The Meadows Tours

The Meadows featuring heritage elements
The Meadows showing hiking or walking and street scenes as well as a small group of people
The Meadows which includes a garden and a playground
The Meadows which includes a park, street scenes and flowers
The Meadows showing a playground


One of Edinburgh’s largest public parks is an attractive open space with tree-lined walkways, picnic areas and sporting facilities.

Jog, sprint, skate, cycle, or walk through The Meadows, a large, popular public park. This vast open space used to be a loch that supplied much of the city’s drinking water. Drained in the early 1700s and converted into parkland, it has been a favorite escape for Edinburgh’s citizens ever since.Go for a stroll along Middle Meadow Walk, the park’s central tree-lined path. Stop off at one of the cafés at the top of the walkway. There is also a small collection of shops here. If you are on two wheels or have your skates or rollerblades with you, take advantage of the park’s network of cycling lanes. Show off your sporting prowess at the park’s numerous sports fields and courts. Play a round of golf on the course in the upper part of The Meadows that’s open to everyone. Whether you are a novice, expert or just curious about the sport, play a game of croquet at The Meadows Croquet Club at the park’s west end. For further details, including the times when the public can use the facilities here, visit the club’s official website. For a more energetic pursuit, work up a sweat on one of the 16 tennis courts.There is plenty of open space for children to run around and play games, but if they haven’t burned off their energy take them to one of the park’s three play areas.Picnicking is a popular park activity when the weather is fine. The Meadows has vast flat expanses of lawns to spread out on. There are also a number of picnic tables.The Meadows lies to the south of the city center and is next to the Edinburgh University campus at George Square. Several bus routes pass close by and there is metered street parking.The park is open 24 hours a day every day of the week.

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Reviews of The Meadows

4.7
Top Destination
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4/5 - Good

Bon

Nice park to take a walk in. Lots of people watching and dogs

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near The Meadows

Apex Grassmarket Hotel

Apex Grassmarket Hotel

4 out of 5
31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

4 out of 5
23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, Scotland
Apex Waterloo Place 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
Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel

Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel

4 out of 5
61 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel
YOTEL Edinburgh

YOTEL Edinburgh

4 out of 5
Erskine House, Queen Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
YOTEL Edinburgh
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

5 out of 5
1 India Buildings, Victoria Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile

ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile

3 out of 5
77 South Bridge, Edinburgh, Scotland
ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile
Novotel Edinburgh Centre

Novotel Edinburgh Centre

4 out of 5
80 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, Scotland
Novotel Edinburgh Centre
Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre

Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre

4 out of 5
80 High Street The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Scotland
Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near The Meadows

At The Meadows in Edinburgh, immerse yourself in delightful animal encounters, where you can spot various wildlife, including squirrels and birds, in this picturesque park. Enjoy leisurely strolls, picnics, and community events that often feature petting zoos or local animal-themed activities, offering a unique connection with nature right in the heart of the city.

Shopping

The Meadows offers a delightful shopping experience. Visit The Hub, Tron Kirk, and Tartan Weaving Mill, all located 0.6 miles away, showcasing unique gifts and souvenirs with a vibrant city atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, explore larger shopping centers further afield for even more options.

Recreation

Murrayfield Stadium, located 2 miles from The Meadows, offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts. The Queen's Hall, just 0.4 miles away, provides a vibrant entertainment scene with live music. For outdoor lovers, Prestonfield Golf Club, 1 mile away, features beautiful greens and scenic views.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Skirmish Edinburgh Paintball, located 2 miles from The Meadows, where you can engage in exhilarating paintball battles. For more adrenaline, visit Bedlam Paintball, just 1 mile away, offering an action-packed adventure. If you’re into winter sports, the Midlothian Snowsports Centre, 4 miles away, provides skiing excitement.

Nightlife

The Meadows offers vibrant nightlife with spots like Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, an exciting arcade adventure zone just 0.6 miles away. For a cozy drink, check out Greyfriar's Bobby, a charming pub 0.4 miles away, or catch a performance at the King's Theatre, 0.5 miles away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near The Meadows

The Meadows in Edinburgh offers a delightful mix of attractions, including museums, historic colleges, and entertainment venues. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich culture, enjoy family-friendly activities, and experience the vibrant city life. Whether you're exploring local history or relaxing in green spaces, The Meadows promises memorable experiences for every traveler.

  • Edinburgh Castle: Perched atop Castle Rock, this historic fortress offers breathtaking views and a rich tapestry of Scottish history. Explore its ancient halls, the Crown Jewels, and enjoy the romantic ambiance as you delve into Scotland's past.
  • University of Edinburgh: One of the world’s oldest universities, its stunning architecture and vibrant campus exude culture and intellectual charm. Stroll through its historic grounds and soak in the scholarly atmosphere that has inspired countless thinkers.
  • Grassmarket: This lively area is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. With its array of shops, restaurants, and bustling market stalls, enjoy a taste of local life amidst the backdrop of Edinburgh’s history.

Best time to go to The Meadows

The best time to visit The Meadows is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January38.5°F (3.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
April45.1°F (7.3°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
September54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
October49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for The Meadows

To save money on your trip to The Meadows in Edinburgh, consider visiting between January and March for lower hotel rates. Booking your accommodation about a month in advance or checking last-minute deals on Expedia can yield good discounts, especially if you stay on a Tuesday. Explore options like Eco-certified hotels to find affordable yet sustainable stays. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities for package savings on Expedia, and join their One Key membership for exclusive discounts and cash-back opportunities for future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around The Meadows are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around The Meadows is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around The Meadows is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around The Meadows is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at The Meadows with your flights and activities when you book an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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