Arthur’s Seat & Holyrood Park
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Why visit?
Arthur’s Seat is one of the most common things to do when visiting Edinburgh, there is no doubt about it. Amy has walked up it twice now and has been taken away by the views each time. Let’s face it, every time you search for ‘Things to do in Edinburgh’, Arthur’s Seat is usually one of the top results. If you keep scrolling a few more pages though, you will eventually see Holyrood Park in the results. If you visit on the right day, it is perfect to combine the two by walking up Arthur’s Seat and then resting in Holyrood Park right after.
For first time visitors to Edinburgh, you may not be aware that Arthur’s Seat & Holyrood Park are next to eachother. It can take around 2 hours to walk Arthur’s Seat, approximately 1 hour 30 to walk around Holyrood Park.
You will have the most amazing time seeing the sights and immersing yourself in nature. It’s a great place to get some amazing pics of Edinburgh from above and the hillside, not to mention overlooking the beautiful loch. We think the photos speak for themselves when it comes to this place, with so many great Instagrammable spots just waiting to be captured.
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When to Visit?
Anyone who likes a nice walk with great spots for pics, in other words our perfect day out, then this really is the place for you. Make sure if you are visiting Edinburgh that you take some time to wander around the park as well as Arthur’s Seat. You’ll have a good day out then you can end the day in the city having fun (or recovering from the amount of steps you’ve done!)
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The best days to visit are on greyer, cloudy days. It sounds silly but you will find that there won’t be many people around so you can enjoy the nature in peace. We decided to go on a bit of an overcast day to Holyrood Park because then we could get some dramatic shots. Also, let’s face it, we’re a bit selfish and wanted the place mostly to ourselves.
If you’re lucky, you may even get up close and personal with some swans and geese. Amy is a bit frightened of them though so we kept a fair bit of distance. If you check out our article on Holyrood, you can see where Amy had to abandon the tripod as a goose was a little too close for her liking and Liam was halfway up a tree taking some photos. We like to write about these funny little things that happen on our adventures! So you can read all about that here.
Time to Rest
Near to the park you can rest up in a gorgeous old fashioned inn for some drinks or hearty food. If you fancy it, you can even book a room for private skittle games which is not something you will stumble upon that often. The Sheep Heid Inn is one of the oldest Inns within Edinburgh and is so aesthetic it’s unbelievable. The Inn no longer rents out rooms but they serve gorgeous food. It’s the best place to stop with a beer garden that gives you serious summer vibes.
Whatever you decide to do, if you are visiting both on the same day or on separate days like we have done then make sure you wear comfy shoes as you’ll do a lot of walking. When you’re doing Arthur’s Seat, there is usually an ice-cream van nearby to get some drinks but it can be a little bit expensive so you’re best off taking your own.
Overall, both Arthur’s Seat & Holyrood Park are great days out for families, couples, solo nature lovers or even if you have a dog and want to let them loose for a little while.
Are you looking for other things to do whilst you’re in Edinburgh? Why don’t you check out our guide on free things to do in Edinburgh here?
