Edinburgh

A selection of our favourite museums, galleries, spas and walks.

Pamper

ADITI

5 Alva Street / 226 2601 / aditiyoga.com

Holistic health and yoga centre in a beautiful Georgian building. Yoga, pilates and meditation classes running throughout the day and evening. Therapies include various massage styles, reflexology and aromatherapy. A2

NEAL´S YARD REMEDIES

Hanover Street / 266 3223 / www.nealsyardremedies.com

Wonderful staff & all types of massage, reflexology & reiki seven days a week bang in the city centre. Try the Thai massage for a total body & mind stretch. C2

ONE SPA & HEALTH CLUB

8 Conference Square / 221 7777 / one-spa.net

The Sheraton’s luxurious, multi award winning urban spa. Fitness facilities, roof top pool and many beauty treatments and therapies. Day spa packages are ideal for total indulgence.  B3

Explore

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN

Inverleith Row / 552 7171 / rbge.org.uk

World renowned gardens, in a beautiful open parkland setting. The Palm & Glass houses are a real treat, especially the collection of rare rhododendrons & ancient cycads. The café has stunning views back over the city centre skyline. Opening times vary with seasons, daily from 10am until 7pm summer and 4pm in winter. Off map C1

NATIONAL GALLERIES OF SCOTLAND

National Gallery, The Mound / 624 6200 / www.nationalgalleries.org
Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street
Gallery of Modern Art, 75 Belford Road

Three galleries, each housed in stunning buildings with a distinctive character that reflect their excellent collections. City centre National Gallery (Map C2) exhibits from early renaissance to the end of the 19th century and Scottish icons such as Ramsey & Wilkie. The Portrait Gallery (Map D1) tells the story of Scotland through its people, in a magnificent neo Gothic building with mosaic interior. The Gallery of Modern Art (Off map A2), and Dean Gallery across the road, are set in landscaped open gardens, housing international collections of modern and contemporary art and sculpture. Both the Portrait and Modern galleries have great cafes (see EAT). A free shuttle bus runs between these Galleries. Open Mon-Sun 10am-5pm, Thurs till 7pm (except Modern).

Walks, Parks & Views

ARTHUR’S SEAT

Escape the city without leaving it by scaling Arthur’s Seat. Allow at least an hour up and down this extinct volcano. Follow the paths leading from the bottom of the High Street. Head to Spoon afterwards (see EATS) for well earned cake and coffee. Off map F3

WALK THE DEAN RIVER

Lovely wooded walk, down in a quiet valley following the Water of Leith through the city centre. Enter via steps behind the Gallery of Modern Art (or at Belford Road), and come out at the Stockbridge café scene. Great way to catch glimpses of beautiful Georgian Edinburgh streets, discover overgrown follies, and find nature in the city. A2, A1 & B2