Discover Edinburgh’s 200 best Active Explorer spots for your trip

Arthur's Seat

★ 4.8 · 5,171 reviews

Climb Arthur's Seat, the volcanic summit that towers over Edinburgh's Old Town. Choose a path through Holyrood Park, reach the top, and take in the city and Firth of Forth spread out below.

Water of Leith Walkway

Follow the Water of Leith Walkway for a peaceful riverside escape inside Edinburgh. Stroll beside the flowing water through shaded green corridors, at your own pace, in roughly two relaxed hours.

Corstorphine Hill

★ 4.8 · 41 reviews

Escape to Corstorphine Hill, a wooded local retreat on Edinburgh's western side. Follow gravel paths through trees and rocky sections, then look out over the Firth of Forth from the top.

Blackford Hill

★ 4.9 · 141 reviews

Head up Blackford Hill, a local favourite and nature reserve with a gentle climb. Wander between grassland and trees, watch for buzzards, and settle at a viewpoint for Edinburgh's skyline at sunset.

Portobello Beach

★ 4.6 · 6,967 reviews

Escape the city for Portobello Beach, Edinburgh's classic seaside stretch on the Firth of Forth. Walk the sand, follow the promenade, and warm up with a drink at one of the front-facing tea shops.

Royal Commonwealth Pool

★ 4.5 · 2,648 reviews

Dive into the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Edinburgh's big indoor leisure centre with a 50m lap pool. Swim lengths, join a family session or try the obstacle course before warming up in the gym or studios.

alien rock

★ 4.8 · 391 reviews

Climb inside Alien Rock, a converted vaulted church in Newhaven with an unusual atmosphere. Work through top-rope and lead routes on varied walls, with helpful staff on hand if you're new to climbing.

The Climbing Hangar Edinburgh

★ 4.8 · 271 reviews

Try The Climbing Hangar Edinburgh, a sociable climbing gym in Portobello where first-timers and regulars share the walls. Tackle a few routes, then refuel with food on site in the relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Leith Links

★ 4.4 · 2,425 reviews

Wander onto Leith Links, the broad green heart of Leith and a former golf course. Stroll the open lawns, watch locals play football or tennis, and let the kids loose on the new playgrounds.

Portobello

Escape to Portobello, Edinburgh's easygoing seaside suburb on the Firth of Forth. Walk the promenade, stroll the sandy beach, and finish with a coffee or ice cream by the water.

Leith Cycle Co

★ 4.6 · 309 reviews

Pick up a set of wheels at Leith Cycle Co, a friendly bike shop and hire point in Leith. Choose a standard or electric bike and set off to explore Edinburgh's waterfront and beyond.

The Meadows

★ 4.7 · 7,589 reviews

Cross The Meadows, Edinburgh's big, tree-lined park just south of the Old Town. Follow the shaded paths, spot the Processions memorial, and join the locals picnicking or running across the grass.

Cramond Beach

★ 4.7 · 2,030 reviews

Spend a relaxed morning at Cramond Beach, a peaceful stretch of Edinburgh's Firth of Forth shoreline. Walk the sand, time the tide for the island crossing, and finish with an ice cream.

Calton Hill

★ 4.8 · 6,983 reviews

Walk up Calton Hill for a classic Edinburgh viewpoint just minutes from the centre. Explore the neoclassical monuments at the top and look out over the castle, the Old Town and the rooftops.

Loch Ness, Scenic Walk, Glencoe & Whisky Day Tour

★ 4.8 · 586 reviews

Mix walking with sightseeing on the Loch Ness, Scenic Walk, Glencoe & Whisky Day Tour. Stroll to the Hermitage waterfalls, pause at a distillery, then continue to Loch Ness and Glencoe in a small group.

Victoria Park

★ 4.5 · 1,213 reviews

Stroll through Victoria Park in Leith, a friendly local park with something for every age. Let the kids try the play equipment, then wander past interesting trees and the garden areas in the evening light.

Craigmillar Castle Park

★ 4.6 · 200 reviews

Stroll through Craigmillar Castle Park, a quiet green corner of south-east Edinburgh. Follow the woodland paths, let children loose on the playground, and wander around the castle ruins.

Colinton Station & Tunnel

★ 4.7 · 1,151 reviews

Walk through Colinton Tunnel, an old railway tunnel transformed into a storybook mural. Follow the illustrated Robert Louis Stevenson poem along the walls and out onto a leafy nature path.

Lane7 Edinburgh

★ 4.6 · 2,321 reviews

Play late at Lane7 Edinburgh, a social games venue that stays open into the small hours. Mix bowling, darts, pool and mini golf with drinks, ideal for groups or a lively date night.

Hadrian's Wall & Roman Britain 1-Day Tour from Edinburgh

★ 4.7 · 721 reviews

Leave Edinburgh at dawn for a day on the edge of the Roman Empire with the Hadrian's Wall & Roman Britain tour. Cross the Borders, walk along the wall near Steel Rigg and explore Roman remains with a guide.

Scottish Highlands Tour with Whisky Tasting

★ 4.8 · 702 reviews

Leave Edinburgh behind on the Scottish Highlands Tour with Whisky Tasting. Walk through woodland to Black Linn Falls, take in the view at Queen's View, and finish with a tasting at Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery.

3-Day Isle of Skye and The Highlands Tour

★ 4.8 · 3,005 reviews

Travel deep into the Scottish Highlands over three days with a driver-guide. See Glencoe, Skye and Loch Ness, and sleep in Inverness along the way.

Inverleith

Slip into Inverleith, a low-key green corner of Edinburgh that locals tend to keep to themselves. Spend an hour on an easy, unhurried walk away from the busier city sights.

Figgate Park

★ 4.6 · 1,311 reviews

Walk the paths of Figgate Park, a local green space around a large pond in Edinburgh's east. Look out for swans and ducks, and stop at the picnic tables.

Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Highlands Day Tour

★ 4.6 · 9,379 reviews

Spend a day in the Scottish Highlands, from Glencoe to the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. Hear the stories behind the glens and walk to a viewpoint on the way.

Rosslyn Chapel & Scottish Borders Tour

★ 4.7 · 708 reviews

Trade the city for Rosslyn Chapel and the rolling Scottish Borders. You will visit Roslin, lunch in Melrose by its abbey, then stop at the Wallace monument and Scott's View.

Saughton Park

Head west to Saughton Park, a relaxed local green space that suits families and unhurried walkers alike. Spend an hour on the paths, enjoying the park's tidy, attractive setting.

Scott Monument

★ 4.7 · 8,042 reviews

Look up at the Scott Monument, Edinburgh's soaring Gothic tribute to its most celebrated author. Climb the 287 steps to the top for views across Princes Street and the Old Town skyline.

Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Northumbria

★ 4.7 · 1,596 reviews

Spend a day beyond the border with Holy Island and Alnwick Castle. You will cross to Lindisfarne when the tide allows, then continue to Alnwick to explore its town or castle before returning to Edinburgh.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

★ 4.7 · 25,207 reviews

Spend a slow morning at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, a 70-acre collection of plants from around the world. Walk the manicured paths, pause on a bench, and finish with a cafe stop.