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Original poster

Edinburgh tomorrow!

27 replies

SoRad · 07/08/2023 20:05

Hi,

I obviously live under a rock 🙄… In fact, I don’t but I do live in rural Cumbria l, rarely go to cities and didn’t realise that the Edinburgh fringe is on atm!

I have booked non refundable Day return train tickets for tomorrow.

Me, DH, 13yr old and 9yr old.

We were hoping to do tourist things like camera obscura and a walk up Arthur’s seat.

But now I’m worried that it’s just going to be a massive overcrowded waste of a day?!

OP posts:
NaselHazel · 07/08/2023 20:07

Just go up and down the Royal Mile and go to a couple of mad Fringe shows. It’s packed, but fun. Nothing lasts more than an hour and you might hit a gem. The castle has been there for around 1000 years (well, bits of it), so it can wait for your next visit.

Cheeesus · 07/08/2023 20:09

Going up Arthur’s seat won’t be crowded. Camera obscura might be busy. I’d see a couple of shows, pop into the museum and and walk up Calton Hill I think.

Caughtinlove · 07/08/2023 20:09

It is busy but still enjoyable. Even the weather looks ok for tomorrow. Arthur's seat is a great walk if your kids are up for it - absolutely stunning views.

NaselHazel · 07/08/2023 20:10

Honestly, it’s august. Go to the Fringe. Arthur’s Seat will be like those photos of Everest with 100 people queueing up the mountain to stand on the summit for 2 secs. It’s packed at the mo (even at dawn and dusk). Be prepared to elbow your way to Camera Obscura. The Pleasance (Fringe shows venue) is in a quieter part of town and has great shows and decent food and drink.

Castlecould · 07/08/2023 20:13

Agree with pp. I’m in Edinburgh for the Fringe just now and I would just soak up the atmosphere and performers dotted about through the city and/or try and go to a couple of shows if you can. I wouldn’t even attempt any of the indoors tourist stuff right now but you will be fine if you want to climb Arthur’s Seat. Have a great time!

Original poster
SoRad · 07/08/2023 20:15

Thank you. I was just about to hit book on the camera obscura but I’ll hold off.

We don’t mind taking in the Fringe… we’ve just never been to Edinburgh before soo don’t actually know what to expect!

Do you have to book shows in advance?… Are they all to be paid for?

OP posts:
Coronationstation · 07/08/2023 20:16

It’ll be busy, there’s no way to escape it if you want to go to camera obscura although if you head out of the station onto Waverley bridge then up market street onto the mound and straight on up Mound Place / Ramsey Lane you can avoid the royal mile. It’ll be busiest around the castle and then the section of the royal mile between George IV bridge and north / south bridge is where everyone does street acts and promotes their shows. It gets crazily busy to the point where you can sometimes hardly move so I’d cut round it if you can.

Someoneonlyyouknow · 07/08/2023 20:16

Just go and enjoy the atmosphere. On the Royal Mile here's lots of buskers to watch, excerpts from shows and you might spot a celebrity. You can still walk up Arthur's Seat or Calton Hill. It will be busy but a lot of fun

Timeforabiscuit · 07/08/2023 20:18

We went for the first time on Sunday not realising it was the fringe, it was fab, crowded but not ridiculous.

Just wandered up and down the Royal Mile watching the acts and fancy dress.

We also booked into chocolate making at the chocolatarium which was fantastic.

Everyone was so friendly, such a lovely atmosphere, Edinburgh definitely a top city for me and can't wait to go back.

biscuitdunkerette · 07/08/2023 20:20

Today and tomorrow are 2for1 on lots of shows too. Worth booking in advance on the website.

Pinkitydrinkity · 07/08/2023 20:22

It’s busy but it’s not crazy busy.

Arthur’s Seat takes about 2 hours so I’d skip it and do a museum instead - Dynamic Earth and the National Museum are great for young ones.

It would be easy to spend a day just mooching if you wanted to. You don’t need to book fringe tickets beforehand but it’s worth having a look to scope out a few you want to see because there are so many!

