Visit Edinburgh

Plan your trip with Fountain Park

A city rich in history, culture and character, few cities can rival Edinburgh. From its dramatic castle and medieval streets to grand Georgian architecture, leafy parks and lively neighbourhoods, the Scottish capital is full of fantastic places to explore, things to do and experiences to enjoy.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time, meeting friends, planning a day out or making a weekend of it, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Climb to the top of Arthur’s Seat and drink in the views, browse independent shops, discover museums and galleries, or stop for a meal at one of the city’s many restaurants.

When you’re ready for some entertainment, head to Fountain Park. Just a short distance from the city centre, you’ll find great restaurants, leisure activities and entertainment all in one place.

Ready to explore? Discover the best things to do in Edinburgh, must-visit eateries, how to get around and tips on how to make the most of your visit with our travel guide.

Discover Edinburgh

From medieval landmarks and atmospheric Old Town streets to museums, gardens and sweeping city views, there’s plenty to discover in Edinburgh. Whether you’re planning a family day out, meeting friends or exploring the city for the first time, here are five sights to add to your itinerary.

Edinburgh Castle
Perched dramatically on Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is one of Scotland’s most famous landmarks. Explore the historic fortress, discover stories of kings and queens, see the Scottish Crown Jewels and take in impressive views across the city. It’s a must-see for first-time visitors and a fascinating glimpse into Edinburgh’s past.

Royal Mile
Stretching between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Mile runs through the heart of the city’s historic Old Town. Wander along its cobbled streets, browse independent shops and discover historic closes, churches and buildings along the way. Plenty of cafés, restaurants, and pubs also offer a place to stop for a break.

National Museum of Scotland
Discover thousands of years of history, science, nature and culture at the National Museum of Scotland. From ancient artefacts and natural history to scientific discoveries and world cultures, its galleries offer plenty to explore, with something to interest visitors of all ages. Best of all, general admission is free.

Arthur’s Seat
For some of the best views across Edinburgh, head to Arthur’s Seat, the ancient volcanic peak in Holyrood Park. The climb offers a welcome escape from the city streets, with panoramic views from the summit stretching across Edinburgh and beyond. Wear suitable footwear and allow plenty of time to enjoy the walk.

Palace of Holyroodhouse
At the foot of the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is the King’s official Scottish residence and one of Edinburgh’s most fascinating historic attractions. Explore the grand State Apartments, historic rooms and atmospheric ruins of Holyrood Abbey, then take a stroll through the palace gardens. It’s an easy addition to a day of exploring.

Fountain Park
Just a short distance from Edinburgh city centre, Fountain Park is a lively destination packed with family-friendly entertainment, leisure activities and places to eat.

A rainy day doesn’t have to put your Edinburgh plans on hold. After exploring the city’s museums, attractions and shops, head to Fountain Park for some indoor fun, whether you’re catching the latest big-screen blockbuster, challenging the family to ten-pin bowling or stopping for a meal.

Looking for inspiration? Explore our guide to Fountain Park and start planning your visit.

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Fun things to do at Fountain Park

Cineworld
Grab some popcorn and settle in for the latest blockbusters at Cineworld. With a choice of films and screenings throughout the day, it’s a great way to escape and enjoy a few hours of big-screen entertainment. To see what’s showing and to book your tickets, check Cineworld’s website.

Tenpin
Gather the family and see who can score the most strikes at Tenpin. Alongside its bowling lanes, you’ll find arcade games, pool and table tennis, making it a fun choice for a gaming session.

Volcano Falls Adventure Golf
Fancy a little friendly competition? Take on Volcano Falls Adventure Golf and navigate one of its two 18-hole indoor courses. With colourful theming and plenty of obstacles along the way, it’s a fun option for families of all ages.

GraVity Active
Burn off some energy at GraVity Active, where wall-to-wall trampolines, climbing walls and other activities provide plenty of opportunities to get moving. Whether you’ve got energetic little ones or active teenagers to entertain, high-energy fun is guaranteed.

Laser Station
Team up and prepare for battle at Laser Station. Take on friends and family in the multi-level laser-tag arena, ducking, dodging and competing to rack up the highest score. It’s a great choice for older children and groups looking for an action-packed activity.

