The Meadows

The Meadows showing heritage elements
The Meadows
The Meadows featuring a playground and a park
The Meadows
The Meadows which includes a playground


One of Edinburgh’s largest public parks is an attractive open space with tree-lined walkways, picnic areas and sporting facilities.

Jog, sprint, skate, cycle, or walk through The Meadows, a large, popular public park. This vast open space used to be a loch that supplied much of the city’s drinking water. Drained in the early 1700s and converted into parkland, it has been a favorite escape for Edinburgh’s citizens ever since.Go for a stroll along Middle Meadow Walk, the park’s central tree-lined path. Stop off at one of the cafés at the top of the walkway. There is also a small collection of shops here. If you are on two wheels or have your skates or rollerblades with you, take advantage of the park’s network of cycling lanes. Show off your sporting prowess at the park’s numerous sports fields and courts. Play a round of golf on the course in the upper part of The Meadows that’s open to everyone. Whether you are a novice, expert or just curious about the sport, play a game of croquet at The Meadows Croquet Club at the park’s west end. For further details, including the times when the public can use the facilities here, visit the club’s official website. For a more energetic pursuit, work up a sweat on one of the 16 tennis courts.There is plenty of open space for children to run around and play games, but if they haven’t burned off their energy take them to one of the park’s three play areas.Picnicking is a popular park activity when the weather is fine. The Meadows has vast flat expanses of lawns to spread out on. There are also a number of picnic tables.The Meadows lies to the south of the city center and is next to the Edinburgh University campus at George Square. Several bus routes pass close by and there is metered street parking.The park is open 24 hours a day every day of the week.

Plan a trip to see The Meadows

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
5Pilmourplace
Murrayfield Hotel
Victoria Square

Tours & day trips

See all 458 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 169 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 67 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 19 activities

Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 19 activities

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Apex Grassmarket Hotel

Apex Grassmarket Hotel

4 out of 5
31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
CoDE Pod  – The CoURT - Edinburgh

CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh

2 out of 5
1 a Parliament Square, Edinburgh, Scotland
CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

4 out of 5
23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, Scotland
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

5 out of 5
1 India Buildings, Victoria Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel

Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel

4 out of 5
61 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel
ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile

ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile

3 out of 5
77 South Bridge, Edinburgh, Scotland
ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile
Stay Central

Stay Central

3 out of 5
139 Cowgate, Edinburgh, Scotland
Stay Central
YOTEL Edinburgh

YOTEL Edinburgh

4 out of 5
Erskine House, Queen Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
YOTEL Edinburgh
Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh

Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh

4 out of 5
43 Jeffrey Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near The Meadows

The Meadows in Edinburgh offers delightful play areas perfect for families and children. Visitors can enjoy spacious green fields for picnics and outdoor games, along with well-equipped playgrounds that provide fun activities for the little ones. The picturesque surroundings also invite leisurely strolls and cycling, making it an ideal spot to relax and engage in various recreational pursuits while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of the park.

Shopping

The Meadows offers a delightful shopping experience with The Hub, Tartan Weaving Mill, and Tron Kirk, all within 373m. These locations provide a mix of unique gifts and local souvenirs, perfect for capturing the spirit of Edinburgh.

Recreation

At Murrayfield Stadium, immerse yourself in the vibrant sports atmosphere, perfect for sports enthusiasts. The Royal Commonwealth Pool offers a family-friendly aquatic experience, ideal for relaxation and fun. Enjoy captivating performances at the Queen's Hall, where the entertainment vibe promises an enriching cultural experience.

Adventure

The Midlothian Ski Centre, located 621m from The Meadows, offers exhilarating skiing experiences amidst stunning landscapes. For a thrilling day out, visit Bedlam Paintball, also 621m away, where you can engage in action-packed paintball battles. If climbing excites you, the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena Ratho is 5.0km away, providing fantastic outdoor climbing opportunities.

Nightlife

The Meadows offers a vibrant nightlife scene with the adventurous Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, just 373m away. For a more intimate evening, enjoy drinks at Greyfriar's Bobby, located 249m away, or catch a show at the cultural King's Theatre, only 311m away.

Find the best attractions near The Meadows

Whether you’re a culture enthusiast or seeking a family-friendly outing, The Meadows in Edinburgh offers a delightful array of attractions. Explore local museums, historic colleges, and entertainment facilities that cater to diverse interests. With its rich cultural scene and vibrant city experience, The Meadows is the perfect base for discovering the charms of Edinburgh.

  • Edinburgh Castle: Perched atop Castle Rock, this iconic fortress offers stunning panoramic views of the city. With its rich history and stunning architecture, visitors can explore the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny, making it a perfect blend of culture and romance.
  • University of Edinburgh: Founded in 1582, this historic university boasts beautiful architecture and a vibrant atmosphere. Walk through its cobbled streets and visit the impressive Old College, immersing yourself in its rich academic heritage and cultural significance.
  • Grassmarket: This lively marketplace is filled with charming shops, pubs, and restaurants, perfect for families. Enjoy the outdoor seating and soak in the vibrant atmosphere, all while surrounded by stunning historic buildings.

Best time to go to The Meadows

The best time to visit The Meadows is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January38.5°F (3.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
April45.1°F (7.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
May50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
September54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
November43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for The Meadows

To save money on your visit to The Meadows, plan your trip between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best deals, and consider Tuesday for the least expensive stay. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and combine bookings for additional savings on flights and activities. Take advantage of last-minute deals, and remember that walking is a great way to explore the area without spending on transport.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around The Meadows are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around The Meadows about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around The Meadows is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around The Meadows is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, including your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking at The Meadows with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia