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Original poster

Best things to see and do in Edinburgh

64 replies

Monr0e · 08/05/2018 14:37

We are going to Edinburgh in May, myself, DH, DS age 11 and DD age 8. My dad is also joining us and we are looking for things to do for the 4 days we will be there.

I have been pricing up different things and a lot of the organised activities e.g. Dynamic Earth, Mary King's Close all cost around £60 for the 5 of us so looking for ideas that may not be so pricey!

We are happy to just mooch around also and take in the sights if anyone can recommend some nice walks or areas that would be interesting. Thank you.

OP posts:
AgentProvocateur · 08/05/2018 19:51

Also, check out itison.com for deals on meals and attractions. www.itison.com/Edinburgh

pepperpop · 08/05/2018 19:56

Camera obscura is good, kids would love it Smile

NoTractorsAtTheTable · 08/05/2018 19:57

Lots of good advice, would add to check the backs of your bus tickets! They often have money off local attractions - like the Dungeons etc.

You can't go too far wrong by just going for a wander. It's a beautiful place, and it's my favourite time of year with the blossoms coming out, in the Meadows in particular.

ArchchancellorsHat · 08/05/2018 20:22

There's loads of Harry Potter stuff if you want souvenirs and also lots of walking tours or ghost tours if you fancy. Everyone else has suggested the things I was going to say.

And if you want to go to ticketed things there's a pass you can buy. I've had similar for other cities and they're good.

horseymum · 08/05/2018 20:32

Crammond beach, Portobello beach. Over the forth to aberdour etc. Out to Falkirk for the helix park and kelpies and Falkirk wheel. Stirling castle. The zoo. Skiing at Hillend. Horse riding along the beach at sea cliff stables.liads to do with/ without spending money, indoors and outdoors! Don't limit yourself to the city itself, so many things within easy reach. Have fun!

user1471459936 · 08/05/2018 21:06

Anyone mentioned the Dominion Cinema or the Commonwealth swimming pool?

ChickenVindaloo2 · 08/05/2018 21:27

George Heriot's School, near Greyfriars Bobby & Greyfriars Cemetery was the inspiration for Hogwarts and is where JK's children (and my good self, many years prior) went to school.

DO go to Mary King's Close - book in advance though as it fills up. It's so well done, honestly.

Edinburgh Dungeons round the back of Waverley Station is good for kids. Like a pp said, often vouchers on the back of bus tickets.

Look at the posh shops on George St if you're into that sort of thing. Try Opal Lounge/Tigerlily there for cocktails. Or the Dome.

Good thing about Edinburgh is that it's small, most things are close to each other.

OhPuddleducks · 08/05/2018 21:36

JK Rowling got some character names from the graveyard at Greyfriars - have a look around and see if you can find them (free activity). Also has anyone mentioned the castle? I’m from Edinburgh but haven’t lived there in nearly 20 years - we took our kids this year and they loved it and I’d forgotten how good it is. Great views too.

A meander down Stockbridge (which is on a few bus routes but is also only about 20 mins on foot from the west end) on the weekend - there’s a lovely food market and loads of great charity shops. From there you can walk along the water of leith to dean village and the modern art gallery (free and also has a lovely cafe with lots of produce grown on site).

Tangofandango · 08/05/2018 21:37

Mary King's Close is well worth it, and if (bit of a long shot) your name is King and you have ID you'll get in free.

SenecaFalls · 08/05/2018 21:41

Anyone mentioned the Dominion Cinema

Love the Dominion. Happy memories from student days.

Florabelle · 08/05/2018 21:43

Try The Pitt Streetfood Market if there Saturday or Sunday www.thepitt.co.uk/

Whisky2014 · 08/05/2018 21:45

I would go to tiger Lilly for lunch. Wedgewood for dinner. Sherston to stay in.
I actually like the castle! You could go up scots monument. Take a walk up arthurs seat

dementedma · 08/05/2018 21:50

Camera Obscura is over priced and will be rammed unless you get there early!
there used to be a fudge making place on Royal Mile which my kids loved to watch.
Agree that Stirling Castle is better - jump the train to Stirling and you can do the Wallace Monument while you are there.

Take raincoats.

SunnyL · 08/05/2018 21:54

We took our Historic Scotland membership- it's £6 a month for family membership and unlimited castles which includes Edinburgh Castle. You can also do this with English Heritage and get free or reduced entry tickets in Scotland.

Original poster
Monr0e · 08/05/2018 22:31

Amazing advice, thank you Smile

No idea how we'll pack it all in but we'll give it a fair go

OP posts:
Sevendown · 08/05/2018 22:43

Camera obscura
Childhood museum
Parliament
I like Stockbridge for the charity shops and cafes.
Ocean terminal for snazzy shops and the old royal yacht.
West port for book shops.
The cafe where JK wrote HP
The pubs along rose street.

ChickenVindaloo2 · 08/05/2018 22:55

The Royal Yacht STINKS!!!! Take a change of clothes. And strong soap to wash with after. Marvel at the teeny tiny single beds the Queen and Philip slept in. (Separate rooms!) Even the honeymoon suite (where Di and Charles had same) is teeny and chinzy. Vile!

KingLooieCatz · 09/05/2018 10:28

Hard to believe there is a single thing that hasn't been mentioned, but on Saturdays there is a farmers' market in the Grassmarket. There is usually a range of interesting street food, crafty gifts and clothes and bric-a-brac. No doubt you will be passing through the Grassmarket at some point anyway, but if you can coincide with the farmers' market you get extra points.

AgentProvocateur · 09/05/2018 21:26

@chickenvindaloo2, what does it stink of? (Just nosey)

ChickenVindaloo2 · 09/05/2018 21:35

It just smells really strongly of damp. Fishy, wet, sea-salty old, rotting, damp.

I had to go straight home, shower and wash my clothes as the stench just clung to me.

IggyAce · 09/05/2018 21:54

We spent a day in Edinburgh during October half term, we went to the Museum of Scotland, it was fab so much to see and it was free.
We also had brunch in the Elephant Cafe which is worth a visit if your a potter fan. We visited grey friars Bobby and walked upto the castle.

dementedma · 11/05/2018 07:54

if you go to say hello to Greyfriars Bobby do NOT rub his nose. It is getting really damaged and signs asking people not to do it keep being removed.....it doesn't bring you luck, it just damages a lovely wee statue.

thank you. as you were.

Turquoisetamborine · 11/05/2018 11:55

Go to Civerino’s for pizza when you are there. Amazing massive pizzas and sugo. Delicious!

Frosty66612 · 11/05/2018 12:04

@chickenvindaloo I also went to George Heriots school. JK Rowling’s daughter was about 5 years below me at the time.

Check out Mimi’s Bakehouse on the Royal Mile for the best cakes and ice creams. Think it’s next door (or a few doors up) from The Museum of Childhood

bunce · 11/05/2018 12:15

On the Royal Mile you will see Ghost tours advertised, i don't believe in Ghosts but we went on a few of them and they were hugely entertaining ! Especially after a few drinks they run all day until about 11 at night.