Edinburgh

[covetingthepreciousthings]

Would I be mad to consider a trip to stay overnight in Edinburgh during the Fringe festival? Would be to go to the zoo, and stay over for 1 night, and we wouldn't be doing any of the Fringe events I don't think.

Last minute ideas for a birthday trip!

It’s quieter than it usually is in August, although it has picked up noticeably in the last couple of days as restrictions relaxed further.

It’ll be fine, we went on the weekend - went to the zoo but stayed in the centre.

We’re dead compared to every other year. Go for it!

We had our honeymoon in Edinburgh during the fringe and it wasn't a problem at all

There are lots of fringe events outside. Well worth a visit. Currently, there is also "Fringe by the Sea" over at North Berwick.

We went last week for the first time…absolutely loved it!

We got a cracking deal for a premier inn at Edinburgh park and used the tram to get into the city centre. Same side of Edinburgh as the zoo and lots of transport options and free parking.

There's a holiday Inn right next to the zoo you could stay in. Then you can just get a bus from there into the centre.

It’s much quieter than it normally is in august.
If you can get accommodation then go for it. Also check you get tickets for the zoo as it was pre booking only. And you’ll need a mask still 😷

How many hours would you need to have to go round the zoo? Would just the afternoon be ok? Just looking at tickets and they're quite limited for last minute..

If you stay away from the centre during the fringe it should be okay. Loathe around the Royal Mile when that's on.

There is soooo much to do and see in Edinburgh, even though the Fringe is tiny this year - why on earth would you make a special trip to go to the zoo? It's no better, worse or different to any other zoo in the world. Come and see a couple of shows, go to the castle or the museum, climb Arthur's Seat, wave at the queen, do a ghost walk... don't waste your time at the zoo!

Much quieter than normal so I would go for it.

Just the afternoon would be OK I would say. I usually spend about 4 or 5 hours there including having lunch. Last time I went there was no penguin parade or animal talks because of Covid restrictions so didn't need as much time.

What noYOUbekind said.
I always found the zoo a bit depressing, but love loads of the other touristy things in Edinbutlrgh. Didn’t really enjoy Dynamic Earth though.

Hit me with suggestions for good things to do apart from the zoo in this case.. (two DC under 10)

The Royal Yacht at Leith.

Jupiter Artland is excellent

Scottish schools will all be back by middle of next week if you can hold off a week? Go for it!

Camera Obscura, v entertaining. My kids loved the zoo too when they were younger. Edinburgh is much quieter than usual - good year to visit!

Good year to visit , much quieter than usual.
I would suggest you give Edinburgh Zoo a miss. Lots of empty enclosures , the last twice I've been the Pandas have been closed.
If you are coming by car Five Sisters Zoo in West Lothian is far superior. - Lots of animals , ( Don't think your sat nav is wrong - you drive through a residential area to get to it ! )

The Museum in Chambers Street is worth a visit and it's also free😀
The Castle
Mary Kings Close - Off the High Street
Portobello Beach - if you get good weather. Lots of buses from city centre .
Fort Douglas at Dalkeith Country Park, Adventure Park. - car
Edinburgh International Climbing Centre at Ratho - again a car would be needed
If you google things to do with kids in Edinburgh I'm sure you will find lots more. One day won't be enough 😊

There are loads of hotels in the city centre everything from Travel Lodge, Premier Inn to 5*

If you decide to come, check Itison for meal deals . 56 North often have good deals , not far off the beaten track and the food is good.

The City Restaurant , next to the Festival Theatre , just up the north/south bridge . Fish & chip shop with "sit innery " not just fish & chips !

Edinburgh schools go back on the 18th

Enjoy!

We have just got back today from Edinburgh. It was very quiet compared to previous years but still lots of street performers and comedy events. I absolutely love Edinburgh but the weather was a bit pants while we were there . Definitely go and have a great time. Such a friendly welcoming city

When are you thinking about coming? Our schools go back next week, some are already back yesterday so that always makes things quieter but to be honest the city isn't nearly as busy as normal, you'll be fine op

My top suggestions to do with kids that age without a car would be:
National Museum
Camera Obscura
Dynamic Earth
One of the HOHO buses does a horrible histories commentary.

The castle i think is very heavy on scottish and military history and the excitement and being in a castle soon wore off for me! I'm not sure kids would get much out of the Royal Yacht Britannia although personally I enjoyed it more than I expected to.
There's a big play area at the east end of the Meadows and plenty of space to run around in Princes Street gardens. You might manage to get a swim slot at the Commonwealth pool (still on prebooking through Edinburgh Leisure app). Bus down to portobello beach for the evening if it's nice weather.
Depending on how under 10 they are they might manage Arthur's Seat or Calton Hill is a much shorter tarmac walk up to admire the view.

If you're coming by car make sure your accommodation has parking (rarer than hen's teeth in the city centre!)

www.theghostbustours.com/edinburgh/

Has anyone done this with kids? I can't decide if it would be too much for my younger DC.