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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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
YOTEL Edinburgh

YOTEL Edinburgh

4 out of 5
Erskine House, Queen Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
YOTEL Edinburgh
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
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile

Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile

4 out of 5
231 Canongate, Edinburgh, Scotland
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

5 out of 5
1 India Buildings, Victoria Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
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
Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel

Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel

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

The Meadows in Edinburgh offers a variety of outdoor activities, including beautiful hiking trails perfect for exploring the scenic landscapes. During your visit, consider taking day trips to nearby attractions or participating in festive events like Christmas in Edinburgh. Don't miss out on the vibrant art museums showcasing local culture, and look for guided tours that highlight the best of the UK. These experiences will ensure a memorable vacation in this charming city.

Food and drinks

For a unique experience, visit Glenkinchie Distillery, a charming spot 12 miles from The Meadows, perfect for romance. Closer by, Edinburgh Gin Distillery offers a delightful atmosphere just 0.9 mile away. Don't miss Potter About for a family-friendly dining experience 8 miles away, combining city vibes with great food.

Shopping

The Meadows offers great shopping options like The Hub, just 0.6 miles away, and Scottish Gems, 0.7 miles away, both featuring a variety of gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, the Gyle Shopping Centre, located 5 miles away, has family-friendly vibes and plenty of entertainment.

Recreation

Experience the exhilarating atmosphere at Murrayfield Stadium, just 2 miles from The Meadows, where you can enjoy various sports events. For a fun adventure, head to Murrayfield Ice Rink, also 2 miles away, perfect for ice skating. For serenity, take a peaceful walk up Blackford Hill, 1 mile away, offering stunning views and relaxation.

Adventure

At the Midlothian Ski Centre, experience thrilling skiing just 1 mile from The Meadows, surrounded by stunning landscapes. For adrenaline-pumping fun, Bedlam Paintball offers exciting paintball adventures also 1 mile away. If you're into motorsports, the Knockhill Racing Circuit, located 18 miles away, promises an exhilarating racing experience.

Nightlife

The Meadows offers a vibrant nightlife with options like the Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, just 1 mile away, showcasing cultural performances. Enjoy family fun at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, 0.6 miles away, or unwind at Greyfriar's Bobby, a cozy pub only 0.4 miles from the park.

Find the best attractions near The Meadows

While visiting The Meadows in Edinburgh, you'll find a range of attractions that cater to every traveler, from cultural experiences to outdoor adventures. Explore nearby highlights like Edinburgh Playhouse and Holyrood Park, or simply enjoy the beautiful meadows themselves. Whether you're interested in castles, beaches, or scenic streets, The Meadows offers a delightful blend of activities for a memorable vacation.

  • Edinburgh Castle: Perched atop Castle Rock, this iconic fortress offers breathtaking views of the city. Explore its historic halls, discover the Stone of Destiny, and soak in the romantic and cultural vibes that make this site a must-visit in Edinburgh.
  • Royal Mile: Stretching from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, this historic street is bustling with shops, restaurants, and street performers. Experience the vibrant city vibes and immerse yourself in the rich history that lines this famous thoroughfare.
  • University of Edinburgh: One of the world’s oldest universities, it boasts stunning architecture and a rich academic heritage. Wander through its historic campus and feel the cultural atmosphere that inspires students from around the globe.

Best time to go to The Meadows

Visitor numbers around The Meadows is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit The Meadows can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around The Meadows falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around The Meadows falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January38.5°F (3.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowModerately Low
February39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowModerately Low
March41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April45.1°F (7.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
May50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighModerately High
July58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighModerately High
August57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighModerately High
September54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowModerately Low
December39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for The Meadows

Visiting The Meadows in Edinburgh can be budget-friendly with several saving tips. Enjoy free access to The Meadows and explore other nearby attractions like the Royal Mile and Princes Street without spending a dime. For accommodations, consider booking your hotel in the cheaper months of January to February or November, and look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Join their One Key membership for exclusive discounts and consider package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for extra savings. Public transport is also affordable, making it easy to navigate the city on a budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around The Meadows is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around The Meadows are January to February and November, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are moderately higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around The Meadows about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool lets you customize your travel search based on your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily arrange the results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will show you sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at The Meadows with your flights and activities by booking a package through Expedia.
  • 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.