Wether you live in Edinburgh, get bored easily or live abroad and need a little push to finally decide to pursue your dream and visit the most magical city in the world, here’s a selection of 10 magical things to do in Edinburgh!
1. Visit Dean Village
Situated five minutes away from Princes Street, visitors can find a beautiful oasis right by the Water of Leith. Dean Village was previously where milling of water mills took place, of which remains of this can still be seen by visitors. Hidden in the village, you will come across a variety of mill stones and stone plaques decorated with baked bread and pies.
2. Visit Dr Neil’s Garden
Lying next to the twelfth-century Duddingston Kirk, where the lower slopes of Arthur’s Seat meet Duddingston Loch, the secluded Dr Neil’s Garden is the result of the imagination, dedication and sheer hard work of Drs. Andrew and Nancy Neil. It has sometimes been called Edinburgh’s Secret Garden. Many people find it more than a mere garden, and – both before and since the garden was created – this spot has to many been a place of inspiration (artistic, literary, and spiritual), and for meditation and contemplation.
3. Have a tour of Lauriston Castle
With its calm, tranquil atmosphere, and stunning views across the Firth of Forth, Lauriston is the perfect place to escape from the bustle of the city centre.
Enjoy a woodland walk, a visit to our award-winning Japanese garden, or step back in time and experience what life was like in an Edinburgh middle-class home at the beginning of the 20th century.
4. Visit the Secret Herb Garden
The Secret Herb Garden, a specialist Herb Nursery nestled at the foot of the Pentland hills was created by Hamish and Liberty and was born from their dreams to create something truly special from their love of herbs, good food and all things vintage.
Explore the gardens which are set with a magical 7.5 acres bordered by native hedgerow and a gentle stream and enjoy a cup of tea whilst hidden amongst the herbs in the glasshouse.
5. Spend the afternoon in Camera Obscura
Step into a world where real-life collides with technological trickery. At Camera Obscura, impossible doesn’t exist.
Tour Edinburgh’s streets without moving. Pitch your brain against mind-bending illusions and science. It’s all part of the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions experience.
6. Wander around Stockbridge
Stockbridge has something of a village atmosphere with a bohemian vibe about it, although it is only a ten to fifteen minute walk from Edinburgh city centre. Along the main Comely Bank road, there’s an above average number of charity shops for bargain hunters, upmarket antiques shops and of course, the area is characterised by the many delis, tea houses, small restaurants, cafes, and pubs.
Also on Sunday, make sure to check out Stockbridge Market, where independant traders gather every weekend !
7. Follow the Water of Leith walkway
The walkway passes through many areas of interest including: Colinton Village and Dell, the Union Canal, Saughton Winter Gardens, Murrayfield Stadium, the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art, Dean Village, Stockbridge, the Royal Botanic Garden and Leith. Ideal for family walks, the walkway is a delightful afternoon’s stroll, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The route is suitable for cycling and is accessible in part by wheelchairs and even by horseback.
8. Enjoy a Literary Tour of Edinburgh
Edinburgh has been the home and inspiration of many great writers over the years. Since the first scribes of Sir Walter Scott to the film cuts of JK Rowling’s infamous Harry Potter books we have been blessed with literary heroes. From Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour to Scottish Parliament Literature Tour, and including a Potter Trail, book lovers can discover the city through the eyes of their favourite Scottish writers.
9. Relax at the Royal Botanic Gardens
The Botanics captures the imagination of everyone who visits and is world renowned for its horticultural excellence. Over 70 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds provide a tranquil haven just one mile from the city centre.
10. Attend MagicFest !
What can be more magical than… Magic?! Browse our full programme here.