10 things to do in Edinburgh in the Summer
I quite often get messages on Instagram from people looking for recommendations of things to do in Edinburgh. People tend to visit the city during the summer months to make the most of Scotland's (rare!) sunshine, to visit the Edinburgh festival, and generally soak up the bustling atmosphere. So, with that in mind, I've put together a list of my top 10 things to do in Edinburgh in the summer - enjoy!1. Visit Mary's Milk Bar for the best ice cream in the city (and the best view to boot!)Top tip: take the stairs up towards the castle and grab a seat on the patch of grass. It's the best place enjoy your ice cream, people-watch and (hopefully!) soak up some sunshine. You can also follow them on Instagram for daily flavour updates. Don't wait too long, or you might find that your favourite has been hoovered up!
2. Climb Calton Hill to watch the festival fireworksThis one really only applies if you're visiting Edinburgh during August, I'm afraid! Although I always recommend a walk up Calton Hill to any visitor to the city – it has the best views, and the climb isn't too steep either! During the month of August there are fireworks nearly every night and Calton Hill is a great viewing spot. Take a blanket, snuggle up, and enjoy the view.The end of festival fireworks are particularly spectacular. Catch this year's display on Monday 27th August 2018.
3. Visit the Royal Botanic GardensI love visiting the Botanic Gardens all year round, but they really are magnificent during the summer when everything is in bloom. The gardens are lovely and sheltered and are perfect for a spot of sunbathing on sunny days.Top tip: check the website for their current exhibition and talk schedule before you visit in case you miss something special!
2. Climb Calton Hill to watch the festival fireworksThis one really only applies if you're visiting Edinburgh during August, I'm afraid! Although I always recommend a walk up Calton Hill to any visitor to the city – it has the best views, and the climb isn't too steep either! During the month of August there are fireworks nearly every night and Calton Hill is a great viewing spot. Take a blanket, snuggle up, and enjoy the view.The end of festival fireworks are particularly spectacular. Catch this year's display on Monday 27th August 2018.3. Visit the Royal Botanic GardensI love visiting the Botanic Gardens all year round, but they really are magnificent during the summer when everything is in bloom. The gardens are lovely and sheltered and are perfect for a spot of sunbathing on sunny days.Top tip: check the website for their current exhibition and talk schedule before you visit in case you miss something special!
10. Play pitch 'n' putt at the Bruntsfield LinksThe Bruntsfield Links is, supposedly, one of the oldest golf sites ever, having been founded in 1895. I am by no means a golfer, but I've played this course a few times and it really is great fun, especially when the weather's nice! During the summer, you can play the full 36 hole course. It's free to play, and you can hire clubs from the aptly named "Golf Tavern" which is just nearby (and makes the perfect post-golf watering hole!)So there we have it. My top 10 things to do in Edinburgh in the summer. Have you done any of these? Is there anything I've missed? Let me know in the comments!