The Meadows Edinburgh
Edinburgh's vibrant green heart, famous for its stunning cherry blossoms and lively student atmosphere. A perfect spot for relaxation and recreation.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cherry blossoms in full bloom
The Meadows Edinburgh
Best Time
Cherry blossoms in full bloom

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Edinburgh's vibrant green heart, famous for its stunning cherry blossoms and lively student atmosphere. A perfect spot for relaxation and recreation.
"The Meadows in Edinburgh is pure magic during cherry blossom season. A pink canopy stretches across the park, and walking through it feels like stepping into a dream."
🌸 Blossom Timing is Key
Cherry blossoms usually peak mid-April. Check local buzz for exact timing!
👟 Comfy Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore this large park.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cherry Blossom Spectacle
Throughout the park
A breathtaking pink canopy transforms the park into a dreamscape. Pure magic in spring!

Vibrant Student Hub
Grassy areas
Lively atmosphere with students playing sports, music, and enjoying the sun.

Children's Playground
South-west corner
Edinburgh's largest play area, perfect for families with kids to burn off energy.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Blossoms (or the Buzz)
Getting Around The Meadows
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌸 Blossom Timing is Key
Cherry blossoms usually peak mid-April. Check local buzz for exact timing!
👟 Comfy Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore this large park.
☀️ Sunny Day Hotspot
Expect crowds on sunny days, especially during university reading weeks.
⚽ Bring Sports Gear
Perfect for a casual game of football or frisbee on the open lawns.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌸 Blossom Timing is Key
Cherry blossoms usually peak mid-April. Check local buzz for exact timing!
👟 Comfy Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore this large park.
☀️ Sunny Day Hotspot
Expect crowds on sunny days, especially during university reading weeks.
⚽ Bring Sports Gear
Perfect for a casual game of football or frisbee on the open lawns.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Grab some local treats and enjoy a relaxing picnic on the grass.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Meadows is a beloved green space in Edinburgh, particularly magical during cherry blossom season. Visitors praise its expansive lawns, vibrant atmosphere, and excellent recreational facilities, making it a favorite for locals and students alike. While it can get busy on sunny days, its beauty and tranquility offer a wonderful escape.
"The Meadows in Edinburgh is pure magic during cherry blossom season. A pink canopy stretches across the park, and walking through it feels like stepping into a dream. It’s peaceful, full of locals just enjoying the moment—no rush, no noise, just beauty. One of my favourite spots in the city, especially in spring."
RithuTheExplorer Vlog
"Nestled just south of Edinburgh’s city centre, The Meadows is a sprawling public park loved by locals and visitors alike. It blends open grassy expanses with tree-lined paths and offers a range of recreational facilities, including tennis courts, croquet lawns, sports pitches, and the city’s largest children’s play area. 
Rich History
• Originally occupied by the Burgh Loch (also known as the South Loch), which supplied the city with water until 1621. The loch was drained in 1722, transforming the area into parkland with avenues and paths shaped by Sir Thomas Hope’s designs. 
• The area was historically used for common grazing well into the 20th century. In 1827, it earned legal protection from development. 
• It holds a place in sporting lore—host to Edinburgh’s first football derby in 1875 between Hearts and Hibernian. Remnants of that legacy include the commemorative plaque near the former Whalebone Arch."
Wanis Alanazi
"Nice open space- lots of students hanging out enjoying the sun, playing guitars or sports. Some wrought iron benches along the paths. Loads of daffodils in early April and cherry blossoms come out around mid-April."
Debra Motherwell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Meadows is easily accessible on foot from Edinburgh's city center, about a 15-20 minute walk south of the Old Town. Several bus routes also stop nearby, making it convenient to reach from various parts of the city.
Street parking is available in the surrounding residential areas, but it can be limited, especially on busy days. It's often easier to use public transport or walk if you're staying centrally.
Yes, cycling is a great option! There are dedicated cycle paths and plenty of space to lock up your bike around the park.
The main paths through The Meadows are generally flat and paved, making them accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Some of the grassier areas might be uneven.
From Waverley Station, it's a pleasant walk south (around 20-25 minutes). Alternatively, you can take a short bus ride or a taxi. Avoid the steep steps if you have heavy luggage; Cockburn Street is a better route to the Royal Mile area which is closer to The Meadows.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, The Meadows is a public park and entry is completely free. You can enjoy its grounds and facilities without any admission fee.
