With a multitude of outdoor activities, delicious food and cultural experiences to choose from when staying in Edinburgh in the summer, it can be difficult to know what should be at the top of your bucket (and spade) list.
But don’t despair, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite things to see, do, experience and taste while the sun is shining. So, sun cream, hats and refreshments at the ready – it’s time to start planning your best summer yet in Edinburgh!
Our favourite place for ice cream: The Little Parlour
As temperatures heat up, cool down with an ice cream.
Located in the picturesque seaside town of South Queensferry, a short train ride and walk from Edinburgh, The Little Parlour may be small, but it’s big on flavours. Take your pick from over 60 flavours of artisan gelato, from the traditional mint choc chip to the adventurous Parma Violet, complete with a choice of 20 indulgent toppings. They’re almost – but not quite – too pretty to eat!
Find more creamy treats in top ice cream shops in Edinburgh
Our favourite place for a paddle: Portobello Beach
If the water (and weather) is on the chilly side, take to the waters of the Portobello Swim Centre instead.
Who says you have to leave the city to enjoy the coast? Hop on the bus to Portobello, Edinburgh’s year-round seaside resort for a refreshing dip in the water and miles of award-winning sandy beach.
Afterwards, refuel at one of the many cafes, bars and restaurants situated along the prom.
Our favourite place for a picnic: Inverleith Park
Fill up your picnic basket with delicious bites from one of the many popular delis in neighbouring Stockbridge.
One of the best things about Inverleith Park is that it offers something for all levels of relaxation. With four tennis courts, a ball court for basketball and football, outdoor fitness equipment and a running and fitness circuit, it’s a great spot for gathering friends and family together for some competitive sporting action, followed by a celebratory feast. While, if you’re more of a sit-back and soak up the rays kind of person, bag yourself one of the many benches, unpack your picnic and enjoy the natural beauty of one of Edinburgh’s prettiest parks.
For a great line-up of top musical acts, chefs, tasty food, delicious drinks, don’t miss Edinburgh Foodies Festival which takes place at the park each summer.
Our favourite outdoor market: Leith Market
Come hungry! From the mouth-watering smells of freshly prepared hot dishes to pretty as a picture cupcakes, you’ll be coming back for more!
Taking place every Saturday from 10am to 4pm on Dock Place, Leith Market should not be missed for a great selection of locally made food and drinks, fresh produce and handmade gifts.
Whether buying for yourself (some foodie delights for the afore-mentioned picnic) or a unique gift to take home, you’ll find something for all tastes here.
Come on the first Saturday of the month when the market is home to a Vegan Quarter, and alongside the usual line-up of traders, you’ll find stalls packed with delicious plant-based treats.
Find more great shopping experiences in our guide to Edinburgh’s markets.
Our favourite place for fruit picking: Craigies Farm
Why not make a day of it and take the children to the farm’s Little Farmers. Wee ones can make friends with the resident pygmy goats, pigs, Clydesdale horses, Shetland ponies, chickens and Highland cows.
There’s something about picking your own fruit and veg that just makes everything taste juicier, sweeter and fresher.
Craigies Farm in South Queensferry offers the chance to get into nature, pick locally-grown produce and fill your basket with the sweetest of fruits. Strawberries, raspberries, cherries, currants, blackcurrants and gooseberries can all be found here during the summer. Plus, if you haven’t eaten them all by the time you get home, they’re perfect for making jam for the winter months.
Our favourite place for a bike ride: Silverknowes and Cramond
Remember to pack all the essentials, including water, sun protection and mobile.
If you fancy seeing more of the city, and don’t mind some exercise, a bike ride ticks both these boxes.
There are several cycle trails you can follow in Edinburgh, several of which are off-street, but our favourite is Silverknowes and Cramond in the north of the city. Silverknowes prom is car-free and wide, with plenty of space for the walkers, joggers and cyclists that frequent this popular spot, plus on a clear day it offers stunning views across the River Forth. Follow the prom and you’ll come to the old fishing village of Cramond, complete with quaint rows of whitewashed houses, and – importantly for cyclists – a coffee shop to rest and refuel.
If you prefer being in the reliable hands of a guide, why not book a day out with one of Edinburgh’s cycling tour guides.
Our favourite place for camping: Dalkeith Country Park Campsite
Around 20 minutes’ drive from the centre of Edinburgh, you’re not far from the bright city lights.
For a night under the stars, we love Dalkeith Country Park Campsite.
This seasonal site offers a back-to-basics experience with plenty of space to switch off and enjoy nature’s beauty. They offer small, medium and large pitches, as well as pre-pitched and bell tents with air beds. Campers also benefit from discounted entry into the park’s Fort Douglas adventure playground and Go Ape treetop trails – perfect for a family adventure.
Our favourite place for watersports: Edinburgh Watersports CIC
If you’re looking to buy your own kit, their on-site shop has all your watersports needs taken care of.
Enjoy a day on the water, and learn a new sport, with Edinburgh Watersports CIC.
Sailing, windsurfing, power boating, kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding – you can try it all here, from beginner to advanced levels. Courses are available for both adults and children, and their team of highly experienced instructors will ensure you not only have fun, but learn all the skills required to stay safe on the open waves.
Our favourite place for fairground fun: Fayre Play
Strictly for the grown-ups, this is an 18 years+ venue.
If you want all the fun of the fair, don’t miss the game-themed bar, Fayre Play.
With a nod to the traditional fairground-themed experience, all the favourite games have been given a modern revamp – think slam dunk, shooting hoops, fishing for ducks and more. And once you’ve had a few rounds of friendly competition, their food and drink menu will satisfy all appetites.
Check out more of Edinburgh’s game-themed bars.
Our favourite place for outdoor movies: Square Cinema
Keep an eye on Square Cinema’s website for this year’s screenings.
You might not think of Edinburgh – or Scotland – as being a place for outdoor movies, but each summer, the hugely popular Square Cinema transforms St Andrew Square Garden into a buzzing cinematic experience.
Whether you want to see a golden oldie, a cult title or family blockbuster, this festival has something for all ages and tastes – and all for free! All you need to do is bring your snacks, sit back and enjoy movie magic.
For more upcoming events for all the family – both outdoors and indoors, head to our What’s On page.
This project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund
