Dog-friendly things to do in Edinburgh
Edinburgh has a lot to offer - from its vibrant art and food scene to the dramatic history and architecture. If you’re staying at our Seton Sands Holiday Park, it’s only 30 miles away, so we’d recommend paying it a visit with the family!
We’re pleased to say there are plenty of dog-friendly places in Edinburgh to visit, whatever you like to do. Here are our favourite recommendations for a jam-packed day out to get tails wagging.
Go for a wander at dog-friendly Edinburgh parks and gardens
West Regent Gardens
Also known as the Regent, Royal, and Carlton Terrace Gardens, this beautiful garden is privately owned in the New Town area of Edinburgh. It spans across 12 acres on the east side of Carlton Hill. Share the impressive views with your pooch as you look out over the South East, but please keep them on a short lead!
This somewhat secret garden is a blend of finely landscaped gardens that have kept their early 19th-century structure, a lime terrace, pathways, a central lawn and secluded woodland. Perfect for a bit of quiet among the city noise.
The Meadows
The Meadows is a large green park situated in the heart of the city, making it an ideal place to come and wind down. From here, you can see Arthur’s Seat and Edinburgh Castle! Stroll or jog down the paved pathways through the park, or bring a picnic and sit in the shade of the trees. In true Edinburgh style, you’ll find artwork installations dotted around with signs to give you more information.
Starbank Garden in Newhaven
Starbank Garden is a beautiful mix of sculpted flowerbeds, trees, and green lawn areas over nearly three acres. It’s been kept as a public garden since the late 19th century and still boasts a cultivated Victorian rose garden, cared for by volunteers. The ‘star’ attraction has to be the eight-pointed flowerbed, designed to look like a compass as a nod to the view of the Firth of Forth.
There are three access points from around the city via pedestrian gates. Wheelchair users and those with pushchairs can access via a flat, paved path. Dogs are more than welcome to visit with you—be sure to keep them on a lead.
Visit dog-friendly Edinburgh attractions
Jupiter Artland
Inspired by the unique landscape of Edinburgh, Jupiter Artland is an outdoor space to enjoy permanent and temporary sculptures and artworks between May to September. You’ll spot famous names such as Tracey Emin and Helen Chadwick here. There are five galleries set over 100 acres all chock-a-block with experimental art, and fear not - dogs are welcomed in with open arms! There are even events dedicated to dogs, such as ‘Dogs Love Art Too’.
The venue is set in the grounds of Bonnington House, where you can grab a bite to eat or indulge in an afternoon tea at the bistro. Take home a souvenir - the gift shop sells all kinds of items by local artists and authors.
Camera Obscura
The Camera Obscura is one of the best dog-friendly places to visit in Edinburgh! There are five floors and over 100 interactive exhibits full of Illusions. Each floor has something unique to bend your mind - mirror mazes, 3D cityscapes, and kaleidoscope tunnels galore! If you make it to the top, enjoy a scenic view of the entire city reflected onto a large table in real-time.
Dogs are more than welcome to join in the fun - they’ll be greeted at the entrance with water and snacks. It’s really easy to get here from the city, as you’ll find it next to Edinburgh Castle. Although there’s no cafe here, you’ll find snacks to fill hungry bellies at the gift shop.
Indulge in a spot of dog-friendly Edinburgh shopping
St James's Quarter is an openly dog-friendly shopping centre packed full of dozens of well-known chains, independent shops, and eateries. Most of the establishments here accept dogs—just look for the blue paw print sticker on the window. To make your retail therapy easier, stop by Pet Services. They can offer you a dog pram or dog backpack for if your pooch gets tired!
We’re sure you’ll work up an appetite, so stop off for something to eat or drink to fuel your journey back to Seton Sands Holiday Park. Don’t worry—there are plenty of drinking spots for four-legged friends too.
Grab a bite and a drink at Brewhemia
Brewhemia in Edinburgh is a popular restaurant and bar located in the heart of the city, directly opposite Waverley train station. It’s a pretty unique and vibrant spot with live entertainment like drag acts and brass bands! Tuck into tank beers and artisanal cocktails while you order from the food menu. Dogs are treated like any other guest—on arrival, the friendly staff provide your pooch with a comfy bed, water, and snacks to eat them going. It’s a must-visit for dog owners.
Start planning your Great British break
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Important information
Brand new holiday homes from £34,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom ABI New Horizon holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 19 July 2024, price is available at all parks, excluding Church Farm, Cala Gran, Kiln Park, Littlesea, Lydstep Beach, Penally Court, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Seashore, Seaview and Thornwick Bay.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
New holiday homes from £33,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom Willerby Ellerton Extra holiday and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
From 12 July 2024 the holiday home price is reduced from £37,995 to £33,995 and will remain at this price until all available stock is sold.
The holiday home price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024 this price is available at Berwick, Burnham-on-Sea, Devon Cliffs, Doniford Bay, Hafan y Mor, Kent Coast, Lakeland, Marton Mere, Presthaven, Primrose Valley, Reighton Sands, Seton Sands and Weymouth Bay.
Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Pre-owned holiday homes from £19,995
Holiday home price is based on a Bronze Grade pre-owned holiday home 6 years or older and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024, price is available at all parks, excluding Cala Gran, Church Farm, Cardigan View, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Haggerston Castle, Kiln Park, Littlesea, Lydstep Beach, Orchards, Penally Court, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Riviere Sands, Seashore, Seaview, Skegness and Thornwick Bay.
Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence.
Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2031
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.