East Edinburgh

Stroll along Portobello’s promenade after a day’s work and be refreshed by the sea air. The sandy beach has been a family favourite since the Victorians established the town as a seaside resort. Gracious 19th century villas line the seafront (the bus journey from Princes Street takes only 20 minutes).

Further inland, there are residential areas offering a range of housing options in addition to industrial estates such as Eastfield which specialise in light industry.

Pedal up the perimeter road that ribbons through the epic landscape of Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park. It is perhaps the UK’s most dramatic and challenging urban cycle route. Jog along the network of trails that cross the park beneath the formidable precipices of Salisbury Crags.

Duddingston was built around a 12^th century church. Locals visit the Victorian skittle alley in the village inn, The Sheep's Heid, reputedly the oldest pub in Scotland. The hamlet adjoins Duddingston Loch, a wildlife sanctuary where swans and ducks nest amid the reed beds. It could be in the heart of rural Scotland, but it’s actually on the southern edge of Arthur’s Seat, and just five minutes drive from the Royal Mile.

Practice your putts and drives at the one of the area’s many golf courses. There are several municipal courses and private clubs, which welcome visitors. The Firth of Forth offers outstanding sailing opportunities for nautical enthusiasts.