BH trip to Edinburgh!

[lockdownwithwhoresdrawers]

Ideas needed for an upcoming trip to Edinburgh on the BH weekend.
We are driving up early doors on the Friday morning from Cambridge (so roughly 6-7 hours max). Almost 6yo and autistic 3yo with us, and have our car (also have a blue badge). We are staying at the Hilton in Fountainbridge so probably need some parking advice around there.
Hoping to head back on the Monday but could do with a stop off en route.

Any ideas of fun stuff to do whilst we are up there, we are hoping to get a local babysitter for one night so we can go out for dinner too! We have been to Edinburgh many times but looking for quirky or different things.

If you have a blue badge you can park on single yellows in Edinburgh when loading is allowed. I work round in that area where you are staying and if you have a badge. You won't struggle. I know as I have one and drive into work and park 5 days a week. Especially at the moment where honestly the city centre is dead quiet for traffic compared to what it used to be.

@kangamum

If you have a blue badge you can park on single yellows in Edinburgh when loading is allowed. I work round in that area where you are staying and if you have a badge. You won't struggle. I know as I have one and drive into work and park 5 days a week. Especially at the moment where honestly the city centre is dead quiet for traffic compared to what it used to be.

Thank you Kanga, we really need the car nearby if possible.

Blue badge parking in edinburgh will be a problem. Esp in fountainbridge. Fountainbridge is also home to thousands of students so be prepared as they will all be starting to move in in the next month for the start of the academic year. If possible I would look at cancelling and booking a hotel further out on the tram route.

And as for a local babysitter. Do not so this. You have no idea what checks if any have been done.

Another vote for Jupiter Artland. Dynamic Earth?

Fort Douglas at Dalkeith Country Park just outside Edinburgh is an excellent adventure playground. You have to book tickets though. The park is nice for a wander too.
The Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street is free and interesting for everyone.
Outside Edinburgh, Almond Valley Heritage Centre in Livingston is a farm park and museum with really good play areas, ideal for kids the age of yours.

Wherever you go you will have to book, don't leave it to chance on the day or you'll miss out.

Something to note, you can't leave your car at the Ingliston park and ride near the airport overnight. It's not allowed due to the proximity to Edinburgh Airport to prevent everyone parking there to go on holiday.

I'm another one suggesting that if you're only here for the weekend that there is plenty in Edinburgh to do. Especially if you've had a 6-7 hour journey on the Friday. Maybe Portobello beach at a push if it's sunny.

I'm heading in to Edinburgh tomorrow (Saturday) and I wouldn't attempt to take the car and drive round or park in the centre at the weekend. I would find a place to park your car nearby then leave it there.

Camera obscura is great fun, we loved it there.
A run around the botanics. Or a wander up Arthurs Seat?
Dynanic Earth was always my daughters' favourites when we lived there. We had yearly passes.

Fort Douglas at Dalkeith Country park is great and perfect for the age of your kids. You could go on the Monday when heading out to go home.

If the festival is on then find a street artist and enjoy. You can usually sit on the steps of the national museum and watch a few.

Have fun.

I recommend the show Bromance for children, breathtaking and the area it was in was fun for kids. Then you could walk to the meadows play in the park and have a picnic. There is a little supermarket there and you could pick up bits. The festival is child friendly.

Have you asked the hotel about parking? Presumably they can advise. Word case you park on a residential street in Dalry or gorgie just off the main rod and jump on a bus. You can't leave your car at the airport park and ride.

Atm the open top bus tickets are able to be used between different busses and are 24hr hop on hop off so that's a good option to get about and see the sights.

Thank you for all these, we will definitely book ahead - we are going to keep an eye on the weather and if it is looking grim we will just cancel but hoping we can go still!

The website says they have hotel parking for £14 and also nearby parking if full… i also have an autistic dd and need a car nearby.. it would be a nightmare to park at a park and ride and bus it… especially after such a long car journey and suitcases. Like pp has said you can park on single yellows with your disabled badge too.

My kids love the open bus tours and the national museum, camera obscure is good but my dd was scared by one bit.