Seryse · 07/08/2023 20:22

As someone who lives there.... I'd rather shit in my hands and clap than leave the house right now 😂 it's awful. So, so many people (ignorant twats who can see you coming with a double buggy containing a 15 month old and 7 week old but still take up the entire breath of the street), it's my literal nightmare right now. Theres loooooads to see and do, and the fringe has some amazing performers, but its very too crowded for me, as I said I took mine out earlier, came home after 20 mins cause I was seriously in danger of losing it and either screaming or throat punching someone for barging into me or the buggy. BUT that's just me, I'm cranky af lately thanks to having a 15 month old and a 7 week old 🙃

Your kids are a bit older so might not be such an issue with the busy peopley part, just make sure they know to stay by you and put your phone number on a bit of paper in their pockets, just incase - it really is super crowded around the fringe bits so better safe than sorry!

Arthur's seat is always awesome, I've walked round it hundreds of times (once tipsy, that was nor a good idea and swiftly turned round again when it became apparent we were being very flopping stupid) but never fails to amaze me. Another good shout (and a free one!) Is the museum on chambers Street. It's massive (literally can't do it all in a full day) with loads of really cool exhibitions the kids might enjoy depending on their interests. Could be a good shout if it's raining, which ... well it rains here all the time lol.

Dynamic Earth is also cool af, really informative, interactive and educational,(but kinda pricey) that's at the bottom of Arthur's seat so close to go for a wee wander.

The Edinburgh dungeons are also fricken cool, I took my 12 and 8 year old niece and nephew there 3 years ago, they still rant about it 4 years later. Interesting wee tour rhag has actors on it to tell yoh about Edinburghs history with the plague etc.

Bring a rain coat, dress in layers cause it goes from rain to boiling in about 0.23 seconds over the last few weeks, but mostly importantly- have a fab day making memories with your wee ones! The train journey up is also pretty nice from your area, lots of scenic views.

Shinytaps · 07/08/2023 20:23

Edinburgh is great at this time of year. Go up and down the royal mile and you'll see loads of the Edinburgh sites and buildings. There are always lots of buskers which is fun. If you start at the top you can go on the castle esplanade.

I'd then head to Bristo Square/George Square for a wander. You could get lunch at one of the many food stalls there.

I would really encourage you to go and see a show as there are so many great ones. You'll get loads of flyers as you wander.

National museum of Scotland is also nearby on Chambers Street if you fancy something a bit different.

Meadows also in the vicinity which is basically a big park.

All of this is within walking distance of the train station.

I'd leave Arthur's seat for another time.

midsomermurderess · 07/08/2023 20:24

The Pleasance is usually packed. Maybe hop on a 23 or 27 at Hanover St, across from the Museums and go down to the Botanics and Inverleith Park, lovely views over the city. Stroll back to town through Stockbridge (although even that's getting busy with tourists now), lots of cafes etc, and up through the New Town. You'll pass the most 'Instagrammable' street in the City on the way, Circus Lane.

Original poster
SoRad · 07/08/2023 20:31

Seryse · 07/08/2023 20:22

As someone who lives there.... I'd rather shit in my hands and clap than leave the house right now 😂 it's awful. So, so many people (ignorant twats who can see you coming with a double buggy containing a 15 month old and 7 week old but still take up the entire breath of the street), it's my literal nightmare right now. Theres loooooads to see and do, and the fringe has some amazing performers, but its very too crowded for me, as I said I took mine out earlier, came home after 20 mins cause I was seriously in danger of losing it and either screaming or throat punching someone for barging into me or the buggy. BUT that's just me, I'm cranky af lately thanks to having a 15 month old and a 7 week old 🙃

Your kids are a bit older so might not be such an issue with the busy peopley part, just make sure they know to stay by you and put your phone number on a bit of paper in their pockets, just incase - it really is super crowded around the fringe bits so better safe than sorry!

Arthur's seat is always awesome, I've walked round it hundreds of times (once tipsy, that was nor a good idea and swiftly turned round again when it became apparent we were being very flopping stupid) but never fails to amaze me. Another good shout (and a free one!) Is the museum on chambers Street. It's massive (literally can't do it all in a full day) with loads of really cool exhibitions the kids might enjoy depending on their interests. Could be a good shout if it's raining, which ... well it rains here all the time lol.

