The Meadows (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is The Meadows?
What makes it 86% Baby-Friendly: Babies enjoy pram-friendly paths, shaded grass and several toilet blocks with change tables, yet nursing rooms, stroller rental and weather cover are absent so rain planning is essential.
Positives:
- Baby-friendly paths: Wide, smooth routes make stroller walks easy across the park.
- Rest spots: Benches near the lawns offer comfy breaks for feeding or napping.
Challenges:
- Weather exposure: Few covered areas mean rain or sun may affect your visit; bring cover or sunscreen.
- Weekend crowds: Main paths can get busy on weekends, so space may be tight with a stroller.
What is The Meadows?
- A historic 60-hectare public park on a former 18th-century floodplain south of Edinburgh’s Old Town
- Expansive level lawns framed by mature plane and lime trees, intersected by broad promenades and footpaths
- Facilities include children’s playgrounds, multi-sport pitches, a cricket square and seasonal event spaces
What is so special about The Meadows for with baby?
- Wide, stroller-friendly paths under mature trees
- Free baby-changing facilities at new toilet blocks
- Large lawns perfect for a shaded picnic or nap
- Community Garden offers visual stimulation and a Little Free Library
- Pavilion Café provides snacks and a free loaned changing mat
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: A 2-3 hour visit lets you enjoy stroller walks, a picnic and a café break without rushing.
Baby-Friendly Activities in The Meadows
Pram-friendly strolls:
Walk along the wide, flat paths under mature trees.
Tip: Use Middle Meadow Walk for smooth surfaces and benches every 200m.
Picnic on the lawns:
Set up a blanket near benches for easy breaks.
Tip: Bring a lightweight blanket and choose a shaded spot under mature trees.
Explore the Community Garden:
See colourful plants and a Little Free Library for story time.
Tip: Let your baby look at flowers and borrow a picture book.
Use baby-changing facilities:
Visit free Changing Places and baby-change tables.
Tip: Head to the new South Middle Meadow Walk toilets for the best facilities.
Rest at Pavilion Café:
Sip a hot drink and grab a snack indoors or outdoors.
Tip: Ask staff for a free changing mat and use the small chairs or sofas.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to The Meadows
- Arrive early: Visit before 10 am to find quiet spots and empty benches.
- Use new toilets: Stop at South Middle Meadow Walk toilets for a Changing Places room.
Reviews of The Meadows
Wanis Alanazi
Nestled just south of Edinburgh’s city centre, The Meadows is a sprawling public park loved by locals and visitors alike. It blends open grassy expanses with tree-lined paths and offers a range of recreational facilities, including tennis courts, croquet lawns, sports pitches, and the city’s largest children’s play area.  Rich History • Originally occupied by the Burgh Loch (also known as the So...
RithuTheExplorer Vlog
The Meadows in Edinburgh is pure magic during cherry blossom season. A pink canopy stretches across the park, and walking through it feels like stepping into a dream. It’s peaceful, full of locals just enjoying the moment—no rush, no noise, just beauty. One of my favourite spots in the city, especially in spring.
Madison Riley
Lovely park at any time of year, but especially in early spring with all the blossoms in the trees — truly special. It’s a fun local haunt for the University of Edinburgh students whose main library is north-adjacent, so you’ll often see games of football or little groups of people gathered together on the grass. It can get super busy on sunny days or during the uni’s reading week. Absolutely wort...
giselalala
a very nice park, especially cherry blossom season, there are plenty room for plenty activities here, playing football, spike ball, they have a tennis court that you can rent as well, kid’s park on the corner too!
Debra Motherwell
Nice open space- lots of students hanging out enjoying the sun, playing guitars or sports. Some wrought iron benches along the paths. Loads of daffodils in early April and cherry blossoms come out around mid-April.
When is the best time to visit The Meadows (Edinburgh, United Kingdom)?
In April, cherry trees along the west paths bloom—ideal for a pram stroll. In July, the annual Meadows Festival hosts baby-friendly crafts and music; check event dates online.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Park access | GBP 0 |
| Pavilion Café snack | GBP 8 |
| Picnic supplies | GBP 5 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 13 |
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
Map of The Meadows
Address: Melville Dr, Edinburgh EH9 1ND, UK
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About The Meadows
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Phone Number
+44 131 529 515110 BEST nearby Activities
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