Saughton Park & Walled Garden Edinburgh
A vibrant green oasis in Edinburgh, Saughton Park boasts stunning gardens, a lively playground, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak blooms, fewer crowds
Saughton Park & Walled Garden Edinburgh
Best Time
Peak blooms, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant green oasis in Edinburgh, Saughton Park boasts stunning gardens, a lively playground, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
"Out of this world gardens and incredible energy make Saughton Park a must-visit."
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Pack a picnic to enjoy on the sprawling lawns or by the river. Great for families and budget-friendly!
🚶♀️ Wander & Explore
Don't miss the diverse gardens, from roses to tropical plants. Wear comfy shoes!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Walled Garden
Central area
A stunning display of herbaceous borders and award-winning roses, bursting with color and fragrance.
Winter Garden
Glasshouse
A tropical oasis filled with exotic plants, offering a vibrant escape, especially during cooler months.
Playground & Skatepark
Near Balgreen Road entrance
A lively hub for all ages, featuring a huge playground and a well-maintained skatepark.
The Garden Bistro
Near Walled Garden
Enjoy delicious food and drinks in a sunny setting, perfect for a relaxing break.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds, Embrace the Bloom
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Pack a picnic to enjoy on the sprawling lawns or by the river. Great for families and budget-friendly!
🚶♀️ Wander & Explore
Don't miss the diverse gardens, from roses to tropical plants. Wear comfy shoes!
☀️ Sun Trap Alert
The walled garden and bistro area are fantastic sunny spots, perfect for soaking up rays.
Tram is Key
The tram is a convenient and often less crowded way to reach the park.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Pack a picnic to enjoy on the sprawling lawns or by the river. Great for families and budget-friendly!
🚶♀️ Wander & Explore
Don't miss the diverse gardens, from roses to tropical plants. Wear comfy shoes!
☀️ Sun Trap Alert
The walled garden and bistro area are fantastic sunny spots, perfect for soaking up rays.
Tram is Key
The tram is a convenient and often less crowded way to reach the park.
Gardening Workshops
Check out The Caley's workshops for hands-on gardening tips.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Saughton Park's beautifully maintained gardens, particularly the Walled Garden's stunning floral displays. The park is praised as a vibrant community hub with excellent facilities for families, including a large playground and skatepark. While generally loved, some may find it busy during peak times.
"Beautifully maintained herbaceous borders and stunning floral walled gardens."
Paul McIntosh
"I have lived in Saughton all my life and have been coming to this park since I was a child. I have never seen it so alive. It's beautiful to see so much care and development in this area. The cafe is great. The skate park is always bustling with people. It's just such a lovely place to be."
Richard Newlands
"This is an awesome place. Incredible energy. Out of this world gardens. Awesome play park and brilliant training area. All in a beautiful area close to the river with views of the nearby hills. Close to the zoo and Corstorphine hills. Centrally located for many other areas to explore"
Denise Hesketh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Saughton Park is easily accessible by tram. The Balgreen tram stop is a short 7-minute walk from the park entrances. Buses also serve the area, though they can be busy and sometimes late.
Yes, there are car parks located at both the Balgreen Road and Ford Road entrances of Saughton Park.
The park is well-signposted and located in a residential area. Using a GPS or map app will guide you directly to the entrances.
Yes, cycling is a great option. There are paths leading to the park, and it's a pleasant ride from many parts of Edinburgh. Bike racks may be available near entrances.
The park has paved paths throughout, making it largely accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The Walled Garden and cafe are generally accessible.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Saughton Park and its gardens are free to enter and explore.
Saughton Park is generally open from dawn until dusk. Specific facilities like the cafe may have their own operating hours.
There is no need to book tickets for the gardens; they are open to the public free of charge.
Yes, Saughton Park hosts various events, including gardening workshops by The Caley. Check their website for upcoming events.
Dogs are welcome in Saughton Park, but it's important to keep them under control and clean up after them. There's a designated dog walking area.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the stunning Walled Garden with its herbaceous borders and roses, the tropical Winter Garden, a large playground, a skatepark, and an outdoor gym.
Absolutely! It features a fantastic playground, ample space to run around, and the skatepark is a hit with older kids.
Picnics are very popular and encouraged. While official BBQ facilities might be limited, many visitors enjoy casual picnics on the lawns.
The park offers toilets, picnic benches, a cafe, a playground, a skatepark, an outdoor gym, and a dog walking area.
Yes, the beautifully maintained gardens, especially the Walled Garden with its vibrant flowers, offer excellent opportunities for photography. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, The Garden Bistro is located within Saughton Park and offers food and drinks. It's a popular spot, especially on sunny days.
The bistro typically serves light meals, snacks, and refreshments. It's a great place to refuel after exploring the park.
The surrounding areas of Edinburgh offer a wide range of dining options if you prefer to eat outside the park.
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks for a picnic is a popular and encouraged activity at Saughton Park.
The park has picnic benches available, but they can be popular, especially on sunny days.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Strollers & Peace Seekers
📸 Photographers & Garden Lovers
🏃♀️ Active Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Gardens of Saughton Park
Beyond the roses, the park boasts a Winter Garden housed within a glasshouse, offering a lush, tropical escape filled with exotic plants. This provides a unique sensory experience, especially appealing during the colder months. The park's commitment to its gardens is evident, with ongoing care and development ensuring a beautiful environment year-round.
For those interested in learning more about gardening, The Caley organization hosts workshops at Saughton Park, covering topics like seed sowing and vegetable cultivation. These events offer a fantastic opportunity to gain practical skills and connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts.
Family Fun and Active Pursuits
Adjacent to the playground is a popular skatepark, which is always bustling with activity. It's a great spot for teens and young adults to practice their skills. For those looking for a more structured workout, the park also features an outdoor gym.
The park's open lawns are perfect for casual games, kite flying, or simply enjoying the fresh air. The proximity to the river and views of the hills also add to the park's appeal for outdoor activities.
Community Hub and Local Gem
The park serves as a gathering spot for picnics, BBQs, and casual meetups, especially during sunny weather. The presence of a cafe, The Garden Bistro, adds to its convenience and appeal, offering a place to relax and refuel.
Its accessibility via tram makes it a convenient escape from the city center, offering a peaceful retreat with beautiful surroundings, close to other attractions like the zoo and Corstorphine Hill.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit