The Meadows

Jog, sprint, skate, cycle, or walk through The Meadows, a large, popular public park. This vast open space used to be a loch that supplied much of the city’s drinking water. Drained in the early 1700s and converted into parkland, it has been a favorite escape for Edinburgh’s citizens ever since.Go for a stroll along Middle Meadow Walk, the park’s central tree-lined path. Stop off at one of the cafés at the top of the walkway. There is also a small collection of shops here. If you are on two wheels or have your skates or rollerblades with you, take advantage of the park’s network of cycling lanes. Show off your sporting prowess at the park’s numerous sports fields and courts. Play a round of golf on the course in the upper part of The Meadows that’s open to everyone. Whether you are a novice, expert or just curious about the sport, play a game of croquet at The Meadows Croquet Club at the park’s west end. For further details, including the times when the public can use the facilities here, visit the club’s official website. For a more energetic pursuit, work up a sweat on one of the 16 tennis courts.There is plenty of open space for children to run around and play games, but if they haven’t burned off their energy take them to one of the park’s three play areas.Picnicking is a popular park activity when the weather is fine. The Meadows has vast flat expanses of lawns to spread out on. There are also a number of picnic tables.The Meadows lies to the south of the city center and is next to the Edinburgh University campus at George Square. Several bus routes pass close by and there is metered street parking.The park is open 24 hours a day every day of the week.