Edinburgh

[Realist2022]

Going to Edinburgh a week Sunday with my DF and my DS (9) for four nights. For long dull reasons we booked separately - had we booked together I'd have sorted an Airbnb but we are booked into a hotel which means we have lots of food we need to find.

Firstly, have looked at old posts and have the following on the list along with an already booked Aladdin. My DF is not massively mobile - can walk but slower than he thinks.
Walking tour
⁃ Arthur’s Seat/Calton Hill
⁃ Edinburgh Dungeons
⁃ Hop on, Hop off bus
⁃ Castle
⁃ Camera obscura
⁃ Mary king close
⁃ HP walking tour
⁃ Dynamic earth
⁃ Royal yacht Britannia
⁃ Museum of Scotland

Is there anything we're missing?

Secondly, we will be arriving mid afternoon in Sunday, is there anywhere central that you would suggest for a Sunday roast in the evening or should we just go for pizza?

Not massively mobile - in what way do you mean? Some of what you’ve listed such as Arthur’s Seat and Mary King’s close could be a real issue if someone isn’t mobile.

He has an ongoing problem with his foot. He wears a brace on it and it means he can walk slower than he used to and with breaks. However, he's not the steadiest on his feet. There may be things he simply can't do - Arthur's Seat being one of them. Although suspect the 9 yr old would whinge their way to the top making that a less than enjoyable experience anyway ....!

Arthur's Seat is quite a climb but Holyrood park is level and has a lake reputedly with otters. Botanic Gardens a nice green space with cafes and views. Waters of Leith a nice walk. The Zoo perhaps.

Holyrood Palace and Scottish Parliament building.

Edinburgh with reduced mobility will be tough. It may just be that he’s slow but the chances are that on some level discomfort is involved. Take all of the walking related stuff off there.
The bus tour is a good call. Any of the museums are doable as you can do it with breaks.
Gladstone‘s House and John Knox House and the Scottish Storytelling centre (they often have things on) maybe interesting and the Museum of Childhood which is just across the street. Especially for DF.

LIZS · Today 08:37
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Holyrood Palace and Scottish Parliament building
Second this. Wandered in on a rainy day not expecting much. Interesting and a really nice building. Nice cafe for lunch.

Thank you, that's helpful. We're not going for another week when I don't think Scotland are ok half term still(?) so may hold off booking. We don't have to do the same things as well - DS will be v upset if we don't do a Harry Potter walking tour but suspect DF would be happy to give that one a miss ....

We go back to school tomorrow.

Scottish National Portrait Gallery.

I'm not sure I'd bother with the HOHO bus unless you particularly want to listen to the commentary. The route round the city centre is pretty small and if you want to go to the further away places such as the Royal Yacht Britannia you're best to use the local buses or tram.
I would hesitate about taking a 9yr old to the dungeons unless they're not easily disturbed by such things!
Calton Hill is a much easier walk than Arthur's Seat but still gives you great views.
Which area are you staying in?

Thanks all, that's really helpful. We're staying centrally, just behind Waverley station. 9 yr old thinks he'll be fine in the dungeons but it'll be me who is sharing a room with him if not!

Highly suspect @emmaevans26 of advertising given that no one in the right mind would ever recommend exploring Edinburgh by car!!

Museum of Childhood - High St
The People's Story - High St
National museum of Scotland - chambers St

All free to enter, perfect for a 9 year old and enjoyable for adults.

Forget the walking tours if he's not very mobile - Edinburgh is very hilly and tiring even if you are fit.

The HOHO bus is actually pretty good.

Trams are cheap and a nice way to travel.

Just on one way home and did everything on my list and some of the other things suggested by others. I managed to damage my ankle on Monday night somehow so actually it has been me on strong painkillers and having the most difficulty walking but have pushed on through.

Had a brilliant time, thanks for all the suggestions!