Edinburgh before Christmas

[11pluscurious]

I may have a week to kill with a 10 year old 16 -20 December and wondered about going to Edinburgh.

He loves science stuff and I think there is a big science museum- is it any good? But he will definitely like pottering about and Christmas Markets and looking historic monuments etc.

Any ideas of places to stay, things to do etc? This will be a special treat.

Dynamic Earth is excellent, as is Camera Obscura & World of Illusions. A 10yo would also enjoy The Chocolatarium. Glasgow is about 50mins away by train and there’s an amazing science centre there too.

I think you're thinking of Our Dynamic Earth, I've never been but I hear it's good.
Other suggestions:
Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street is good, and free,
Camera Obscura near the Castle,
If he's brave enough, the Edinburgh Dungeon,
Edinburgh Zoo,
Wander along George Street to see the decorations, especially at The Dome.
Also, take a look at edwinterfest.com/edinburgh-christmas for info on activities and events in Edinburgh around Christmas. Be aware that the Christmas market is VERY busy at the weekend, inc. Friday afternoons.

Thanks very much - we could maybe go to Glasgow to break the journey up so I’ll look at the science centre. Thanks for answering 😊

I second Dynamic Earth - go back in time on a lift and travel through zones including 3D cinema show and film at end via iceberg, human brain in container etc. It’s beside Holyrood House, the King’s home in Scotland. (nice cake in their cafe, even if you don’t fancy a tour). It’s also beside the hideous Scottish Parliament building.

The museum of Scotland is also worth a look especially if the weather is bad. Huge and loads to do and see ranging from racing car and science hall to dinosaur and stuffed animals! It’s close to Greyfriars Bobby the little loyal dog immortalised in statue. The Greyfriars churchyard beside it has many tombstones with names that are in the Harry Potter books - JKR is an Edinburgh resident. Vittorias on the bridges is a good Italian just along from there for lunch/ dinner/ gelato.

Princes St ( main thoroughfare with shops one side and Princes st gardens the other) and George St behind it (George street has the nicest shops) will be Christmassy with carousel, ice rink etc and it’s nice to walk and see the lights at night. You will find usual chain restaurants there and in shopping centre below.

The new shopping centre - St James Quarter round corner at far end princes street ( can’t miss it - aim for twisty gold thing on roof) has a good Lego shop. John Lewis cafe on top floor there has fantastic views over Edinburgh. Edinburgh is very compact. Easy to walk from new town (Princes st and downhill from there all regency type like Bath) up towards castle and the old town/Royal Mile.

I wouldn’t know where to recommend for accommodation centrally but if you’re priced out of that or there’s no availability, there are numerous b and bs and small hotels along main bus routes in Corstorphine area( near zoo) or the Southside Newington area. The buses are plentiful, safe and used widely by residents of all kinds. Personally I’d opt for Southside and walk or bus in.

Have a wonderful time. Wish my kids were young again and I’d join you!!

Plenty going on but it will be busy so prebook what you want to do.

Thanks so much @EvelynBeatrice and @LIZS I appreciate it.

I would skip the Christmas Market tbh - it’s always too rammed for pottering! Theres loads of other things to do though like PPs have said.

If you want to go to the Christmas market go to the section in George Street where last year the ice rink was. Less busy and less tat for sale. The Botanic Garden has a light trail.

Just avoid the Christmas markets at weekend, it’s hellish, particularly for a child!
there’s loads to do with kids that age in Edinburgh, and Glasgow is an easy day trip by train if you want to visit the science centre and the riverside museum might appeal too.

The Botanics and the Zoo will have christmas light trails which are nice.

There should be some kid-friendly shows on at the theatres. I know Joseph is on at the Playhouse.

Knoops in George St nice for a fancy hot chocolate. Waterstones cafe on Princes St - great views of the city at christmas, lovely to mooch in.

The light trail at the Botanics is good, there are stops along it where you can get hot choc/toast marshmallows (& get a mulled wine for you).

if you’re ok with heights climbing to the top of the Scott monument on princes st was only a couple of ££ - views are really good at Xmas over the markets & rides.

Wrap up and have a walk round the meadows, stop at uplands roast for hot choc & for a slice of pizza at Civerinos

The national museum is free & very good, especially the science /tech section for kids with lots of interactive bits.

Worth looking for a deal at one of the bigger hotels with pool, then if weather is a bit crappy can have a swim / play about.

The Hotel with pool is a good idea but I’d think you are looking at the five star jobs - Caledonian or Balmoral or maybe Sheraton if you want to stay centrally? Might be an Apex with pool - Grassmarket? Other less expensive hotels with pools will be further out near airport etc.

If you get a hotel/ band b on the south side, then there’s always the huge Commonwealth public pool with Arthur’s Seat access behind it if the weather improves.

Also agree avoid the Christmas market,it's so packed you can barely see whats available and prices are a rip off.

You haven't mentioned how you're travelling but you mention breaking the journey up at Glasgow so I wonder if you're driving?? If you are then be aware that very few city centre hotels have parking and those that do it tends to be a slightly reduced deal with a local public car park.