Spring 2008
Spring into parks
The four Royal Botanic Gardens, form one of the world’s largest living collections of plants. If the 70 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds just one mile from the city centre aren’t reason enough to visit, then take a look at the busy events calendar. Spring events include a Science festival, a flower show, and dozens of talks and workshops focused on recycling and sustainability, such as composting and how to make bird feeders from plastic bottles.
The Meadows is one of Edinburgh’s most popular green spaces and it comes vividly to life in spring. Wander down the cherry tree lined avenues, visit the wildflower meadow and enjoy the thousands of crocuses as they come into bloom. From May 5th the Croquet club is running introductory sessions on Monday afternoons and evenings. For kids, there’s exciting new things to explore at the Magnet Play area, including a climbing cliff and Edinburgh’s first water zone, with pump, water screws and water wheel.
At the south-west end of The Meadows is Bruntsfield Links, with its wide range of trees, varying from elms to cherries, maples to oaks. Many Edinburgh residents enjoy a stroll here while keeping an eye out for wayward shots emanating from the popular short-hole golf course.
Prince’s Street Gardens, are probably the best known of Edinburgh’s parks as they are so central. Visitors and locals drop down from Princes Street to relax and recharge their batteries in this much-loved space. There’s plenty to enjoy in spring, with brilliant flowerbeds, budding trees and concerts at the Ross bandstand.
Mad for museums
The Museum of Childhood is said to be the noisiest museum in the world! There are toys and games from across the world and down the decades, as well as temporary exhibitions and events.
For a slice of Edinburgh life through the ages, head to The People’s Story in the Canongate Tolbooth. Here, oral history and written sources combine to tell the life stories of ordinary Edinburgh folk. The sounds and smells give a real sense of the past.
The outstanding collections of the National Galleries are all within easy reach of the city centre. Entry to all five of the galleries is free and there are shuttle buses between them too. If you’re feet get weary take a break in one of the galleries’ celebrated cafes.
