March in Edinburgh

March is the first month of spring, and in Edinburgh you can feel it: lighter evenings and daffodils coming up in the parks. The weather can still go any way, but there’s plenty to plan a trip around.

The Six Nations (until mid-March, Scottish Gas Murrayfield)

The championship runs into the middle of March, and on match days pubs across the city show every game. If Scotland are at home, Murrayfield is a short tram ride from the centre.

The Meadows Marathon (the first Sunday in March, the Meadows)

Run by Edinburgh students for charity, the Meadows Marathon offers a marathon, a half, a 10K and a 5K on laps of the park. Run it, or come along and cheer.

Scottish Snowdrop Festival (until mid-March, gardens across Scotland)

The snowdrop season runs into March, and it’s well worth catching the last of them at the Royal Botanic Garden.

Granton Castle Walled Garden (weekend afternoons, Granton, free)

Granton Castle was demolished in the 20th century, but its walled garden and doocot survived and are now looked after by a community group of volunteers. It opens on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, entry is free, and it’s a peaceful spot to watch spring arrive.

St Patrick’s Day on 17 March brings live music to pubs all over town, and Mothering Sunday falls in March too, so book ahead if you’re taking your mum out for lunch.

Edinburgh’s weekly markets carry on all year, so wrap up and make a morning of one. Edinburgh Farmers’ Market sets up on Castle Terrace under the castle every Saturday morning, with seasonal fruit and veg, locally sourced game and more. The Grassmarket Market runs every Saturday too, with baking, produce and local craftwork, and Leith Market is on Dock Place by the Shore on Saturdays, mostly food with a few local makers. On Sundays, head to Stockbridge Market on Saunders Street for street food and lifestyle stalls.

Out at Granton, The Pitt street food market on West Shore Road opens Thursday to Sunday, right opposite the walled garden.

Edinburgh’s independent bookshops keep up a full programme of author talks, launches and book groups all year. Topping & Company, Lighthouse Bookshop and the Portobello Bookshop on Portobello High Street are the ones to watch, so check their events pages before you travel.

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