Holyrood Park

What it’s like

Big volcanic hills and crags to scramble over right in the city, free to wander any time of day or night.

This is the park with the hills in it, the ones that stick up over Edinburgh and make you wonder how a city ended up with a bit of extinct volcano in the middle. Kids get to explore proper crags and rough ground rather than a flat green square, and there's enough geology and old archaeology scattered about that it doesn't feel like just a walk. If you fancy a bit of structure to the wandering, the site mentions a free audio guide through the Geotourist app that talks you through the wildlife and history as you go.

It's free to get in and open all day, every day, which is rare for somewhere this dramatic. There's no set route you have to follow, so a short potter around the lower paths works as well as a proper climb up towards the top for older kids who fancy the challenge. Do not turn up in trainers with no grip if you are heading anywhere near the crags, the ground is rough and the paths get steep fast.

Worth knowing before you set off: the Radical Road is shut just now because of a falling rock hazard, the climbing areas are closed for safety, and the High Road is closed to motor traffic. None of that stops you getting a good walk in, but it does mean some of the more adventurous routes are off the table for now, so check which bits are open before you promise a small person the big scramble.

There are toilets in the park, which is one less thing to worry about with young kids, but this is very much an outdoor day out. Pack snacks and water because you are not going to stumble on a café halfway up Arthur's Seat.

Facilities

Plan your visit

Featured in 2 Huddlepin lists

See all Parks & Playgrounds in Edinburgh · Things to do in Edinburgh