By The Green Parent
24th November 2022
MAGIC AND MYTH
Old Calton Cemetery - Reminiscent of an old horror film set, this gloriously gothic graveyard on Waterloo Street is filled with mausoleums, crypts to explore, and monuments covered in skulls and elegant headstones. Look out for the grave of philosopher David Hume, the Political Martyrs’ Monument, the remains of the notoriously harsh Calton Jail, and a statue of Abraham Lincoln that marks the contribution of soldiers of Scottish origin to the American Civil War. Free.
Gilmerton Cove - A tiny white cottage next to a betting shop in a suburb of Edinburgh might not be the obvious place to find a series of mysterious underground caverns, but this is where you’ll find Gilmerton Cove. No-one knows why these caves were hand-carved into the rock. Some believe they were home to an illegal drinking den, others that they were used by smugglers, and yet more that religious refugees found shelter here. Pull on a helmet, duck underground and make up your own minds. Ticketed. gilmertoncove.co.uk
EAT
Considerit - Every luscious doughnut, chocolate and ice-cream in the window of Considerit is vegan. With indulgent new flavours every week plus well-loved regulars – think cinnamon, chocolate and hazelnut, inside-out creme egg or smores – the doughnuts have a reputation of being not just the best vegan doughnuts in Scotland, but the best full stop. The staff are super-friendly too! consideritchocolate.com
Beetroot Sauvage - Mindfulness is at the top of the menu at this plant-based cafe. The kitchen serves a daily menu of healthy yet indulgent treats; think stews, salads and sandwiches, cakes and mac ’n’ cheese (they make the ‘best vegan cheese in Edinburgh’). Upstairs you’ll find the Wellness Centre that offers gentle yoga classes and therapies. And to round off this palace of wellbeing? A sweet little city sanctuary garden in which to eat, laugh and relax in, as well as dancing to live music on Sundays. beetrootsauvage.co.uk
GO WILD
Johnston Terrace Garden - Right in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, this sliver of land is Scottish Wildlife Trust’s smallest reserve. Its wildflower meadows demonstrate how easy it is to turn your own garden into a nature-supporting paradise. Look out for open days or contact the Trust to get access. scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk
Royal Botanic Gardens - No trip to the city would be complete without a trip to these lush, relaxing oases of calm with living collections of rare plants from around the world and a different landscape around every corner. The rock garden and Chinese hillside with its winding paths and waterfalls are ripe for exploration, and the glasshouses magical, while the interactive exhibits in the John Hope Gateway are push-button-tastic. Find events for children across the space, including in the vegetable area. Free, glasshouses ticketed rbge.org.uk
Holyrood Park - An enormous, craggy park in the middle of the city, you could spend days walking and taking in the spectacular views. Choose from relatively flat strolls to more challenging climbs; up to the picturesque ruins of St Anthony’s Chapel or all the way to the top of the extinct volcano Arthur’s Seat, with its 360 degree vistas. A slice of wildness slap-bang in the middle of the city.
RAINY DAYS
National Museum of Scotland - The huge, airy atrium of this well-loved Museum can hold hundreds with ease. The Museum is kid-friendly; head to the Imagine gallery to hang out in the story corner, make music, dress up and create patterns, or up to Adventure Planet to crawl through the roots of a giant oak tree or watch leaf-cutting ants. Feely Fridays are a great way for families to get close-up with an object in the collections. It’s truly a place where every member of your clan will find something to absorb and astonish. Be sure to check out their family events online before you visit. Free. nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland
PLAY
Weehailes Play Park at Newhailes - Newhailes House sits grandly in formal grounds and a sprawling, 80-acre estate. The property is fascinating; be sure to book on one of their regular family friendly tours. However, the gardens offer wilder fun. Search for the 18th century shell grotto in the woods, wander around meadows of wild flowers and make plenty of time to spend in Weehailes Play Park, with its tiny wooden cottages, giddy walkways and zip wires. Plus a welcome café overlooking the craziness. Ticketed. nts.org.uk/visit/places/newhailes
OUR EDINBURGH - Monica Ugalde has two daughters aged 2 and 5
Portobello - On the outskirts of the City, this is somewhere to enjoy the beach, play in playparks and eat crepes and cakes as you walk along the promenade. We like Reds Restaurant, which is very child friendly and has a soft play area. The high street has lovely craft shops, book shops, charity shops and cafes.
Spylaw Park - We go for picnics at this lush green playpark, and it’s only is a five minute stroll away from the Colinton Tunnel. My girls love walking through the tunnel because it not only has an echo, but also features fantastic street art by local artists and school kids. You can also enjoy a nature walk along the Water of Leith, and in Colinton Village there is Olive Deli & Post (46 Bridge Road) where you can pick up lovely food or treats for your picnic. colintontunnel.org.uk
The Meadows - My kids adore the play park with plenty of things for toddlers and bigger kids, including a sand box, climbing frames, slides, swings and space to run about. After that, we’re usually tired out, so head to Victor Hugo, a proper old-fashioned French café and deli with fancy hot chocolate and to-die-for melty croissants with cheese.
Secret Herb Garden - This is a wee gem! It consists of a herb nursery, a lovely shop, and a family-friendly cafe set in a gorgeous glass house. secretherbgarden.co.uk
