Family weekend in Edinburgh - hints & reccs??

[Fabian]

We're off to Edinburgh for my mum's 70th this April - 5 adults, 4 under 5's and 1 passeneger (I'll be 6 months along by then). Any advice at all welcome .... where to stay, what to do (or not to do), where to eat?????

We love Edinburgh zoo. Not having a zoo near to us, the kids love it when we go to Edinburgh. As for places to stay, no reccs as we haven't stayed anywher that good up to now...

The zoo is good; so is the castle (although probably not if the weather is bad). Both will appeal to all ages I think.

For lunch there is a nice place called "The Elephant House" - very chilled atmosphere; does sarnies, soups etc and I think it may have a link to JK Rowling if I remember rightly.

I must admit, when we've stayed in Edinburgh evening meals have tended to be f the "Pizza Express" variety, so can't really help you there.

we really liked the zoo too. and we're not fans of zoos, but that one was nice and the animals looked well cared for.

we stayed at the holyrood aparthotel last Feb half term

Great for families

dynamic earth is good fun, its near holyrood. Sea life in North Queenseferry just over bridge towards perth

Hi
We stayed at the Edinburgh Residence last April..check out the review on Baby goes 2 online. Really easy..not that posh and no pool but fairly central. The Musuem is great..plenty to see for all ages..kids will love it!..I promise. Browns and Est Est Est on George street good for families. there a pool in Leith which has flumes etc for the kids. Check online for easter hols events perhaps at Botantic Gardens for children or the castle.

The botanical Gardens are good for a run around, and have lots of sqirrels to chace and a v nice cafe.

The museum of modern art can also be good fun (quick visit only) and is also set in nice grounds and another nice cafe

Zoo is fab and is higly respected world wide for its breeding programme of endangered species

Princes st gardens has a nice wee park up at the top end, and my kids love to stand on the bridges over the railway tracks and wave at the trains!