How to spend Summer in Glasgow and Edinburgh

We all know Scotland is world famous for its beauty, culture and architecture, but it’s the locals that really know how to make the most of the summer there. From magical woodland creatures to wild swimming and outdoor theatre, we’re spoilt for choice all around Native Glasgow and Native Edinburgh.

Here are just a few of our favourite summer must-dos.

Summer in Edinburgh

Find The Reekie Beastie

Hunt down the real Edinburgh in an escape-room-meets-walking-tour-meets-treasure-hunt. Get a team together, register with Search Party and explore the streets of Edinburgh. You’ll learn about some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, track down clues, solve puzzles and play games to complete the mission and find Edinburgh’s missing spirit animal – The Reekie Beastie.

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Hit the beach

Portobello Beach is just a 30 minute bus ride from your apartment but feels like a world away. It’s a much loved escape for Edinburgh natives and visitors alike and on a sunny day the beach is full of sun bathers, wild swimmers, dog walkers and nature lovers. There are also cute little cafés on the promenade and traditional seaside amusements. If you can, bag one of the air hockey tables and challenge your new neighbours to a game.

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Take to the water

Just a 15 minute drive from your apartment, the Water of Leith Walkway passes through through some of the prettiest parts of the city. You’ll see Colinton Village and Dell, the Union Canal, Saughton Winter Gardens, the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art, Dean Village, Stockbridge and Leith. Ideal for a family walk or a solo stroll, it’s also great for cycling, wheelchairs and even horse riding, if you’re so inclined. Keep a look out for roe deer, badgers and foxes, too.

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Summer in Glasgow

A summer’s tale

Every year, the beautiful Botanical Gardens in Glasgow come alive with theatre. This year’s Bard in the Botanics season will bring Twelfth Night and The Winter’s Tale to their outdoor stage, with a socially distanced audience and plenty of magic amidst the rare plants and lush trees.

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Follow the faeries

Take a swift 40 minute drive to Loch Lomond and spend a day exploring one of the most beautiful places in the UK, following the award winning Faerie Trail. Here you’ll find a huge woodland full of faeries, trolls and unicorns, as well as stunning views and great food nearby. Try and snap up a table at Luss Fish & Chip Co – the perfect reward for all your faerie finding efforts.

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Southside scran

BigFeedStreetFood

Summer vibes call for street food, and lots of it. Big Feed is a weekly, family-friendly street food market on the Southside of Glasgow’s famous “Squinty Bridge”. There’s delicious food, live music and DJs, games for the kids and plenty of outdoor seating. Come hungry or decisive – you might have trouble choosing between a Firedog hot dog, aromatic roasted duck fries or triple chocolate churros.

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Book your summer sojourn in Scotland

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