The Meadows isn't a gorgeous, beautiful park, it's more subtle than that. Because the area is used by 100s of people for loads of different reasons, there's a real feeling of community and a spectrum of human life.

It's a great place for people-watching, as families stroll together, games of frisbee/football/rugby get underway, old ladies chatter, others read books, and the police box does a roaring trade in posh coffee.

As you meander through the Meadows, a number of different tree-lined pathways ('walks') are on offer to you: Jawbone Walk features the dried-out jaw of a whale acting as an archway at one of its end and it's this kind of gentle charm that warms you to the place.

Edinburgh is lucky to have both Princes Street Gardens and the Meadows in such close proximity, making it one of the greenest city centres about!

Whereas the Gardens are a little bit "stuffy", the Meadows is the place to go to chill out and let it all hang-out (metaphorically-speaking of course!)

Located not far from Edinburgh Uni, it's not unusual to see students kicking a ball around or playing frisbee with a beer in hand. However, if you're not the sporty type then it's certainly not hard to find a nice quiet patch to read a book or have a picnic.

During summer months the area gets taken over by the festival and for the past ten years the Ladyboys of Bangkok have taken up residency in a big tent on the Meadows! If that's not your bag then you could always go to see the neighbouring circus. Both events mean that there is a real buzz about the place during August.

Whilst the Meadows is great during the day, there can be a few dodgy characters lurking at night. However, just use common sense and you'll be fine.

All in all, the Meadows is a great place to hang-out.

Whether you intend to throw a frisbee, kick a football or just have a lazy stroll along one of the many footpaths, the Meadows is a vast open park adorned with beautiful trees and hilly slopes. Sports lovers can make use of the cricket facilities and tennis courts, while children (and the young at heart) can play on the slides, jungle gym and merry-go-rounds.

Although framed by roads leading to and from the city centre, the Meadows nevertheless offers tranquility and a quiet respite.