Summer in Edinburgh: A wish list
by Georgia, from York, UK, studying Human Geography (MScR)
In first year, you often find yourself returning to your family home the moment your last assessment, or final exam has taken place. University can feel exhausting at times, and that reset may be just want you needed. However, as the years go on, like me, you may have found yourself aspiring to stay here a little longer and enjoy Edinburgh through its summer months (even if the weather suggests otherwise…). There are plenty of exciting activities that bloom in Edinburgh from May onwards, here are a few you could add to your summer wish list:
1. Jupiter Artland
Just a bus ride out of the city, Jupiter Artland is the perfect afternoon activity for you and your flatmates. Hosting indoor and outdoor exhibitions, as well as some impressive grass structures that you can run around and relive some childhood nostalgia, the venue offers art forms that everyone can enjoy. Tickets are just over £10, and you can bring a dog too! Plus, with beautiful views of the countryside that you can enjoy as you walk the grounds, it is a nice place for escaping the bustle of the city.
2. Pentland Hills
Also accessible by bus (I recommend route 44 that heads to Balerno), the Pentlands are a 30 minute journey away from the centre of Edinburgh. If you’re a keen skier, you can spend your day on the artificial ski slope getting in some training in the summer months. Alternatively, if you fancy a walk amongst nature, rolling hills and reservoirs, there are many routes of varying difficulties that you can entertain yourself with. It is worth looking up the routes in advance of your trip so you can plan effectively. The top of a hill makes the perfect spot for a group picnic, or a solo climb!
3. Food stops: Neighbourhood Market
With Edinburgh offering such a diverse array of food and drinks options, I highly recommend making use of the outdoor food spots that come to life in the summer months. The Neighbourhood Market, an open-air market in Stockbridge (an area that is worth an afternoon wander itself), brings together an exciting mix of small vendors offering different cuisines between May and July. Check the weather first, find yourself a sunny evening, and head down for a very chilled evening filled with good food.
4. Edinburgh Fringe Festival / Free Fringe
Should you find yourself in Edinburgh over the summer, it would be a shame not to partake in some fringe festivities at some point. There are more performances than it is possible to comprehend, but that means there is something for everyone! As long as you can brave the crowds, which can become a little intense throughout August, head into the city and see what’s on. Even better, you can find out in advance online and also benefit from ‘Free Fringe’, which offers free viewing of shows from comedy / theatre / magic / music and more. Why not attend an event that you wouldn’t usually?
5. City cycle routes
Finally, if you’re in the mood for some physical activity in the outdoors, Edinburgh offers a number of scenic cycle routes, that range from short trips to all day excursions that you can enjoy. Should you not have your own bike, you can pick up an uber eats bike from the centre of town. My favourite routes include the ride from the commonwealth pool to Portobello Beach which includes the very cool ‘Innocent Railway Tunnel’. It is also worth taking a trip towards Queensferry and the Forth Bridge which goes along the coast of Edinburgh through Granton towards Cramond Beach.
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