Gardens in Edinburgh and Lothians

With 32 parks including Calton Hill, Holyrood Park, The Meadows, and the Water of Leith - Edinburgh is one of the best cities in the UK for having the most green space.

Princes Street Gardens

In the nation’s capital, in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, can be found probably the most visited garden in Scotland, Princes Street Gardens. This public park has become a firm favourite with the workers of Edinburgh, as well as the many tourists who use it as a foreground for the millions of pictures of Edinburgh Castle. With the Scott Monument in the East Gardens, the Ross Fountain in the West Gardens and the ever so photogenic Gardener's Cottage, it really is the Victorians at their most ostentatious. An ideal place to relax.

B&Bs Near Princes Street Gardens - Arden House near Linlithgow

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

1 mile from Princes Street in Edinburgh. Over 28 hectares of beautifully landscaped grounds. World-famous Rock Garden; 11 unique glasshouses including Britain's tallest Palm House; Tranquil Chinese Hillside complete with wild water ravine. As well as being with popular with tourists and locals alike, The Royal Botanic Garden is a scientific and conservation centre for plants. Open daily (excluding 25 December & 1 January). Admission to the Garden is free. Admission charge for entry to the glasshouses. Shop and Café. At Christmas, you can walk through the spectacular night time Illuminations (tickets required).

B&Bs near Edinburgh Botanic Gardens - Arden House near Linlithgow

St Mary’s Pleasance

In the village of Haddington you can find the beautiful Haddington House with its stunning Jacobean inspired garden. The Trust has gone to great efforts to cultivate plants that would have been typical of the time and planted in the styles that were fashionable. But most stunning of all is the flowering laburnum which can be seen at its best in June, which is the only time it is open to the public.

B&Bs near St Mary’s Pleasance - Arden House near Linlithgow

Malleny Garden

Malleny Garden, Balerno, 8 miles south east of Edinburgh. Much appreciated for its atmosphere of peace and tranquillity. Renowned for its flamboyant plantings of old-fashioned roses (for which Malleny holds a prestigious NCCPG award) and colourful herbaceous perennials. This 3-acre walled garden is dominated by four magnificent clipped yew trees dating from the 17th century. You can also enjoy the vegetable and herb garden, the Victorian greenhouse and the surrounding area of woodland which adds to the aura of shelter and seclusion. Open daily all year. National Trust for Scotland.

B&Bs near Malleny Garden - Arden House near Linlithgow