Visitors and locals alike enjoy Edinburgh's Botanical Gardens.

One of the reasons I like living in central Edinburgh so much is proximity to the city's Royal Botanic Gardens. Sure, we don't have a garden in our second-floor flat, but who needs one when you have seventy acres of landscaped perfection close at hand?

The gardens have offered a tranquil haven to visitors for hundreds of years and have a special place in the hearts of many locals. Founded in the 17th century as a physic garden, the Botanics keep people coming back again and again. Not surprising, when you consider some of its attractions.

For starters, it has a huge beech hedge, more than a century old, that you can watch changing colour with the seasons. There's a herbaceous border too - but not like any typical herbaceous border. This one is more than 165 metres long. The Queen Mother's Memorial Garden, which opened in 2006, features a box-hedge maze and 'shell house' that entertains children for hours. Walking through the Chinese Hillside section, with its river, waterfall and pagoda, is a treat for everyone. Anybody interested in Scotland's native flora will enjoy the Scottish Heath Garden. Giant Sierra Redwood trees from North America give welcome shade in the summer.

Inverleith House, in the grounds, is often home to a contemporary art exhibition. The Victorian palmhouse is a joy for anyone who enjoys plants or architecture. There are special events for adults, families and children happening most weekends. Better still, unlike many similar gardens, entry to this one is free.

10,000 walkers in decorated bras raise money for breast cancer.

Last Saturday was a magic night in Edinburgh when thousands of women – and even quite a few men too – walked for miles on the city streets to raise money for breast cancer charities. People gathered from all over Scotland to take part in the Edinburgh Moon Walk, a fund raiser for breast cancer charity Walk the Walk, that involves walking overnight, while dressed up in decorated bras.

After gathering at a giant pink tented village in Inverleith Park, in the north of Edinburgh, we walkers set off across the city around midnight. Some were walking a full marathon of 26 miles, others (me) were doing the Half Moon of 13 miles. Hundreds of volunteers gave up a night's sleep to cheer us on, shouting out encouragement that kept us going. Many Edinburgh residents came out of their homes to support us and keep our spirits high with banners. The feeling of solidarity among the walkers is something I'll always treasure.

Other things I won't forget from the evening? On the descent from Arthur's Seat, a forbidding hill we circuited at about eight miles into the walk, the joy of suddenly seeing the city's twinkling lights spread out below us. And, of course, something I will always remember is the sight of Edinburgh Castle's austere ramparts lit up in pink in honour of the walk.

We've teamed up with Walk Talk Tours to offer anyone that books with us a discount of 10% on either of the audio tours of Edinburgh available.

The audio tours are a great way to get the most from your visit to Edinburgh, and allow you to explore at your own pace.

Over on the great Edinburgh Guide blog, Andy has posted info on how you can climb the 7 Hills of Edinburgh.

Haven't tried them yet myself, but sound like a great way to see Edinburgh from a different angle.xxxxxx

If you're visiting Edinburgh and thinking of taking the short trip to Newhaven, check out these great pictures from the excellent I Love Edinburgh blog.

Making me wish I was outside with that scenery. Favourite has to be the "Wee Grocer" though!

Almond Valley heritage centre - 01506 414957‎
This is my personal favourite a great day out for all the family...so much better than the zoo for under 5s and great value.

East Links Family Park - 01368 863607‎
Similar set up to almond valley but more expensive and in my opinion not as well done - however still worth a trip.

Self catering properties are particularly appreciated by parents of young children, so being a parent of a healthy 4 year old I thought it would be helpful if I shared some local Edinburgh  knowledge with parents of under 5's so you can entertain your little one and make the most of your break.

5 Top things to do with an under 5 within Edinburgh

National Museum of Scotland - 0131 225 7534
This museum has plenty to do and see for adult and child alike - it's a great place to spend a rainy day with a child, entry is free.

The Ceramic Experience - 0131 662 6666‎
Let the kids be creative and sculpt and paint a keepsake ... coffee shop for adults.