Published: December 15, 2025
Daylight, fresh air and time spent in green spaces are all known to boost our wellbeing. Perhaps connect with a friend, family member, or neighbour and explore some new places together? And if routine is important for you, try a set time each day for getting outdoors.
Central Edinburgh has many urban hills and wooded areas to explore – try Craiglockhart Hill and woods, or The Hermitage of Braid and nearby Blackford Hill and pond. There’s also Corstorphine Hill, Arthur’s Seat (pictured, within the lovely Holyrood Park), and Calton Hill. Slightly further (but reachable by Lothian bus 10) is Bonaly Country Park and reservoir.
If you prefer flatter ground, try Leith Links; The Meadows; Saughton Park and Gardens; Figgate Park; Inverleith Park; Princes Street Gardens (and Christmas Market, open until 4 January); and Royal Botanic Garden (open except 25 December and 1 January). Or wander the Water of Leith (various access points) and admire the Colinton Tunnel mural art and Antony Gormley’s six life-size cast iron figures along the way.
Elsewhere, Dr. Neil’s Garden is a botanical gem on the banks of Duddingston Loch, beside the equally tranquil Jock Tamson’s Gairden (both reachable by Lothian bus 12). Further out, Dalkeith Country Park is a woodland estate oft enjoyed by our Mid and East Lothian service (reachable by Lothian bus 3).
Beaches are another peaceful option. Lothian bus 26 goes from Princes Street to Portobello, or bus 47 goes from the West End to Cramond, where you can (tide permitting) hop over to Cramond Island. Or venture further to Belhaven Bay (within John Muir Country Park), North Berwick, or Silver Sands, all a 20-30 minute train ride from Waverley Station.
You can find our list of Indoor options here.
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