The old railway tunnel that passes under Arthur's Seat. Pass through this long tunnel into a beautiful walk through the countryside in the middle of the city. Tricky to find- Double back on yourself after descending to the lower level off east parkside and its at the end. 24 hours http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edinburgh_and_Dalkeith_Railway

An extinct volcano in the city centre! Arthur's seat is a uniquely dramatic sight, the sharp crags bursting from above the buildings from anywhere in the city. Easy enough to climb and well worth it for the incredible views of the city and across the forth. THE must do activity in Edinburgh. 24 Hours http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur%27s_Seat,_Edinburgh

Since the 17th Century The Botanic Gardens have been a world-renowned centre for plant science and education. A great place to walk the grounds on a sunny day amongst landscaping and sculpture. Visit the huge glass houses, the Chinese garden and the newly built John Hope gateway. 20A Inverleith Row EH3 5LR Mon-Sun: November to January:10.00am-04.00pm February & October:10.00am-05.00pm March to September:10.00am-06.00pm Free Admission http://www.rbge.org.uk/

The Dean Village is a tranquil green oasis on the Water of Leith, only five minutes walk from Princes Street. In the past the village was the centre of the milling of water mills and the remnants of the industry can still be seen today. Look out for Thomas Telford's Dean Bridge and the classical temple of St Bernard's Well. 24 Hours http://www.ewht.org.uk/dean-village

Free golf if you bring your own clubs. The 36 hole course starts and finishes at the Golf Tavern. Boasts great views of Arthur's Seat. http://www.edinburghspotlight.com/2011/03/info-free-golf-on-bruntsfield-links-edinburgh/

One of the hidden Jewels of Edinburgh. On the banks of Duddingston Loch is a beautifully landscaped garden that many locals don't even know about. You'd have no idea you're in the centre of the city Duddingston Village EH15 3PX (enter through the Kirk yard) Mon-Sat:10.00am-05.00pm Free Admission http://www.drneilsgarden.co.uk/

This small reserve is located in the heart of the Old Town in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle http://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserve/johnston-terrace-garden/

Wind your way around the corridors of the museum to find the stairs up to this hidden terrace. Great views from within the city and nicely landscaped garden borders. Chambers Street EH1 1JF (7th Floor) 10am - 5pm http://www.cityspace.org.uk/index.php/spaces/details/the_roof_terrace/

This little village at the base of the Pentland hills is a picturesque group of whitewashed thatched cottages set informally around a little stream Famous for being the place Robert Louis Stevenson spent his summers. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swanston,_Edinburgh

Hidden within the close is a garden laid out in the character of the seventeenth century when the area was one of the wealthiest in the city. http://www.nothingtoseehere.net/2010/02/dunbars_close_edinburgh.html