The Meadows

The Meadows showing heritage elements
The Meadows
The Meadows featuring a park and a playground
The Meadows
The Meadows which includes a playground


This elegant and picturesque public park is the perfect spot for a picnic, to play some sport, or enjoy a stroll.

Once upon a time, the Meadows was a loch that supplied drinking water to much of Edinburgh. However, when it was drained back in the early 1700s, it was turned into parkland and today it is a favourite spot with locals who come here to relax and rewind. Why not join them for a jog, a cycle ride, or simply take a pleasant and relaxed stroll through this picturesque spot?

Amble along the Middle Meadow Walk, the tree-lined path which runs through the heart of the park. On your way through, pause for a while at one of the cafés at the top of the walkway, and browse in some of the shops that can be found there. There are cycle lanes throughout the park too, perfect if you want to cycle or try some rollerblading.

There are plenty of sports fields and courts around the park too. You can play a round of golf towards the upper end of The Meadows, try your hand at croquet at The Meadows Croquet Club to the west of the park, or enjoy a game of tennis one of the park's 16 courts. Check online for more information about the facilities and their availability to the public.

If you have children with you, they will have the perfect opportunity to run round and let off steam in this inviting open space. There are also three designated play areas around the park where they can have even more fun.

Many visitors come here simply to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. On a warm day, bring a picnic with you and sit on the flat lawn or at one of the park’s picnic tables.

Situated to the south of the city beside the Edinburgh University campus at George Square, the Meadows is open all day every day. Take the bus there along one of the bus routes that service the area or if you’re coming by car, paid street parking is available.

Popular places to visit


Top The Meadows Hotel Deals

Apex Grassmarket Hotel
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
4 out of 5
31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
YOTEL Edinburgh
YOTEL Edinburgh
4 out of 5
Erskine House, Queen Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
YOTEL Edinburgh
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
4 out of 5
23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, Scotland
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel
Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel
4 out of 5
61 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel
CoDE Pod  – The CoURT - Edinburgh
CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh
2 out of 5
1 a Parliament Square, Edinburgh, Scotland
CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh
Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket
Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket
4 out of 5
1 Morrison Link, Midlothian, Edinburgh, Scotland
Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket
Market Street Hotel
Market Street Hotel
4 out of 5
6 Market Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Market Street Hotel
Wilde Aparthotels, Edinburgh, Grassmarket
Wilde Aparthotels, Edinburgh, Grassmarket
4 out of 5
26 King's Stables Road, Edinburgh, Scotland
Wilde Aparthotels, Edinburgh, Grassmarket
Old Waverley Hotel
Old Waverley Hotel
3 out of 5
43 Princes Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Old Waverley Hotel
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