Spring in Edinburgh

Spring is the ideal time to visit Edinburgh. The chill of winter is over, and the festival crowds haven’t arrived yet. Days are longer, with the occasional warmth of the sun, and the city’s gardens begin to come alive, from snowdrops to magnolias and cherry blossom. Pavement cafés start to fill with people meeting up, and the city feels welcoming. Join us as we explore our favourite scenic city walks, track down the prettiest cherry blossom spots, escape to the coast just beyond the city, sip some of the best pavement coffees around, and indulge in a few of the finest Easter treats Edinburgh has to offer.

Scenic City Walks

Edinburgh with all its glorious outdoor space is a city best seen on foot and spring is the perfect time to get out and explore again.

1. Dr Neil’s Garden

Nestled beside Duddingston Loch, in the historic and charming Duddingston Village, once a rural parish separate from the city, Dr Neil’s Garden is an incredibly special spot that even many locals have yet to discover. Created in the 1960s through the dedication and hard work of local doctors Andrew and Nancy Neil, the garden is a real hidden gem and offers a peaceful haven for quiet reflection. Sheltered beneath the shadow of Arthur’s Seat and set beside one of Scotland’s oldest buildings, Duddingston Kirk, it also enjoys beautiful views across the wildlife-rich waters of  Duddingston Loch.

2. Water of Leith, Stockbridge to Dean Village

Enjoy a scenic riverside walk along the Water of Leith starting at Stockbridge. Pick up a gelato from Joelato and take a stroll to the picturesque and historic Dean Village, which served as a grain-milling hub for more than 800 years. From medieval times onwards, the river powered the mills that helped feed and sustain the growing city. If you’re lucky you may spot a resident female otter with her cubs, a badger, a grey heron, or a kingfisher or woodpecker. Dean village was once home to several working mills, and you can still see the iconic 19th-century Well’s Court, originally built to house mill workers. Continue along the walkway to reach the impressive Dean Bridge, and just a short stroll away you’ll find the renowned Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.

3. Arthur’s Seat

Climb Arthur’s Seat, the dramatic peak that rises above Edinburgh from the heart of Holyrood Park. Formed 350 million years ago, this ancient extinct volcano has long captured imaginations-some even link it to the legend of Camelot. It offers some of the finest panoramic views in the city, stretching from Old Town to the Firth of Forth. Follow the main path and you can reach the summit in 30 minutes or take in the crags, wild grasses and swans at Dunsapie Loch. Or for a gentler walk, take the Southern edge of the park along Duddingston Low Road leading to Duddingston Village. Here you can settle into the courtyard of The Sheep Heid Inn established in 1360, where generations of locals (and even a few monarchs) have stopped for a drink.

Dreamy Cherry Blossom

If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Edinburgh mid April to early May, you’re most likely to catch the city transformed by cherry blossom. For a few magical weeks here’s where you can find some of the dreamiest displays.

1. Princes Street Gardens

Running beneath the dramatic skyline of Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street Gardens offer one of the most stunning blossom backdrops in Scotland. The soft pink against the street lanterns and imposing Edinburgh Castle makes it a season like no other in the city. On a sunny day, visit early morning for softer light. Wander towards the Ross Fountain for some more lovely blossom and it’s the perfect spot for a spring picnic.

2. The Meadows

In Edinburgh few places announce spring quite like The Meadows.  The long, tree-lined paths are transformed. Marchmont, one of the neighbourhoods we know and love, borders the Meadows making it the perfect base during blossom season. Pick up a second-hand book from Tills Bookshop and grab a pastry and coffee from one of our favourite coffee shops like Machina and take a stroll. If you’re lucky and there’s a breeze you’ll catch a wonderfully joyous confetti moment.

3. Lauriston Castle & Gardens

For one of Edinburgh’s most peaceful spring escapes, head West to Lauriston Castle. Its Japanese garden is nothing short of magical with its delicate clouds of cherry blossom in a tranquil setting. Bring a book, find a quiet spot and lose yourself for a couple of hours.

Fresh Coastal Escapes

Spring is the ideal time to escape the city and breathe in some fresh sea air. Within around an hour’s drive, you can discover wild beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming seaside towns, all perfect for a windswept wander and a big dose of the great outdoors.

1. Fife Coastal Path

An absolute gem and one of our favourite day trips from Edinburgh is the coastal path in the East Neuk of Fife linking the fishing villages of Elie, St Monans, Pittenweem, Anstruther and Crail. It’s an easy path to follow and you can stop off along the way at some wonderful indie food & drink spots. A couple of our favourites include the hot smoked salmon bagels from Giddy Gannet in St Monans, and of course the fish & chips from Anstruther Fish Bar. And while you’re there, be sure to pop in and out of the galleries in Pittenweem.