Funstation
Round off your visit with a trip to Funstation, where you’ll find a mix of arcade and carnival-style games to enjoy. Test your skills, compete for high scores and see if you can win enough tickets to take home a prize.

Where to eat during your visit

Edinburgh’s eclectic food scene has something for every taste, from cosy cafés and traditional pubs to international restaurants and family-friendly favourites. Explore the city centre for independent eateries and local specialities, or make Fountain Park your base for an easy meal before or after some entertainment.

Fountain Park has a good choice of restaurants and casual dining options, making it easy to keep the whole family happy. Enjoy flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken at Nando’s, tuck into burgers and loaded fries at Five Guys or explore dishes from around the world at Mr Basrai’s World Cuisines. For something sweet, finish with a treat from Heavenly Desserts.

Whether you’re looking for a family lunch, a quick bite between activities or somewhere to sit down after a busy day exploring Edinburgh, Fountain Park makes a convenient place to refuel.

Staying around Edinburgh

Edinburgh offers accommodation for every kind of trip, from stylish city-centre hotels and boutique stays to family-friendly options with easy access to the city’s attractions. For a convenient stay near Fountain Park, Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket is a short distance away, while Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Haymarket) is a good option for families.

For a central stay, choose a hotel around Edinburgh’s Old Town or New Town, putting you within easy reach of the city’s historic sights, shops, restaurants and attractions. Apex Grassmarket Hotel is a family-friendly option in the heart of the Old Town, with views towards Edinburgh Castle, while Novotel Edinburgh Centre is conveniently located close to Fountainbridge and the city centre.

Staying around Fountainbridge or Haymarket puts you within easy reach of Fountain Park, while excellent public transport links make it simple to explore Edinburgh without relying on a car. You’ll also be well placed for Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, the National Museum of Scotland and other popular attractions.

Staying for the weekend?

Spend one day discovering Edinburgh’s historic sights, from Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile to the National Museum of Scotland and the atmospheric Old Town. Then spend another at Fountain Park, with cinema, bowling, adventure golf, active play and plenty of places to eat all in one destination.

Edinburgh always has something happening, from world-class festivals and exhibitions to live entertainment and family events. Before you travel, check what’s on and see what you could add to your itinerary.

Planning to explore beyond the city? Edinburgh is a convenient base for discovering more of Scotland, with easy rail and road connections to destinations including Leith, South Queensferry and the wider Lothians.

→ Explore What’s On at Fountain Park
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→ Explore Getting Around Edinburgh

Getting around Edinburgh and Fountain Park

By train
Edinburgh Waverley is the city’s main railway station, with regular services connecting the capital with destinations across Scotland and the rest of the UK. From Waverley, Fountain Park is about a 25-minute walk away, or a short bus or taxi ride. Haymarket Station is closer, at around a 15-minute walk from Fountain Park.

By tram
Edinburgh Trams connect the city centre with Edinburgh Airport, with stops at Haymarket and nearby locations. From Haymarket, Fountain Park is around a 15-minute walk, or you can continue by local bus or taxi.

By bus
Regular Lothian Buses serve Fountainbridge and the streets around Fountain Park, making public transport an easy way to reach the centre from across Edinburgh. From Edinburgh city centre, several services run towards Fountainbridge, with stops a short walk from Fountain Park.

By car
Fountain Park is just west of Edinburgh city centre and is easily accessible by road. Follow signs towards Fountainbridge and Fountain Park, where free visitor parking is available for up to four hours when you validate a purchase in-store.

On foot & by bike
Fountain Park is around a 20-minute walk from Edinburgh’s West End and around 25 minutes from Princes Street. The route takes you through Fountainbridge and along Dundee Street, with Fountain Park clearly signposted as you approach. Cycling is another convenient way to reach the centre, with cycle routes connecting Fountainbridge with the wider city.

Check Lothian Buses or Edinburgh Trams to plan your journey.

Plan your visit

Planning your next day out? Make Fountain Park part of your itinerary and enjoy everything from trampolining and climbing to bowling, adventure golf, cinema and great places to eat, all in one convenient destination.

Explore parking, directions and opening hours before your visit and start planning your perfect day at Fountain Park.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

PLAN YOUR VISIT