A Sunny Day Guide to Edinburgh

From scenic boat tours and Royal Yachts to rooftop views and wildlife encounters, Edinburgh offers many ways to enjoy a sunny day. Discover our favourite outdoor activities across the capital in this sunny day guide. 

Forth Boat Tour
Spend the day out on the water on a Forth Boat Tour experience. Leaving from South Queensferry, visitors cruise the Firth of Forth and see stunning views of the iconic Forth Bridges and have the chance to spot wildlife such as seals and puffins. Choose from their Three Bridges, Inchcolm Island or Blackness Castle cruises.



Visit the Roof Terrace at The National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland is a highlight of any Edinburgh visit. With thousands of interesting objects on display, its vast collection spans Scottish archaeology, natural history, fashion and technology. On sunny days, make sure to spend time on their roof terrace, it offers spectacular views across the city, including landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and St. Giles’ Cathedral. 

The Royal Yacht Britannia
Tour the five decks of Queen Elizabeth II’s former floating palace, The Royal Yacht Britannia. Soak up the sun on the Verandah Deck as you listen to the audio commentary on the complimentary audio guide. Sit by the full-height picture windows in the Royal Deck Tearoom and admire the glistening water and views across the Firth of Forth as you enjoy a scone with jam and clotted cream and sip on a summer spritz or iced coffee.



A walking tour of Edinburgh
A walking tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town is a fantastic way to soak up both the city’s rich history and its sunshine. With Mercat Tours, you can discover the secrets of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, uncover the treasures of the Old Town as you explore the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Canongate, or learn about the history of Scotland’s witch trials with their Witches: Trials and Truth tour.  

Edinburgh Zoo
A sunny day at Edinburgh Zoo is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors while discovering wildlife from across the globe. Wander through 80 acres of wooded hillside and take in panoramic views of the city as you encounter over 2,500 animals, including tigers, capybaras, giraffes and pygmy hippos. Bring along a packed lunch to enjoy at one of the many picnic spots, where you can relax and soak up the sunshine. For a sweet treat, stop by Rockhopper Ice Cream and cool off while watching the entertaining penguins waddle and dive in their enclosure.

 
Have a picnic
Make the most of Edinburgh’s many beaches, parks, and green spaces by spending a sunny afternoon enjoying a picnic. Popular spots across Edinburgh include The Meadows, Portobello Beach, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Calton Hill, each place offering the perfect backdrop for a relaxing outdoor meal. Pack your favourite snacks, grab a blanket, and bask in the sunshine in one of these lovely locations. Want more picnic inspiration? You might enjoy reading our blog: top five summer picnic spots in Edinburgh.



Image copyright: 
Visitscotland / Kenny Lam
Helen Pugh