Holyrood Park (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Holyrood Park?
What makes it 72% Baby-Friendly: Infants may ride in carriers and parents find free changing tables at the Education Centre, but rough summit trails block most buggies and no indoor nursing room reduces overall convenience.
Positives:
- Free entry and trails: Holyrood Park has no admission fee and offers many complementary paths
- Baby-friendly facilities: Education Centre toilets include changing tables and hand-sanitiser
- City and loch views: Summit hikes and lochside loops give memorable scenery with minimal effort
Challenges:
- Seasonal toilet hours: Baby-changing facilities close earlier in winter months
- Uneven terrain: Steep and rocky trails are not suitable for standard buggies
- Parking charges: Weekday parking costs £1 per hour at Broad Pavement Car Park
What is Holyrood Park?
- A sprawling 650-acre royal park that embraces Arthur’s Seat, Salisbury Crags and a rugged urban highland landscape
- A geological showcase of basalt cliffs, extinct volcanic cones and natural springs set amid three serene lochs and sweeping gorse slopes
- A historically rich green space adjoining the Old Town ramparts and Holyrood Palace, preserving Bronze-Age terraces, medieval chapel ruins and former royal hunting grounds
What is so special about Holyrood Park for with baby?
- Free entry and baby-friendly routes
- Accessible changing and feeding facilities
- Panoramic city views via carrier-supported hikes
- Gentle lochside and car-free road loops
- Seasonal tips minimise mud and maximise daylight
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Allows time for two to three gentle walks with breaks, plus baby care and views
Baby-Friendly Activities in Holyrood Park
Baby-carrier hike to Arthur’s Seat summit:
Follow the main path from Dunsapie Loch in a secure baby carrier for panoramic city views
Tip: Wear warm layers; summit is windy; avoid this trail with a stroller
Stroll around St Margaret’s Loch & St Anthony’s Well:
Walk the mostly flat loop past the loch and natural spring close to café and car park
Tip: Use a lightweight all-terrain stroller; rest on benches near the café
Easy loop on Queen’s Drive:
Push a stroller or cycle on the perimeter road, stopping at scenic lay-bys
Tip: Visit on weekends when the road is closed to vehicles; pack snacks for pauses
Use Education Centre toilets & baby facilities:
Access accessible toilets with baby-changing tables and hand-sanitiser
Tip: Check seasonal opening hours; refill water bottles at the Mews Courtyard tap
When is the best time to visit Holyrood Park (Edinburgh, United Kingdom)?
In winter, stick to paved paths near the palace to avoid mud. In summer, enjoy longer daylight for picnics by the loch. Check toilet opening times before you go.
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Reviews of Holyrood Park (Edinburgh)
Muhammad Rahat Khan
Holyrood Park in Edinburgh is a stunning natural escape right in the heart of the city. Spanning hills, lochs, and rugged cliffs, it offers a perfect mix of scenic beauty and outdoor adventure. The park is home to Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano that rewards hikers with panoramic views of Edinburgh. Whether you're walking around St. Margaret’s Loch, exploring the Salisbury Crags, or just enjoyi...
Simon Cooper
Ban the cars and add deer. No other natural feature quite defines a UK city like the crags in Holyrood. As a result it has a magnetic effect on all who see it. You can stay low and flat, or trot up to the trig point. The very northern end of the crag affords a most intriguing panorama of the Royal Mile from Holyrood Palace all the way up to Edinburgh Castle.
Sheue Lin Ng
After parking near the pond, we took the side route uphill, which proved to be a steep but quick path to the St. Anthony Chapel. From there, we continued our ascent towards Arthur's Seat, but the climb was challenging due to the slippery pebbles and rocky terrain. It required careful footing to navigate the path safely. Despite the exertion, the breathtaking views from the top made every step wort...
Serdar Arslan
Holyrood Park is absolutely worth the hike — the views from the top are stunning and give you a whole new perspective on Edinburgh. The walk up can be a bit tough, especially if you're not used to hills, so wear good shoes and bring water. It’s a bit of a workout, but the payoff is more than worth it. Peaceful, scenic, and a perfect escape right in the middle of the city.
Jack Kwong
Beautiful hills. Easy for a small walk. It takes around half an hour to get the top depends on your speed. Nice place for a family walk and talk. On the top side you can see the big picture of Edinburgh city.
Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Parking (Broad Pavement Car Park, weekdays) | GBP 2 |
| Café snacks | GBP 10 |
| Picnic supplies | GBP 5 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 17 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Holyrood Park
- Arrive early on weekends: Free parking and car-free roads make weekends easier
- Consult the ranger service: Get advice on stroller-friendly routes and latest facility status
- Download a park map: Plan stops near toilets and rest areas in advance
Map of Holyrood Park
Address: Queen's Dr, Edinburgh EH8 8HG, UK
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