Sports activities in Edinburgh

08 March 2023|Read time 3 mins

Edinburgh offers so many options for activities to do during your self-catering break.

But did you know that the city has some top outdoor areas where all the family can enjoy fun activities for free?

Read on to find out how you can get active, and even try your hand at sports activities, throughout your stay with Reserve Apartments

Sports activities in Edinburgh

Fun, free sporting activities in Edinburgh

Edinburgh has no shortage of outdoor spaces to explore during your city break.

Families will enjoy Greyfriars Kirkyard, not only one of the most haunted locations in the city but also the burial site of Greyfriars Bobby.

Children will love the story of Bobby, who stayed on his master’s grave for 14 years and is buried in the kirkyard. 

Inverleith Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens are also great choices for families, offering ample room for picnics and playing games.

In Edinburgh's city centre, one of the best free, outdoor spots is Princes Street Gardens, which offers unbeatable views of the Old Town.

Split into two sections, these gardens offer a place to relax in the busy Scottish capital as well as a playground for children at the west end. 

The gardens are also the perfect place to hear the daily 1 o’clock gun from Edinburgh Castle!

Summer activities in Edinburgh

Summer in Edinburgh brings months of world-class festivals. 

However, if you’re wanting to escape the crowds and soak up the sun, there are plenty of options to do so.

Edinburgh and the surrounding area feature great beaches, such as Portobello and Yellowcraigs in East Lothian.

A fun-filled family day out is also guaranteed at Cramond Beach to the west of the city centre which affords views of the Forth Bridges and across to Fife.

A short drive from Edinburgh is East Links Family Park in Dunbar, a great day trip from the capital.

The park is fully equipped for families to visit and provides children with the opportunity to meet animals and enjoy a railway journey!

Hiking near Edinburgh city centre

When visiting Edinburgh you are never far from a good hiking spot!

If you are looking to hike during your trip to Edinburgh, the Water of Leith runs through the city and visitors can enjoy the 12-mile Water of Leith walkway.

This is a fantastic way to explore different areas of the city, from Murrayfield stadium to Stockbridge, as well as unexpected sights of nature such as herons and seasonal flowers.

For something more adventurous visit Arthur’s Seat.

This extinct volcano sits in Holyrood Park at the end of the Royal Mile and is well worth the 30-60 minute climb.

Enjoy 360-degree views of Edinburgh and its coastline as well as the park itself, which includes lochs, historic chapels and more.

Winter sports activities in Edinburgh

If you are visiting Edinburgh in winter there are still ways to get active during your self-catering break.

The Midlothian Snowsports Centre, to the south of the city, boasts the largest artificial ski slope in Britain.

Try your hand at skiing, snowboarding and even tubing! 

The centre is also well-placed for hiking or cycling in the Pentland Hills.

If the weather takes a turn for the worse during your stay, head to Murrayfield Ice Arena and get your skates on.

Here you can also watch Edinburgh Capitals, the city’s ice hockey team, in the 3,500-seater arena. 

Book with Reserve Apartments

There are plenty of ways you can get active on your city break to Edinburgh.

Browse our portfolio and book your next self-catering trip today!