The zoo is one of Edinburgh's most popular tourist attractions. Thousands of visitors go every year to see the pandas or the world-famous penguin parade. But I don't think many of them know that right next door is a nature reserve with miles of walkways.
Because of its proximity to the zoo, Corstorphine Hill is not hard to find. Just to the east of the Zoo entrance, on the main road, there is a small gate which leads up into the park.
Unlike many of the other hills in Edinburgh, it's actually pretty hard to find a good viewpoint on Corstorphine Hill due to the density of the trees. However, this also makes it much more interesting to explore!
There are a few landmarks in the park such as a Walled Garden and the Scott Tower. The Tower was built in 1871 as a memorial for the author Sir Walter Scott (he wrote the Waverley novels which our train station is named after). It's usually shut but opens occasionally on occasions like Doors Open Day. The views from the top are said to be amazing!
Barton Quarry is also within the area of the park, in the northwest corner. After the Quarry was closed in 1914 it was used by the military as a radar station during the Second World War and as a nuclear bunker during the Cold War. The plan was to use it to shelter the Queen in case she was in Edinburgh during a nuclear attack!
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"S. Luca" has been one of my favorite places in Edinburgh since I was a kid. What they're famous for is their own brand of ice cream - and I love it!
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"Green. Leith" is a refreshing and colourful addition to the well-known street in Edinburgh. They really take green plants & accessories to a new level!
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I have to confess I've walked past the spot thousands of times before I actually realised it was anything to pay attention to!
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The "Leith Victoria Swim Centre" in Edinburgh is a beautiful pool surrounded by an ornade, Baroque, cast-iron colonnade. Well worth a visit!
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"Union Brew Lab" Edinburgh is one of the original hipster coffee shops in the city. JK Rowling hasn't written a book here yet!
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"Manna House Bakery" in South Queensferry in Edinburgh has great views over the Forth Rail Bridge. Come here for the super value-for-money homemade food!
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Craiglockhart Hill is one of Edinburgh's 7 hills. In contrast to Calton Hill, Castle Hill and Arthur's Seat, even many locals can't name this one!
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"The Hanging Bat" is craft beer lover's idea of heaven in Edinburgh. If it's quiet enough, I like to take a seat at the bar and chat with the staff...
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"The Jazz Bar" Edinburgh: a lively subterranean music club that really comes alive after midnight. I really like the crowd on weekends & their caipirinha!
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"The Roseburn Bar" is a 19th-century pub that's played host to generations of local people. It's a proper Edinburgh pub and I love it on Friday evenings!
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138 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 138 Insider Tips from our local Spotters