The Best Things To Do in Bruntsfield, Edinburgh
Bruntsfield is a charming neighbourhood located in the south of Edinburgh and is home to many independent shops, inviting cafes, excellent restaurants and gorgeous green parks.
Nestled within the heart of Bruntsfield, you will find Black Ivy’s stunning boutique hotel. With our prime location, fantastic room-rates and first-class service, you won’t find anywhere better to stay in Bruntsfield than at Black Ivy.
Below you’ll find some of the best things to do in Bruntsfield so that you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and rich history that this area of Edinburgh offers.
Visit the Meadows
The Meadows is one of the largest public parks in Edinburgh and happens to be located right in the heart of Bruntsfield. It is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors, with wide open grass fields which can be used for walking, sitting with friends, playing sports, exercising, reading or whatever else you enjoy doing! It also plays host to a number of events throughout the year, such as outdoor concerts and festivals.
In addition to its wide-open green spaces, The Meadows boasts a children’s playground, a croquet club, tennis courts and recreational sport pitches. You’ll often find university students enjoying games of football or frisbee and it’s the perfect place for families to visit on the weekends on those hot summer afternoons.
Perhaps the best time to visit The Meadows, however, is in Spring. In March and into early April you’ll witness the tree lined paths become a true spectacle as the cherry blossom trees begin to bloom. You can walk down the central path with beautiful cherry blossom trees on either side and be amazed at their rich colour and the magical atmosphere that they create.
The cherry blossom trees in The Meadows are a stunning natural sight that is well-visited by those who know it, plus it’s extremely “Instagrammable”.
Browse the independent shops
Bruntsfield is known for its independent, boutique shops, which offer a delightful shopping experience that is a million miles away from the generic high street shopping of Princes Street.
Less crowded, more enjoyable and far more unique, shoppers in Bruntsfield will find everything from artisanal food and drink to handmade crafts and gifts. If you’re looking to pick up something special to remember your time in Edinburgh, or are simply looking to window shop as you explore the charming area, there is something for everyone in Bruntsfield’s small boutique stores.
Sample the local produce
Bruntsfield has a wide variety of incredible cafes and restaurants to choose from. Around every corner you’ll discover independently run cafes offering everything from artisan coffee to traditional British tea. There is also a wealth of vegan and vegetarian options to choose from, as well as excellent breakfast spots and some more established restaurants that are ideal for a luxurious lunch or dinner.
Some of the stand-out cafes and eateries to check-out in Bruntsfield are:
- Honeycomb & Co – great for brunch or a coffee and cake
- Seeds for the Soul – Delicious vegan restaurant
- Artisan Roast Bruntsfield – perfect for coffee lovers
Of course, Black Ivy also stands as one of the best restaurants in Bruntsfield, with many locals and tourists regularly coming to eat at our in-house restaurant. We serve food from 8am – 10pm every day and offer a fantastic breakfast menu, a scrumptious all-day brunch and a comprehensive dinner menu that allows guests (and non-guests!) to enjoy local Edinburgh luxury for less.
Book a table online today to secure your breakfast, lunch or dinner spot at Black Ivy.
Experience Bruntsfield’s nightlife
In addition to the great cafes and restaurants in Bruntsfield, the trendy area also offers some great watering holes where one can sit back, relax and enjoy a tasty pint or fancy cocktail as they take in the Bruntsfield night life.
Edinburgh is filled with fantastic pubs and bars but many find the city centre too busy and hectic. Bruntsfield has a more laid-back vibe with a great mix of people and ages. You’ll find students, locals, tourists and professionals all out and about at both the weekend and during the week enjoying mid-week entertainment, participating in local pub quizzes and generally just soaking up the fun and lively atmosphere.
Some of the best pubs and bars to try whilst staying in or visiting Bruntsfield are:
- Montpeliers Bar & Brasserie – a lively bar and eatery that is perfect for a evening drink
- The Blackbird – Laid back pub sat right on the edge of The Meadows with a wide selection of food, cocktails, beer and wine
- The Cloisters – a former church that has been converted into a unique bar, you’ll find a great range of craft beers and ales
Black Ivy is also a great place for drinks in Bruntsfield. With our outdoor terrace open until 1am every night of the week and a wide selection of tasty cocktails, beers, spirits and wine, you’ll love the fun and inclusive atmosphere that is found at Black Ivy. Whilst our terrace is extremely popular in the summer, we also have an indoor Drafthouse that is ideal for a cosy pint in the colder months.
Explore Bruntsfield Links
Bruntsfield Links is found right on the door step of Black Ivy, with many of our rooms offering stunning, unobstructed views of the Links.
The Links itself is a historic area that is home to the oldest short hole golf course in the world. Free to play and fun for all the family, you can enjoy a short pitch and put round of golf as long as you provide your own clubs and ball.
Bruntsfield Links is also a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to take a leisurely stroll, enjoy a picnic, or go running in the park. Located right in the heart of Bruntsfield and leading onto The Meadows, incorporate the Links into your walk to town and you’ll be sure to set your day of sightseeing off on the right foot.
Black Ivy Hotel: The best place to stay in Bruntsfield
Now that you know more about all the delights that this charming area of Edinburgh has to offer, it’s time to choose a place to stay in Bruntsfield.
Black Ivy hotel is one of the most established and highly rated boutique hotels in Bruntsfield. With an excellent choice of affordable rooms, friendly, knowledgeable staff and an incredible bar and restaurant area that has been designed to make your stay as convenient as possible, you won’t find anywhere better to spend a night in Bruntsfield.
Get in touch with the Black Ivy team today to find out more about our fantastic Brunstifeld hotel or book a room online directly if you’ve already made up your mind. We look forward to welcoming you to Black Ivy soon!
