The Botanic Gardens are to be found next to Inverleith Park, just north of the Canonmills area. It's well signposted, so it's not hard to find, and if you're driving there's much better parking near the west gate than the east. The east gate is a bit of an attraction in itself though and has been the subject of a great deal of artistic photography. Worth a look if you're feeling a bit creative with your camera.

These gardens are beautifully kept and there is free admission, year round. They ask for donations, but unlike so many places they don't frown at you disapprovingly if you don't spare some change. Once inside, there is an impressive array of plant life on display. The winding web of pathways leads you past man made waterfalls, over small bridges, past duck ponds and stately buildings and a Victorian hothouse (and hideous modern one besides) full of tropical and other plant life. If you're going into the hothouses they do expect you to pay something as these require a great deal of maintenance. The best parts of the Gardens are the free parts though.

There are regular exhibitions and educational showcases held in several venues throughout the Gardens and information about these is always available at either of the two entrance gates. At the west gate, you can find ice cream vendors and the Botanic shop which has a surprising amount of high quality, often unusual merchandise available for purchase. You can also buy food for the considerable array of pigeons and squirrels that roam around the place, and there are no restrictions on feeding or approaching these wild little residents.

This is the perhaps the best thing about Edinburgh's Botanic Gardens. It's not a look-but-don't-touch kind of place. Obviously they don't want you crashing through the flowerbeds and climbing the trees, but you're free to walk anywhere you like. You can get right up to the trees and plants and walk amongst them, or laze about on the grass to your heart's content. You feel very involved in the place, which is why I think it appeals to so many visitors and locals alike.

It's good at any time of year too. Obviously it's at its prettiest in the Spring and Summer months, when the flowers are in bloom and the trees are lush with foliage, if you go when it's raining, not only will you get the place virtually to yourself, but the water features will be in full flow. The Japanese Gardens are particularly good to walk around on rainy days. Check the opening times though, because it closes before dark which means that it closes early in the winter months.

Overall, this is my favourite place to go in Edinburgh to feel a little bit closer to nature. Although it's in the heart of the city, it's easy to forget that as you wander through its sun dappled walkways or lay out on the grass. A genuine highlight.

When the Royal Botanic Gardens were recommended to me as a place I needed to see in Edinburgh, I kind of dismissed it. In a stunning and ancient city of stone, I figured I could see some flowers and trees anywhere. But like most everything else in this city, The Botanic Gardens has a little something extra, and something to please pretty much everyone.

I've been to many parks around the world, both in and out of major cities, and to date the Edinburgh Botanic Gardens stands out amongst the rest. There could not be a more pleasant or relaxed vibe, and when the sun peaks out from behind the clouds the people of Edinburgh stop what they are doing, and wander to the Botanics to enjoy it. And yet, there is never a sense of it being over crowded, or unpleasantly busy. There are many paths to wander and whether you want simply to sit on a bench enjoying the really beautiful layout of the place to read a book, or to examine all the incredibly rare and well kept flowers, you are certain to enjoy it.

There are plants and trees from all over the world, and I am hard pressed to think of a better kept Garden anywhere. And maybe best of all, the Botanics in Edinburgh has a relaxed feel that you don't often find in Gardens of this caliber. There are paths, but everyone is free and happy to wander barefoot off them into the grass as well. Everywhere are people sunbathing in their own little bit of grass they've claimed, or reading and enjoying the sounds of the abundant birds in the park, often sharing bits of their lunch with the very friendly squirrels.

Down by the west entrance there is an excellent gift shop that sells not only trinkets to take home, but also lots of local products and even plants and some interesting herbal things. It's well worth stopping in, and on the way out, get an ice cream to wander through the park with.

The Botanics is a great way to spend a relaxing afternoon if you're visiting Edinburgh and are exhausted from all of the walking up and down hills that make up most of the city. It's a very pleasant change from the city hustle, as well as all the age and stone that make the city so interesting.

This is a great place for yourself, with friends, or with kids. An excellent sight to see.

Today was so much better than I could have imagined! Scotland is known for overcast skies and daily light showers, but today was full of sunshine and blue skies. Because it was such a nice day, we chose the longest of four walks that would take us to the gardens. The Cadogan Edinburgh guide did very well in picking the route. We walked a path that ran along the waters of Leith, and there were very few people around. Even though we were still in the city, we could only hear birds and the flowing water. There were trees everywhere, along with bridges and views of the old city buildings.

We arrived at the gardens before noon, and were pleased to find them large and uncrowded. There seemed to be as many locals there as tourist...walking their dogs or letting their children romp around in the grass. The sun was shining as we made our way through the azalea garden and on to see the greenhouses. There were trees and plants from all over the world there, a gardener's delight I suppose! The day was still young when we left.

DETAILS: Open 9.30am-7pm, April-August; February, 9.30am-5pm; March, 9.30am-6pm; September, 9.30am-6pm; October, 9.30am-5pm; November-January, 9.30am-4pm. Location: The Garden is located in the Inverleith district of Edinburgh, one mile north of the city centre. By Public Transport: buses no. 7a, 8, 9, 19, 23, 27, 37 and 39 stop at the East Gate entrance (and at 20A Inverleith Row).

If you are interested in plants and trees, this Garden is a mecca in itself, with a wrold reputation for its research into orchids and Himalayan flora.

If you just want a quiet space in the hectic bustle that is Edinburgh, the Gardens (open during daylight hours only) are a must-see.

Located in the grounds of what was once Edinburgh's best-located stately homes, the Gardens have grown over the years to provide hothouses and rockeries, open spaces and riots of bloom - all with outstanding views of the Edinburgh skyline.