Celebrate Father’s Day in Edinburgh

This Father’s Day, whether it’s your father, grandfather or father-like-figure that you want to spoil, we’ve compiled some gift suggestions available across Edinburgh that will ensure it’s a day he won’t forget (and keep you in his good books all year round!)

Sports-loving fathers

For the rugby aficionado, a guided tour of Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium is an absolute must. This iconic venue, located just west of the city centre, is the home of Scottish rugby. Tours take place twice daily, Monday to Saturday, lasting 90 minutes. See the locker rooms, get a glimpse of the pitch where fierce battles have been fought and see the Calcutta Cup, the oldest international rugby trophy in the world.

If he prefers a more leisurely sport, why not treat him to a round of golf at the prestigious Prestonfield Golf Club. Nestled amidst breath-taking scenery, this course offers stunning views of Arthur’s Seat and Duddingston Loch. If you’re looking for other top-notch golf courses in Edinburgh, try Bruntsfield Links, Dalmahoy Country Club, Glencorse Golf Club or the stunning 18 hole course at Kings Acre Golf Course.

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Video gaming fathers

If classic arcade games are his thing, NQ64 will be right up his street. With 27 arcade machines, 2 pinball machines, and 5 retro consoles, as well as pizza and cocktails, this bar offers a fun-filled retro vibe.

Or for an equally fun blast from the past, why not treat him to tickets to Game On at the National Museum of Scotland. The largest interactive exhibition of the history and the culture of video games, it opens on 29 June 2024, with tickets on sale now.

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For fathers who love a tipple

If he’s a whisky enthusiast, Edinburgh is packed with fun-filled experiences. With a multi-sensory tour, tasting and the world’s largest collection of Scotch whisky, The Scotch Whisky Experience is an immersive journey that no whisky enthusiast should miss. While at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, choose from one of their whisky experience tours – the Luxury Whisky and Artisanal Chocolate Pairing is the perfect gift. Holyrood Distillery, who produce the city’s only single malt whisky and an award-winning range of gin, offer a range of tasting tours, while if you fancy paying a visit to the world’s tallest distillery, don’t miss Port of Leith Distillery.

On the other hand, if he loves a good beer, Edinburgh has a fantastic range of bars, including Cold Town House, The Hanging Bat, Brew Dog and Moonwake Beer Co.

For dads with refined taste, Edinburgh has some elegant options. Nor’ Loft’s champagne lounge offers a sophisticated atmosphere for carefully crafted cocktails. While Ecco Vino is a haven for wine connoisseurs with an extensive selection of fine wines from around the world.

If gin is his tipple of choice, head to Summerhall Distillery, the home of Pickering’s Gin, and a range of award-winning gin tours. Hop on one of the frequent trams to Leith and Lind & Lime Gin Distillery to see how their classic London Dry Gin is produced, or see how The Secret Garden Distillery craft their gins with 100% natural ingredients.

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For outdoorsy fathers 

If he loves an adrenaline rush, Go Ape Dalkeith is an ideal destination. Situated amidst the stunning Dalkeith Country Park, it offers thrilling treetop adventures that will leave him feeling like Tarzan. From high-flying zip lines to challenging rope bridges, this treetop course is the perfect way to challenge his inner adventurer.

For fathers who appreciate breath-taking landscapes and a good hiking challenge, a trek up Arthur’s Seat is an absolute must. This ancient volcano, nestled within Holyrood Park, offers stunning panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Pack some snacks, lace up your walking shoes, and embark on a memorable hike.

If he has a penchant for maritime adventures, surprise him with a boat trip from neighbouring South Queensferry. Forth Boat Tours offer a variety of cruises including a trip which lands on Inchcolm Island (home to both a 12^th  century abbey and fascinating remnants of WW11 defences). For a bit more adrenaline, both Maid of the Forth and Edinburgh Marine Academy have exhilarating seafari adventures that’ll really put some colour in your cheeks! Don’t forget to look out for the local wildlife, including seals and puffins.

Keen to learn more about the local wildlife that call Edinburgh home? Edinburgh Birding and Nature Tours offer bespoke, individual tours for nature lovers of all kinds, while a trip to the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick has a changing programme of exhibitions and events exploring the wildlife of the Scottish coastline.

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For foody fathers

Celebrate Father’s Day in Edinburgh with a delightful foodie experience that will make his taste buds sing.

For breakfast with a difference, Edinburgh Zoo’s F(e)ather’s Day Breakfast includes breakfast, craft activities, animal antics show and entry into the zoo for the rest of the day. For a unique twist on afternoon tea, check out Brewhemia. Their Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea combines a beer flight with a selection of pastries, pies and sweet treats.

Indulge his sweet tooth at The Fudge House – from the traditional favourites like vanilla and chocolate, as well as adventurous options like rocky road and maple walnut. Or learn about chocolate, make your very own bar and enjoy a tasting session at The Chocolatarium.

For a range of dining experiences under one roof, head to St James Quarter. Here you’ll find fresh Scottish seafood from Creel Caught, all-day brunch, dinner and cocktails at Duck and Waffle, burgers galore at Gordon Ramsay Street Burger, and many more tasty options.

The Old Town is home to eateries such as Luckenbooths, Whiski Rooms and Cannonball Restaurant & Bar. At Bruntsfield and Morningside take your pick from places like Hendersons, McLarens on the Corner and Leftfield. Make your way to Leith where you find restaurants, bars and cafes for all tastes and budgets, including FacePlant, Pizza Geeks and The Ship on the Shore.

Or for amazing food and drink, demonstrations and entertainment all in one scenic location, The Great British Food Festival will be live at Dalkeith Country Park from 15 to 16 June 2024.

For more foodie suggestions, have a look at food in drink in Edinburgh.

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For movie goers

If he enjoys movies, The Scotsman Picturehouse is the place to go. With its comfortable seating and stylish interiors, it offers a VIP experience for film enthusiasts. Alternatively, choose from a range of movies, including blockbusters and independent films at The Cameo Picturehouse. The cinema has 2 accessible screens for those with mobility issues and is family-friendly, ensuring everyone can enjoy the day together.

For an outdoor cinematic experience, enjoy three days of cinematic classics and family blockbusters at Square Cinema. Screenings on Father’s Day (16 June 2024) include Wonka and Four Weddings and a Funeral.

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