Holyrood Park (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Holyrood Park?
What makes it 83% Kids-Friendly: Kids up to 12 can join ranger adventure days, follow treasure-hunt guides, and run on wide lawns, yet steep rocky paths and sheer crags need close supervision and limit stroller use.
Positives:
- Free Entry: No park entrance fee makes it easy to fit into any budget.
- Car-Free Sundays: Queen’s Drive is closed to traffic on Sundays, offering safe play space.
Challenges:
- Uneven Terrain: Rocky paths may be steep or slippery after rain; sturdy shoes recommended.
- Limited Shade: Few covered areas mean sun protection needed in summer.
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 kids?
- Partial Arthur’s Seat hike suitable for mixed ages and energy levels
- Interactive ranger-led family sessions on geology and history
- Self-guided treasure hunt to engage kids with nature and landmarks
- Spacious Parade Ground for picnics and outdoor games
- Car-free park roads on weekends offer safe space for cycling or scooting
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This time fits a gentle family walk with stops for play and picnic without tiring the kids.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Holyrood Park
Arthur's Seat Trail:
Walk part-way up Arthur’s Seat on clear, well-marked paths.
Tip: Carry toddlers in a hiking backpack; let older kids collect flat stones by Dunsapie Loch.
Holyrood Family Adventure:
Join ranger-led sessions on volcano geology, wildlife and local history.
Tip: Book in advance via the Historic Environment Scotland website; dress for mud.
Self-Guided Treasure Hunt:
Download and follow the free PDF with fun questions at points of interest.
Tip: Print the map before your visit and let kids tick off forts, wells and lochs.
Parade Ground Picnic:
Play games on the flat grassy area behind Holyrood Palace.
Tip: Bring a ball or kite; park near the Education Centre for easy access to toilets.
When is the best time to visit Holyrood Park (Edinburgh, United Kingdom)?
On summer weekends, Queen’s Drive closes to vehicles—ideal for cycling or scooting with children. In autumn and winter, stick to firmer paths near St Margaret’s Loch to avoid muddy trails. Spring gorse blossoms add color, but check weather as hillside paths can be slippery after rain.
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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 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Parking at Broad Pavement Car Park (3 hours) | GBP 3 |
| Treasure hunt printouts | GBP 1 |
| Picnic snacks for family | GBP 15 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 19 |
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
- Start Early: Begin at the Education Centre to secure ranger session spots and avoid midday crowds.
- Use Stroller-Friendly Routes: Stick to paths around St Margaret’s Loch if using a pushchair or stroller.
- Download Park Map: Save the HES map on your phone to navigate without needing cell signal.
Map of Holyrood Park
Address: Queen's Dr, Edinburgh EH8 8HG, UK
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