April is officially Garden Month! The weather in Edinburgh is brightening up today after a week of Saharan desert dust and eerie fog. To celebrate the start of Spring, here’s a list of our apartments with gardens as well as a few of our top gardens and open spaces in Edinburgh to spend an afternoon.
As well as having one of the best views in the city, our Garden Apartment @ Castle Terrace also boasts its own private garden! Accessed from the downstairs garden room, guests can catch some afternoon sun whilst sitting with a glass of wine on the patio (pictured left). The garden is well maintained with gorgeous bedding boxes and flower boxes along the walls. It really is a joy to spend time in this apartment, whether relaxing in the garden, or entertaining friends in the spacious living room, looking out onto Edinburgh Castle.
Drumsheugh Apartment @ Drumsheugh Gardens has access to the eponymous communal garden in Edinburgh’s West End. This private communal garden is always beautifully manicured with many of its flowers coming into their first bloom at this time of year. For those of you lucky enough to have the Drumsheugh Apartment booked for 2014, a key to these private gardens is provided during your stay, it’s the perfect place to sit and read a book on a warm afternoon.
The Old Chapel @ George Square is a superbly renovated church in heart of Edinburgh. As well as experiencing the grand interior of this building, guests also enjoy their own garden to the rear of the building (pictured below), with a large area of grass perfect for playing badminton or Frisbee, as well as a patio area with seating. At the end of the garden there is space for 2 cars and entry is via an electronic security gate. This apartment is perfect for a big family or group, boasting 3 double bedrooms as well as a sofabed which can be utilised in order to sleep 8. The Old Chapel is also a 2 minute walk from The Meadows, which many an Edinburgh resident considers to be their retreat in the city.
The Meadows is a large communal park in the centre of Edinburgh. The expanse of grass is in use throughout the year by various sports teams, students studying in the sunshine before exams and then celebrating with barbeques afterwards, dog walkers and cyclists are also regular visitors to the area. The Meadows Festival takes place from 7-8th June and is a free event featuring live music, funfairs and plenty of food – the perfect family day out. The Meadows is well connected by bus links throughout the city and is a 10 minute stroll from several of our Edinburgh Address apartments.
There is a hidden gem in Edinburgh which residents are trying to keep a secret! The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is tucked away in Stockbridge, close to our Carlton Street apartment, and is a delight to wander around. Entrance to the garden is free, making it the perfect place to spend a morning if you are a big group. Entrance to the Glasshouses asks for a small admission charge, but is well worth it for some of the species you get to see. If you’re coming with kids, there’s also a great playpark just over the road at Inverleith Park. Follow the gardens on Twitter for updates and events: @TheBotanics
Perfect for a family barbecue is The Gatekeepers Cottage @ Blacket Estate which features a large patio and seating in a secluded garden to the rear of the cottage. The garden is a real sun spot and can be enjoyed throughout the day.
Both of our apartments on Spottiswoode Road have communal gardens which can be enjoyed by our guests. Classic Marchmont Charm @ The Meadows has direct access from the apartment and features a large grassy are, perfect for the kids as well as a small patio area with a bench where parents can relax. Marchmont Main Door @ Spottiswoode Road also has a large communal garden which can be looked out to from the kitchen and bedroom windows.
Okay, so we saved the best for last, just across from Lakeside House is Dr Neil's Garden, a glorious haven for wildlife and rare flora. The garden sits at the bottom of Arthur's Seat and around Duddingston Loch. Even if you aren't booked in at Lakeside House, this is still well worth a visit while you're in Edinburgh. Lakeside House itself is the perfect group getaway, boasting both front and back gardens. The spacious and open plan living area overlooks the large garden to the back of the property, with floor to ceiling glass doors letting in all the sunshine. The garden is equipped with tables and seating and is a great location for entertaining, in the past we have had several wedding groups stay here and have used the garden as a post wedding day lunch venue.
