Edinburgh – top places to visit by bike
by Alexandra, from Scotland, studying Medicine, 2nd year
I was one of the many people who bought a bike during the pandemic and since then I’ve been exploring parts of the city a bit further afield. These are some of my favourite places to visit…
Portobello Beach
Portobello beach is three miles east of the city centre and it’s a great place to visit for a trip to the seaside, complete with promenade and plenty of cafes selling ice cream. The beach can get busy when the weather’s nice, so another recommendation of mine, if you fancy the beach but not the crowds, is the Dalmeny estate to the northwest of Edinburgh. No matter how hot it is, these beaches are quiet and it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic and take in the view over the Firth of Forth.
Lauriston Castle
Lauriston Castle Gardens are free and open to the public. There are many different styles of garden, but my favourite is the Japanese garden. In the spring/summer there are so many lovely colours and it’s a peaceful place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. There are also good views across the Firth of Forth from the back of the castle.
Royal Botanic Garden
The Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh is open all year round and it’s also free (though to enter the glasshouses there is a small entry fee). My favourite part is the rock garden with lots of little winding paths. I would recommend visiting at different times in the year as different flowers are in bloom depending on the season. On a side note, there is a light show here each year around November/December time and it’s also well worth a visit. The glasshouses lit up are spectacular and there are always inventive light installations – don’t forget your camera!
