Morningside is a suburb of Edinburgh in Scotland. It is situated between Holy Corner and the districts of Gilmerton and Liberton. Braid Hill is a small, moderately hilly area in the south-east of Edinburgh; it is home to a range of residential properties and some local businesses. Swanston is a village in Scotland's capital city Edinburgh, directly north of the city centre. It is a quiet, peaceful area, with a lot of natural beauty.
1. Places for a walk on a first date
In Morningside, a great option would be a stroll through the area's picturesque parks, such as Morningside Park and Braidburn Valley Park. Morningside Park has a number of paths through its wild, partially wooded landscape, ideal for exploring with your date. Alternatively, you could take a picnic to Braidburn Valley Park, which is known for its wonderful views across Edinburgh from its hilltop position. If you are seeking a more adventurous walk, there is also the nearby Hermitage of Braid, which has a 3.2 km woodland path. Swanston is also home to a number of excellent walks, such as the nearby Pentland Hills Regional Park. The park has excellent views over the city as well as a variety of scenic paths.
2. Places for a coffee date in Morningside, Braid Hill and Swanston
The area is well-stocked with coffee shops and cafes, perfect for a relaxed first date. In Morningside, the Coffee Tree Cafe is a great spot to enjoy a hot beverage, while nearby Braid Hill has a number of cafes, including the popular La Cucina. In Swanston you could visit the Dykes Coffee House, which has plenty of character and a great atmosphere. There is also the recently opened Village Coffee, a great spot for a light lunch and coffee.
3. Morningside, Braid Hill and Swanston galleries, museums and exhibitions to visit on a date
There are plenty of options for a cultural date in the area. In Morningside, you could visit the National Gallery of Scotland's Morningside branch, which is home to a range of art from the 16th century to the present day. Alternatively, in Braid Hill you could explore the Royal Botanic Garden, which has an impressive collection of plants from around the world. There is also the Museum of Edinburgh at Huntly House, which is a great spot to learn about the area's history. In Swanston, you could pay a visit to the Royal Observatory Edinburgh, where you can learn about astronomy and space exploration.
4. Live music and entertainment to invite your date to in Morningside, Braid Hill and Swanston
The area has a number of excellent live music venues. In Morningside, there is the Camera Obscura, which offers an eclectic mix of live music, comedy, and theatre performances. In Braid Hill, the Bongo Club is a popular nightspot which hosts a range of concerts and DJ sets. In Swanston, the famous Usher Hall is the place to be for classical music, opera, and dance performances.
5. Morningside, Braid Hill and Swanston pubs, bars or restaurants for a first date drink or food
For a meal or a drink, you could visit the Morningside Inn, which has a great range of pub food, craft beers, and cocktails. In Braid Hill, the Hanging Bat is a popular spot for craft beer and burgers. In Swanston, you could visit the Swanston Bar and Grill, which offers a delicious menu of modern Scottish cuisine.
6. Other date ideas to try in Morningside, Braid Hill and Swanston
If you and your date are looking for something a bit different, you could explore the area’s street art. In Morningside, you could explore the various murals around the area, and in Braid Hill, you could take a tour of the vibrant graffiti art. You could also take a romantic boat trip on the Union Canal, or go for a cycle ride in the Pentland Hills. In Swanston, why not learn a new skill together by taking a pottery or painting class, or spend an afternoon stargazing at the Royal Observatory?