2. Tyninghame Beach

When the East Lothian coast is calling (as it so often does!), one of our favourite spots to head for is the hidden gem of Tyninghame Beach with its views out to Bass Rock. It’s a long, sandy stretch framed by dunes and woodland paths. The longer walk to get to it makes it feel wonderfully wild and unspoilt. We often find ourselves alone there with our dog and if not, you still feel like you have miles of beach to yourself. We love to follow this with a a bite to eat and insanely stunning views of Bass Rock from Drift just outside North Berwick.

3. St Abbs

Another long-time favourite coastal spot of ours is the coastal fishing village of St Abbs with its rugged setting and stunning cliff walks. It’s easy to see why it was chosen as the filming location for New Asgard, home to Thor in the Avengers: Endgame. At St Abbs Head you’ll have 200 miles of wild and rugged coastline to explore in a 4 mile circular route. Standing on the edge of the cliffs you’ll see the colony of 50,000 sea birds which nest on the cliffs. If you’re lucky you may even spot seals on the rocks below. From here you can look back and see the village and harbour of St Abbs where you can get a delicious crayfish baguette from Ebb Carr’s cafe.

Pavement Coffees

As we all know, Edinburgh is packed full of incredible indie coffee shops and come spring we just love sitting outside with a coffee and pastry and watching the world go by, even if that is still bundled up in a big scarf- there’s nothing better!

1. Williams & Johnson Coffee Co

Start your day at Williams & Johnson in Custom Lane in the vibrant port area of The Shore, in Leith. We love this little spot, it feels thriving and creative. Sit alongside the harbour, watching the world go by. It’s a super-chill spot and just perfect on a sunny day, with or without your four-legged bestie. We love whiling away a little time with a book, a coffee and a bowl of seasonal granola here.

2. Ante

If we could choose only one Edinburgh coffee shop for beautiful, considered food and drink, friendly service and just a vibe, it would be Ante. We love the chai spiced flat white, the seasonal granolas and the pastries. Find a table outside and watch the world go by. Perfection.

3. Wellington Coffee

Tucked away at cellar level on George Street, Wellington Coffee has earned its status as a cult favourite among locals. It brought a slice of Antipodean coffee culture to the capital long before flat whites were everywhere and that influence is still felt in its no-nonsense approach to seriously good coffee. The atmosphere is understated and unpretentious and come spring, the outdoor seating is prime territory. A handful of tables spill out onto the pavement, offering the perfect perch for people-watching on George Street. Reassuringly consistent, that quiet familiarity is exactly what keeps people coming back.

Sweet Easter Indulgence

We don’t ever really need an excuse for sampling the city’s sweet treats, but Easter would have to be the best one ever. We’ve picked just three indie businesses offering heavenly treats to gift and share, or enjoy on your own!

1. La Barantine

La Barantine the much-loved French patisserie specialising in handmade celebration cakes and macarons, is the place to pick up something equally as pretty as it is indulgent. Their seasonal offerings are always little masterpieces and we can’t wait to see what will be on offer this Easter.

2. Lannan Bakery

We’re still thinking about Lannan’s soft, pillowy orange and earl-grey-infused hot cross buns from last year and can’t wait to see what flavours they’ll be baking up this coming Easter. Make sure to pre-order through their website to avoid queuing and you’ll be able to pick up from the beautiful Lannan Pantry next door. If you can resist picking up anything else while you’re there, your willpower is stronger than ours!

3. Edward & Irwyn

The Scot-Icelander duo behind Edward & Irwyn have been crafting wonderfully inventive chocolates for more than a decade. Their creations are anything but ordinary, and Easter is the perfect time to discover them if you haven’t already. Last year’s line-up featured epic dragon’s eggs filled with orange and cereal mik chocolate clusters and milk chocolate shards with vanilla and black lava salt. Intrigued? Visit their Morningside shop or browse their online store to see what they’re dreaming up this season.

From scenic walks to indulgent Easter treats, we hope our blog guides you to some of Edinburgh’s best spots for over the spring season. And if you’re a local, we’d love to know where would you recommend to go in and around Edinburgh over spring? Let us know in the comments-we’d love to hear!

If you’re looking for more Edinburgh inspiration, explore our other blogs and discover what makes this city so special year-round.

Our Dickins’ homes from home make the perfect base for stays in Edinburgh at any time of year, whether you’re here for a romantic city break or an extended work trip. If you’re planning a break in Edinburgh or looking for a corporate let or relocation, explore our handpicked homes and experience the city’s very best spots, Dickins-style.