Looking for winter thrills by day and city centre comforts by night? Edinburgh is the destination for you.
Winter in Edinburgh is often seen as a time to slow down. A time to meander magical ancient streets and festive markets, then ‘coorie in’ by a fire in cosy pub. But if you’re someone who’s looking for a little more speed and excitement, did you know Edinburgh is a leading destination for a whole host of winter sports?
From traditional Scottish curling through to skiing (yes you read that right!), Edinburgh’s unique combination of outstanding winter activities and major metropolitan city makes it a perfect spot for those looking to tick both holidays off their winter to-do-list. Not to mention some of Edinburgh’s biggest and best sporting highlights fall during the winter months, so even if you’re just looking to sit back and watch there is something for you too.
Read on to discover our Winter Sports highlights and get your skates on to book your next stay in Edinburgh…
Midlothian Snow Sports Centre
Also known as ‘Hillend’, Midlothian Sports Centre is a winter sports lovers paradise, allowing alpine fun without the travel times. Perched on the Pentland Hills just outside of the city, the centre’s artificial slope – the UK’s biggest – is one of Edinburgh’s most unique landmarks, glistening high about the city and inviting intrepid winter sports fans of all abilities to carve the hillside.
Featuring two main slopes, two nursery slopes for beginners and a ‘fun slope’ with jumps and pitches of varying difficulty, it is a unique playground for those taking their first turns through to elite athletes. Best of all, the centre has full equipment hire available on site and included in entry price – so no need to find space in your luggage for your board or skis.
Lessons are available for beginners, with open slope sessions available throughout the week (excluding limited windows reserved for lessons). Plus there is an on-site café for those watching to stay warm inside.
If you’re on the lookout for thrills without getting ski boots on, Hillend is also home to a large outdoor tubing area, a thrilling activity where riders sit in inflatable doughnuts and slide down the artificial slopes. But perhaps most thrilling of all is the centre’s brand new Alpine Coaster, the first in the country and an exhilarating ride of up to nearly 30mph while overlooking Edinburgh’s historic skyline and the Firth of Forth – a truly one of a kind experience!
Ice Skating
Edinburgh is blessed with not one, but two fantastic ice skating rinks over the winter months. Murrayfield Ice Rink, located just behind Murrayfield Stadium and right next to the tram stop of the same name, is Edinburgh’s purpose built ice rink. Housed in a beautiful 1930’s Art Deco building, the rink is open throughout the winter months for keen skaters, with lessons for those taking their first steps on the ice. It is also home to Edinburgh’s Ice Hockey team, the Edinburgh Capitals, who play their home games in the 3800 seater venue throughout the winter months. Catching a match on a Saturday makes for a fantastic alternative night out, as fans can hop on the ice for a free hour of skating with the players after the matches finish!
If you’re looking for magical city centre skating, then plan a trip to Edinburgh’s world-famous Christmas markets and the George Street ice rink, open from November through to early January and set in the heart of the city’s festive celebrations. Lessons are available for those new to the ice, plus toddler skating sessions and relaxed sessions (with low lights and music) are available on designated days. Wrap up your trip by warming up at one of the outdoor and indoor bars which line George Street during the festive season.
Curling
No winter sports trip to Scotland would be complete without trying your hand at curling. At Curl Edinburgh beginners can try their hand at curling on the same rink where Team GB Winter Olympians train. Individuals and small groups can book throughout the Curling season (October to May), but sessions are incredibly popular and book up quickly, so plan in advance! If you’re part of a group, Curl Edinburgh also run private Group experiences hosted by qualified coaches who can teach you the basics and get you playing. Whatever choice you make, all specialist equipment is provided on site.
If you’re looking for a more accessible way to curl, Roxy Lanes in the city centre have two ‘Ice-Free’ curling rinks, where players can slide shots all year round, followed by bowling and arcade games galore.
Other sports at their best in winter
While away from the snow and ice, plenty of Edinburgh’s sporting offerings are at their best during winter months. Rugby fever takes over the city every winter, culminating in December’s 1872 Cup, rugby’s oldest derby match fought between Edinburgh and Glasgow at Murrayfield Stadium, and the Six Nations tournament. A crown jewel in Edinburgh’s sporting calendar, winter weekends are transformed into vibrant festivals of competition and colour as tens of thousands of rugby fans descend on Edinburgh for this historic tournament.
Winter golf gives players the chance to play Edinburgh and the surrounding area’s world-class golf courses, with big discounts and under stunning Scottish winter skies. The Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society, Braid Hills Golf Course and nearby Royal Musselburgh Golf Club are just a few of the plethora of courses of varying style and challenge available to golfers of all levels. And Edinburgh’s short winter days allow for easily accessible sunrise and sunset walks and hikes with the city skyline as a perfect backdrop.
So if you’re looking to ski, slide, skate or just soak in sporting atmosphere, Edinburgh is the perfect destination for winter sports fun in a city setting.
This project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund
