauty this place brings to edinburgh is undeniable! read more

Forget you are in the city, escape from the crowdsrelaxing place to take a walk, have a picnic, play with the kids ( or the dog) Views of the new Scottish parliment and Dynamic earth. short walk from the Royal mile. read more

This is really a haven in the centre of the busy city of Edinburgh. It's a great place to be to get away from the noise of the city centre. The park itself consists of Arthur's Seat, (used to be a volcano!!) Salisbury Crags both wonderful rocky hills/mountains and green fields. There are walks through and around the park which give you both fantastic panoramic views of the city and sore legs. The Park is always great for running, dog walking, cycling, and sports on the sports field near Meadowbank. The park is near several tourist attractions for those that are not particularly into walks such as the Queens Gallery, Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Parliament and Holyrood Palace. Furthermore, you can walk up along the Royal Mile directly from the Park getting you to the heart of the old town in no time. Please note Sunday is the best day for visiting as this is when cars are not allowed on the road which runs through the park. read more

If you're looking for stunning views, fresh air and some peace and quiet than you don't need to go far. The Holyrood Park is a place anyone can try out! Based just behind the Palace of Holyrood it provides us with at least 3 paths to the summit. The 1st one going way round the cliffy edge to turn left and up to the top. 2nd and 3rd one going from the left side (near the ruins of and old church) and then straight up. The best is to be up there when the weather is clearest with blue skies and sunshine. The other one you an try is to get up either at sunrise or dusk. The views are beautiful at that time believe me! Approx time to reach the summit from the bottom is less than 1 hour (normal walk) or up to 30mins (for those who are used to fast climbing) Be sure to wear warm clothes as it's pretty windy at the top all the time, plus the weather can change rapidly! Enjoy your trip! read more

Absolutely gorgeous and worth your time. I'm not a "nature person" or a "hiker," but I found the strenuous hike up to the top to be full of rewarding and stunning views. There's not much of a set trail, so you can pretty much mosey up the hill/mountain at your own pace. You can go off the heavily trafficked path and take a nap or rest on a lovely, thick bed of wild grasses with the river to your right and rolling hills all around. Every city needs a Holyrood Park! read more

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Grandmother visiting while you're at uni? Take her here! It's really relaxing and is what Edinburgh's all about once you've forgotten about the pubs! read more

country side in the city. Beware, the weather can change from one side of the hill to the other

There are certain things which makes Edinburgh a unique city and Holyrood Park is one of them. This massive expanse of land situated in central Edinburgh is a great spot for walking the dog or going out for a run and feel like you're getting away from the bustle of the city streets. read more

This is a great place to visit in Edinburgh. There is a lovely pond at the bottom which is a favourite for feeding the ducks and the very brave swans that toddle around your feet! There is also another pond further up which is possible to drive to if you dont want to walk. If you plan to climb Arthurseat you can drive to this point and start from here if you want to cheat a bit! Children also love to climb around the old castle ruins which is only a short climb from the first pond. This is a great place for a walk, picnic or to walk your dog and the parking is in great supply. read more

For me the beauty of Holyrood Park is, if you are facing the right way, you can pretend you are in the middle of the countryside, with no cars, city, no hustle and bustle on your doorstep. It is a short walk from the city centre and yet has an abundance of greenery that makes it the perfect place to go for a walk, cycle, fly your kite, have a picnic, feed the swans, jog or do anything else that takes your fancy. You can admire Arthur's Seat from a distance, and watch all those people climbing the Crags while chilling out in the park, reading your magazine, just resting while everyone else does the hard work. If you do feel energetic you can climb every hill in sight, or walk the road around the hills too, especially on a Sunday when the Queen's Drive is shut to traffic and the road is yours. A chunk of countryside in the heart of town. Don't forget to wave to the Queen in the palace, she might just wave back. read more

Holyrood Park is great for flying kites. It's much bigger and emptier than the Meadows, which means you are less likely to be disturbed by groups of students playing hackey-sack or strumming a guitar badly, and also it has the added bonus of having a rather lovely view. You can see Dynamic Earth and the Scottish Parliament building, and also Arthur's Seat looms leonine over you always. Amazing. read more

My favourite location in the city too like many others. I love wandering round the endless tracks lovely views and good exercise. Some of the climbs are quite steep though so its a great idea to take drinks and some snacks with you as well as have enough rest breaks if you feel you need them. read more

Great place for the kids to run about wild and tire themselves out so they will sleep the whole night. oh and cracking ice cream van near there too so the kids can get covered in ice cream. read more

This is without doubt my favourite place in Edinburgh. It is also what makes Edinburgh. Few other cities can boast a vast area of countryside right in their centre. The most famous part of Holyrood park is its highest peak, Arthur's Seat, from which the entire city can be seen in all its glory. The most beautiful time to be here is at sunset, and then dusk when the street lights of Edinburgh gently ignite and create a calm sparkling that settles the soul until you start worrying about light pollution. But anyway. The park also boasts two fair-sized ponds with lots of birdlife and Duddingston Loch, which is part of a Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve. The whole park is packed with wildlife - flora and fauna - and makes a lovely place to walk. It also has the spectacular Salisbury Crags, which are used for cliff-rescue training by the city's emergency services. Don't rock climb here though, it's illegal and they WILL enforce it. For disabled visitors it might be useful to note that a small road goes right round the park, past Dunsapie Loch and under Arthur's Seat, with lovely views of the city on the Southern and Western sides in particular. Child-friendly, dog friendly and even pony-friendly I believe, if you ask permission first. A country break within a city. read more

Holyrood park is a fantastic park right at the bottom of the Royal Mile. It is huge and for a while you forget you are in the centre of a city. Its a fantastic place to walk your dog as you can get off the beaten track and not come across many people. Arthurs Seat the extinct volcano is in Holyrood Park and its great to climb up to the top on a nice day and have a fantastic view over the city. There is plenty of room in the park to play football, fly kites, cycle and jog. There are also several small lochs with ducks and swans. read more

Absolutely worth the visit. Set in the middle of Edinburgh it a large park where you can forget for a while your in a City. Is it Edinburghs answer to Central Park, no, its different with I would argue a greater variety of countryside. Definately dog and child friendly read more

If you happen to see The Queen on her summer visit-bring along your binoculars and see what That duKe through the window is really up to,on your vantage point,from the Seat of Arthur's extinct volcano!??! read more