The Meadows is open to the public from early morning until late evening. There are no set closing times, but it's advisable to be mindful of local bylaws regarding noise after dark.
Yes, The Meadows hosts various events throughout the year, including the annual summer fair, community BBQs, and sometimes music or sports events. Check local listings or social media for current happenings.
You can rent tennis courts and croquet lawns. It's recommended to book these in advance, especially during peak seasons.
The children's playground at The Meadows is free to use for everyone. It's one of the largest in Edinburgh and a popular spot for families.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy leisurely walks, picnics, playing sports like football and frisbee, visiting the large children's playground, or simply relaxing on the grass. It's also a prime spot for enjoying the cherry blossoms in spring.
The cherry blossoms typically bloom in mid-April. The exact timing can vary slightly each year, so it's good to check local reports or social media for updates.
While there aren't cafes directly inside the park, there are numerous options in the surrounding areas of Marchmont, Bruntsfield, and the Southside, offering everything from coffee to full meals.
Absolutely! The park offers beautiful scenery, especially during cherry blossom season, and the open spaces provide great opportunities for capturing wide shots.
The Meadows features sports pitches, cricket squares, and tennis courts. It's a popular spot for casual games and organized sports.
📸 📸 Photography
The tree-lined avenues are stunning, especially when the cherry blossoms are out. The open lawns also offer great backdrops, and the playground can be fun for candid shots.
Early morning or late afternoon offer the best natural light for photography, creating softer shadows and a warmer glow. Golden hour is particularly magical here.
Drone usage in public parks in Edinburgh is generally restricted and requires permission. It's best to check with the local council for current regulations before flying a drone.
While The Meadows is primarily a green space, you can get distant views of Edinburgh Castle and Arthur's Seat from certain vantage points within the park.
It's ideal for landscape, nature, portrait, and lifestyle photography. The changing seasons offer diverse photographic opportunities throughout the year.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
During spring, the cherry blossoms provide a magical backdrop for family outings. The park is generally safe and accessible, with paved paths suitable for strollers. Nearby cafes in Bruntsfield and Marchmont offer convenient spots for snacks and refreshments.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Walkers
For those who enjoy walking, The Meadows connects to other scenic routes, such as the Water of Leith Walkway, offering opportunities for longer explorations. The vibrant atmosphere on sunny days also makes it a pleasant place to people-watch and soak in the local student life.
🌸 Nature & Photography Enthusiasts
Beyond the blossoms, The Meadows provides a tranquil environment for observing local birdlife and enjoying the changing seasons. The well-maintained paths make it easy to navigate and find picturesque spots for capturing the beauty of Edinburgh's green spaces.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Meadows: A Historical Green Lung
For centuries, the land served as common grazing ground. Its protection from development was legally secured in 1827, ensuring its preservation for public enjoyment. The park also holds a unique place in sporting history, having hosted Edinburgh's first football derby between Hearts and Hibernian in 1875. Remnants of this sporting legacy can still be found, including a commemorative plaque near the former Whalebone Arch.
Today, The Meadows is a beloved green space, blending its historical roots with modern recreational use. It remains a vital part of the city's fabric, offering a peaceful escape and a venue for community gatherings and sporting activities.
Experiencing The Meadows in Spring
Beyond the blossoms, spring also brings a vibrant energy to the park. The lawns are dotted with daffodils, and the air is filled with the sounds of students enjoying the warmer weather. It's a popular spot for picnics, casual sports like football and spike ball, and simply soaking up the sun. The combination of natural beauty and lively activity makes spring a particularly special time to visit.
For those planning a visit specifically for the blossoms, it's wise to monitor local reports as the exact peak bloom can vary slightly each year. Regardless, the overall spring ambiance of The Meadows, with its blooming trees and buzzing atmosphere, is a must-experience for anyone visiting Edinburgh.
Recreation and Activities at The Meadows
Beyond organized sports, the open grassy expanses are perfect for informal activities. You'll often see groups playing football, spike ball, or simply enjoying a game of catch. The park's layout, with its tree-lined paths and open lawns, also makes it ideal for walking, jogging, and picnics.
During sunny days, especially when university students are around, The Meadows transforms into a lively social space. It's common to see people gathered on the grass, playing music, or simply relaxing and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. This blend of active recreation and social gathering makes The Meadows a dynamic and engaging public space.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit