Although we adore Edinburgh year-round, spring might be a great time to visit and experience the city at its finest. These are a few reasons why, in our opinion, springtime in Edinburgh is ideal.
1. Winter is over, and welcome to spring!
Spring has finally arrived after a long winter, and this vibrant and colorful season is a wonderful time of year to visit Edinburgh.
Our recommendations will put a true spring in your step, whether you’re looking for family-friendly festivals, parks to unwind in and enjoy the sunshine, or new areas of the city to explore.
2. Use bicycles to explore the city
The lengthier, lighter days give you more opportunities to ride your bike and enjoy the variety of cycle trails in and around Edinburgh.
Take a quick trip to the Portobello neighborhood near the shore for ice cream, stroll along the Union Canal’s level path, or listen to the sounds of nature on the lovely Water of Leith Promenade.
3. Enjoy a festival.
Although Edinburgh is well renowned for its summer festivals, a number of excellent festivals take place in the springtime.
The Edinburgh Science Festival offers a jam-packed schedule for the entire family, exploring the world of science, technology, engineering, and design with an inspiring lineup of presentations, exhibitions, and interactive events.
Or go to the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival to see the best children’s theater and dance in the world. The city center will host a number of pop-up events throughout this multi-day spectacular that is geared toward audiences ranging from young children to teenagers.
Do you enjoy live music? There is a huge variety of festivals to pick from. The Edinburgh International Harp Festival, the UK’s premier harping event, will celebrate its 42nd anniversary in 2023. Terminal V Festival will return to The Royal Highland Centre with a huge lineup of house and techno DJs, and Edinburgh Tradfest will present the best traditional and folk music from Scotland and around the world for 11 days.
The Hidden Door Festival presents a variety of live music, theater, film, and dance performances in abandoned locations and venues all across the city. This year, see it at a former office building on Dalkeith Road. Instead, go to Calton Hill to take in the Beltane Fire Festival’s eye-catching flaming displays, ornate costumes, and immersive storytelling.
4. Take advantage of the cherry blossoms
Once more, it’s a lovely time of year. Beginning at the end of April, cherry blossoms start to bloom, altering the parks and gardens of Edinburgh.
Lauriston Castle Gardens, Princes Street Gardens, and Canongate Kirk are just a few locations in the city where you may admire these lovely blooms, but to see something truly amazing, take a stroll through The Meadows. You may see the most beautiful photos of these delicate blossoms here.
5. Get in shape for a worthy cause.
The start of the marathon season coincides with spring. They not only help numerous charities generate much-needed funds, but they are also a fantastic way to burn off those winter calories.
The Edinburgh Marathon Festival is the main event. You can opt to run the entire 26.2 miles (which pass by some of Edinburgh’s most recognizable sites), or you can participate in the relay as a team. The MYPAS Bluebell Trail Run at Dalkeith Country Park is a fantastic option for a path through one of the area’s most scenic gardens.
6. Fill up at the neighborhood markets
Fresh food adapts to the changing seasons. Stock up from one of the city’s lovely markets in the spring, one of the best seasons for fruit and vegetables.
The greatest of Scotland’s natural produce, including meat, seafood, dairy, and fruit and vegetables, can be found at the Edinburgh Farmers’ Market, which is open every Saturday on Castle Terrace.
Leith and Stockbridge Markets, which are both well-liked by locals, are brimming with gourmet treats and one-of-a-kind artisan goods. Leith Market, next to the Water of Leith, also houses a Vegan Quarter on the first Saturday of each month from 10 to 5 p.m.
The bustling agricultural trade fairs that took place here beginning in the 14th century gave the Grassmarket neighborhood, which is located in the shadow of the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, its name.
The Grassmarket Market, which is held every Saturday and features vendors offering a variety of fresh vegetables, freshly baked bread, and locally made goods, is still a hive of activity today.
7. Meet the lovely newcomers
There are numerous places in Edinburgh and the Lothians where you may interact closely with various animals, and this time of year brings a number of brand-new feathery and furry newcomers.
Edinburgh Zoo is located in lovely grassland and has over 1,000 wonderful creatures, including amazing flamingos, adorable koalas, and mischievous chimps. They also provide a calendar of events for the entire family throughout the year.
There are two options for a terrific family day out if you venture just outside the city. Around 180 different species of mammals, birds, and reptiles from throughout the world may be found at the Five Sisters Zoo in West Calder.
Why not attend one of their daily keeper presentations to learn more about your favorite? Visitors may take part in everything from a train safari and pony rides to small animal handling at East Links Family Park in Dunbar.
8. The Water of Leith Walkway should be explored
You can’t pass up the chance to stroll along the Water of Leith Promenade on a sunny spring day.
Leith neighborhood and central Edinburgh are connected by a 12-mile trail that is suitable for walking and bicycling and is also partially accessible by wheelchairs, pushchairs, and horses.
Along the way, famous sites like the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art are passed. When you’re on this walk, it’s simple to forget that you’re in a busy metropolis.
9. Visit Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden to view the blossoms
Edinburgh’s gardens are a riot of color and perfume as the buds begin to bloom.
There are many public gardens in the city, but the free-to-enter Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a must-see. It’s a fantastic haven of peace, spread across more than 70 acres of stunning scenery. A picnic place would be ideal on one of the many seats that are located around the gardens.
With defined paths, the gardens are mostly wheelchair-accessible. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can also be rented for no additional charge.
10. During World Whisky Month, indulge in a drink
International Whisky Month begins in May, and there are many locations to sip a few drams in Edinburgh.
The Scotch Whisky Experience on the Royal Mile and Johnnie Walker Princes Street are just two of the many Edinburgh whisky establishments expected to participate in the festivities. Or how about a sip in the opulent Scotch Whisky Bar of the Balmoral Hotel, where the Whisky Ambassadors can recommend the best options.
11. Look outside of Edinburgh
The Lothians provide everything you need for an entertaining day out, and it’s all easily accessible from Edinburgh. These attractions range from expansive sandy beaches and a variety of wildlife to thrilling museums and renowned golf courses.
Try your hand at some of the most well-known golf courses in the world in the Kingdom of Fife, or explore the hidden gems that make Midlothian an area of both natural and industrial heritage as you experience the 40 miles of breathtaking coastline and beaches in East Lothian and learn why it’s a haven for water sports.
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