If your idea of the perfect vacation is to include lots of wildlife and outdoors activities within a stone’s throw of a comfortable hotel bed.

Then spending your vacation in Edinburgh, Scotland is the right choice for you!

Edinburgh may be a modern day city, but it is surrounded by countryside and wildlife viewing opportunities that most cities would die for.

Here you will find enough zoos, animal parks, gardens, country parks, beaches and rolling hillsides to satisfy your inner nature lover without giving up the comfort and convenience of a comfortable hotel in the heart of the city.  Shall we start with some of the parks?

Holyrood Park

Holyrood Park is the Royal Park.

It was created in the 12

Animals love the park, and you’ll often find yourself nose to nose with multiple species of wildlife who call this lovely park home.

Costorphine Hill

This local Nature Reserve, Costorphine hill is a wooded park that offers a home to all number of birds as well as small animals of every kind, right in the middle of the city.

You never know what sort of sight you’re going to find as you ramble.

The Meadows

Within walking distance of the University of Edinburgh, you’re just as likely to stumble across wild students here as you are wild animals, but it is a lovely park nonetheless and definitely allows you the opportunity to get lost in nature right in the heart of the city.

Of course if you want to join in a game of Frisbee, croquet or even football, there always seems to be something going on here.

Inverleith

Whether you are viewing the Royal Botanical Gardens or boating on the lake, there are plenty of outdoor activities here for everyone, and while you won’t find as many wild animals here, it is a haven for birds and butterflies, so keep your eyes peeled!

Princess Street Gardens

Finally, if you are looking for wilderness inside of the city limits, you just may want to check out the Princess Street Gardens.

Cleverly designed, this Park makes you feel as if you are in a much larger space thanks to uniquely designed layout and judicious use of trees and shrubbery.

You can get a new lease on life just by strolling down one of the many walkways and enjoying the scenery.

While there are plenty more gardens within Edinburgh City limits, you don’t need to confine yourself to the city if you don’t want to.

A quick check in with any hotel front desk will show you just how many tours and outdoor activities there are surrounding the city; nature hikes and boating tours, bike tours and wildlife safaris.

The choices are (seemingly) limitless, so if you’re looking for a walk on the wild side when it comes to your vacation, Edinburgh is definitely the choice of vacation destinations for you.