Dynamic Earth is also cool af, really informative, interactive and educational,(but kinda pricey) that's at the bottom of Arthur's seat so close to go for a wee wander.

The Edinburgh dungeons are also fricken cool, I took my 12 and 8 year old niece and nephew there 3 years ago, they still rant about it 4 years later. Interesting wee tour rhag has actors on it to tell yoh about Edinburghs history with the plague etc.

Bring a rain coat, dress in layers cause it goes from rain to boiling in about 0.23 seconds over the last few weeks, but mostly importantly- have a fab day making memories with your wee ones! The train journey up is also pretty nice from your area, lots of scenic views.

Thanks!… You describe how I feel about living in the Lakes 🤣… I’m happy to be a pain in the arse tourist for a change

OP posts:
Perihelion · 07/08/2023 20:31

I wouldn't go to Inverleith park on a day trip to Edinburgh. It's just a park.
If you do feel the need to go up a hill, do Carlton Hill, at the east end of Princes Street.

sadieshavingashindig · 07/08/2023 20:33

I would avoid the Pleasance, the area is rammed. I'd also avoid Camera Obscura and the other biggies like Mary King's, Dynamic Earth etc. Best for indoor though would probably be National Museum, it's free and pretty spacious inside.

Arthur’s Seat will be like those photos of Everest with 100 people queueing up the mountain to stand on the summit for 2 secs. It’s packed at the mo (even at dawn and dusk).

Nope, it's not like that at all and it will be fine but if you've got kids who don't like the trek then it might not b a good idea. If they do, then take a picnic, it's lovely. Or take a walk up Calton Hill. Either way, they both have great views!

Best advice though would be just get off the train, take a wander and there will be loads of free shows you can jump into, loads of kid-friendly ones. The atmosphere is lovely if you haven't experienced it before. And if you find it too busy or claustrophobic, jump on one of the new trams down to Leith. Lots of nice cafes to eat and the Britannia will be good for the kids. Weather looks nice tomorrow too, so have fun! Promise you it won't be a wasted day...

midsomermurderess · 07/08/2023 20:34

Visit the Botanics, cross through Inverleith Park, onto Raeburn Place. What's not to like.

sadieshavingashindig · 07/08/2023 20:35

The Botanics are lovely but the kids might be bored!

Coronationstation · 07/08/2023 20:37

Honestly, don’t take a 13yr old to the botanic gardens, they’ll be bored to death! Go to the Dungeons or national museum or pick up a walking tour, it’s a great city without having to resort to looking at plants.

midsomermurderess · 07/08/2023 20:37

I do think the trams to Leith is a bit of a stretch. A novelty for us locals, for visitors, not so much. The Walk is gentrifying at pace but, despite the fever dreams of one giddy local, it has a way to go before it's the Ramblas. In fact, here's hoping it never is.

Seryse · 07/08/2023 20:37

SoRad · 07/08/2023 20:31

Thanks!… You describe how I feel about living in the Lakes 🤣… I’m happy to be a pain in the arse tourist for a change

Show quote history

We should do a day swap!

The open top tour buses are also a pretty cool experience. There's a few different ones, tell you the city's history etc - I'm a bit of a nerd and throughly enjoyed them, went a few times as its a day ticket so you can jump off and on when you want.

fortnumsfinest · 07/08/2023 20:37

I wouldn't bother with Arthur's Seat, it takes hours. If you do rant to do a walk to see the views Carlton Hill gives great views and takes no time to walk up.
The Royal Mile is busy but you really can't come here in August and not visit.
The museum is amazing, the DC's would love it, it might be quieter tomorrow as it's meant to be a nice day so most folk will be making the most of the outdoor entertainment

VinEtFromage · 07/08/2023 20:37

@SoRad

How can a day in Edinburgh be a waste

I'd just go& enjoy the atmosphere, street food & whatever shows too my fancy.

All the things you planned to do will be there another time!!

Someoneonlyyouknow · 07/08/2023 20:42

The street theatre and buskers are obviously free (although performing for donations). There's also a lot of shows in the Free Festival - you can book tickets for most of the shows and choose what to pay