Health and wellness

Take a break from the stresses of modern-day life and discover the tranquil and rejuvenating side of Scotland’s historic capital city.

Whether you want to reconnect with nature, have a pampering spa day, build up your fitness levels or fuel your body with healthy food, Edinburgh offers a plethora of  wellbeing experiences and activities.

Nature walks and hikes

Start your journey with a hike up Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano offering panoramic views of the city. This invigorating trek is not only a great workout, but also a perfect way to reconnect with nature. For the ultimate serene experience, opt for an early morning walk and experience the sunrise casting a golden glow over Edinburgh. Or climb the steps to Calton Hill and as well as being rewarded with stunning vistas, there’s also a range of fascinating historic monuments to explore.

A short drive from the city centre, the Pentland Hills provide extensive walking and hiking trails, with routes like the Capital View (2.5 miles) offering splendid views of Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth.

For a more leisurely stroll, the Water of Leith Walkway is a hidden gem. This 13 mile route takes you through lush greenery and historic landmarks. The soothing sounds of the river and the sight of local wildlife make this a rejuvenating escape from urban life.

Tucked away down a narrow close off the bustling Royal Mile is Dunbars Close Garden. With lush trees and elegant shrubs, it’s an oasis of tranquillity. Another treasure not to miss is The Archivists’ Garden – hidden behind General Register House at the east end of Princes Street it’s filled with a variety of plants, all connected in some way to Scotland’s collective memory.

Mindfulness and yoga

Located at Dalkeith Country Park just a few miles from Edinburgh city centre, Restoration Yard lives up to its name! Restore and renew in The Studio with a range of classes, retreats and wellbeing workshops; find fashion, beauty, homeware and food treats in the on-site shop, and feast on breakfast or lunch at The Kitchen.

For those seeking a deeper spiritual experience, The Salisbury Centre is a sanctuary of mindfulness. Participate in meditation sessions, workshops, and holistic therapies that promote inner peace and personal growth.

Yoga Stable host a variety of classes and specialised workshops on breathing techniques and mindfulness, while Breath-Works offers a range of treatments and classes including yoga, reflexology and Reiki.

For a chance to really get back to nature, WanderWomen Scotland offer mindfulness adventures in an outdoor setting. Weather and season dependent, choose from activities such as forestbathing, wild swimming, meditation and yoga.

If it’s a calming but stimulating play area you’re looking for for your wee one, look no further than MakeBelieve The Baby Play Place. Here you’ll find ball pits, slides, tunnels and playhouses all designed to help children have fun whilst developing imagination and confidence.

Spa and wellness retreats

Experience state-of-the-art facilities including a rooftop hydropool, thermal suite and a variety of rejuvenating treatments at One Spa in the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa. Or relax in luxury with the comprehensive spa packages on offer at The Balmoral.

With locations across Edinburgh, award-winning PURE Spa & Beauty offer tailored treatments that combine traditional therapies with modern techniques – from detoxifying body wraps to stress-relieving massages. Within 5 minutes’ drive of Edinburgh Airport and 20 minutes from the city centre, Norton House Hotel & Spa is the epitome of relaxation. Enjoy some heat therapy in the sauna or steam room, cool down in the hydrotherapy spa pool, then unwind with one of their treatments.

Explore more options. Pamper yourself at Edinburgh’s top spas.

Fitness and adventure

For a thrilling twist on fitness, head to Go Ape at Dalkeith Country Park. Their treetop adventure courses, zip lines and high rope challenges are perfect for adrenaline seekers. It’s a fun way to build strength, improve balance and enjoy the great outdoors.

Talking of heights, Edinburgh International Climbing Arena at Ratho is Europe’s largest indoor climbing arena, offering routes for all abilities and a dedicated bouldering room. At Newhaven and housed in a former church, is alien rock. They run a variety of courses, designed to improve climbing skills and confidence, from taster sessions to leading courses.

Fancy brushing up on your bushcraft and survival skills? From half-day and full-day to overnight experiences, Earth & Nature Adventures offer some fantastic experiences to connect with nature.

Inspired by the TV show, Ninja Warrior UK Adventure Park has over 20 obstacles to try – climb, balance and swing across them all. Mini Ninjas sessions (for children under 5 years), Ninjas Masters (16+ years) and Sensory Sessions (small numbers, less flashing lights and low music) are all available.

Looking for some help with reaching your fitness goal? From reluctant exercisers to those recovering from injury, Griffen Fitness can help. Or join Fit and Happy for one of their supportive and fun group exercise classes for women.

Cultural wellbeing

Nourish your soul with a visit to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. This stunning green space is home to an incredible collection of plants from around the world. Take a leisurely stroll through the gardens, participate in a guided tour, or simply find a quiet bench to sit and reflect. For a dose of artistic inspiration, Visit the National Galleries of Scotland: National, National Galleries Scotland: Modern or National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait. Aiming to make art accessible to everyone, they offer a range of events throughout the year, such as relaxed sessions, children’s workshops, dementia-friendly sessions and British Sign Language (BSL) tours.

Engage with Scotland’s rich oral traditions through storytelling sessions, workshops, and cultural events at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, or visit Summerhall, a creative hub offering art exhibitions, theatre performances and wellness workshops.

Enrich your knowledge and curiosity with a visit to Dynamic Earth, an interactive science museum that offers a unique perspective on our planet’s history and natural wonders, or take a trip to Jupiter Artland, a contemporary sculpture park and art gallery.

Explore more options in our guide to arts and culture in Edinburgh.

Water activities

Have a day of fun on the water at Port Edgar Watersports at South Queensferry, overlooking the Forth Bridges. Courses for both adults and children are available in sailing, sea kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding and windsurfing. Or stay in-land and pay a visit to Bridge 8 Hub on the Union Canal – here you can learn and take part in canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, as well as exploring the area by bike.

Experience the beauty of the Firth of Forth on a boat tour. Maid of the Forth offer cruises to Inchcolm Island where you can explore the beautiful 12^th century monastic abbey and wartime fortifications. Learn more about the history and wildlife of the area with Forth Boat Tours; set sail on a half, full and two day trip with Edinburgh Boat Charters, or join Edinburgh Marine Academy for an unforgettable and exhilarating trip in one of their state of the art powerboats.

Fully accessible and offering experiences which can be tailored to suit each individual and group, Wetwheels Edinburgh are suitable for both able-bodied and wheelchair users. Cruises take place around the Firth of Forth, leaving and returning from South Queensferry.

Opening at Ratho in September 2024, Lost Shore Surf Resort will be the world’s first inland surf resort. Capable of generating up to 1,000 waves per hour, the state-of-the-art surf lake will be set within a 60-acre country park, offering luxury accommodation, food market, shopping and a wellness spa.

Healthy eating

For a modern twist on healthy eating, visit Hendersons, Edinburgh’s iconic vegetarian restaurant. Their menu is bursting with delicious, nutritious dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Or treat your tastebuds to worldwide flavours at David Bann Restaurant, which serves a seasonally-inspired vegetarian menu.

For a great start to the day, Seeds for the Soul, a completely vegan café in Bruntsfield, is known for its brunch offerings, as is The Pantry in Stockbridge – try the U.S.A: toasted sourdough with poached egg, avocado and cherry tomatoes.

For more ideas on dining, see our guide to healthy food in Edinburgh.

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