With two precious bank holidays, May is the perfect time to explore the sounds, tastes and delights of Edinburgh.
Whether you’re visiting with family, catching a festival, craving fresh sea air, or raising a dram to Whisky Month, here are some ideas to spend the May bank holidays in Edinburgh.
Family-friendly fun
If it’s fun for all the family you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place, as Edinburgh is packed with fun days out for all ages.
With interactive galleries, hands-on workshops and astronomer-led live shows, Dynamic Earth tells the epic story of planet earth and is perfect for curious minds. Afterwards, head outside for a picnic or gentle walk in neighbouring Holyrood Park. The park’s Ranger’s also run year-round activities (several of which are free) that reveal all about its fascinating history.
Animal lovers won’t want to miss a visit to Edinburgh Zoo. Home to over 2,500 incredible animals from around the world, it’s a great way to get up and close to your favourite creatures. Lothian Buses routes 12, 26 and 31 run regularly from the city centre to the main zoo entrance.
And if the weather should turn, it needn’t dampen the spirits, as there’s still fun to be had indoors. The National Museum of Scotland has six galleries to explore, including hands-on galleries where wee hands can learn about everything from animals to astronauts. You can quite easily spend a morning or afternoon here. Or for mind-boggling fun with 100 interactive illusion exhibits, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is great for all ages. Located at the top of the Royal Mile, it’s also ideally placed for a stroll through the Old Town afterwards.
For more ideas on how to keep the family entertained, see our family-friendly Edinburgh guide.
Fabulous festivals
While Edinburgh is renowned for its summer festivals, May also has a varied programme of festivals. Celebrating traditional music from Scotland and across the world, Edinburgh Tradfest features an exciting programme of live music, workshops, film and traditional storytelling. Events take place across the city. While in Portobello, the family-friendly community event, Porty Festival celebrates all that’s great about Edinburgh’s seaside town.
Even if you’re not into running, the 2-day Edinburgh Marathon Festival is worth catching, as thousands of runners compete and raise money for charities in what is Scotland’s biggest running festival.
Theatre, comedy and culture
May is a sweet spot for culture lovers, with venues across the city offering top shows before the busyness of the summer months.
Each just a short walk from the city centre, both Edinburgh Playhouse and Festival Theatre bring the magic of musicals, ballet, comedy and drama to the city. While the Usher Hall is one of the world’s great concert venues, hosting everything from classical music, to rock, pop and dance.
If you’re looking for a laugh, small comedy clubs such as The Comedy Attic, Monkey Barrel Comedy and The Stand Comedy Club are great options for a night-out. You might even see the next big thing!
Also look out for extended hours or special talks at museums or galleries across the city – perfect if you want culture without rushing.
A day at the coast
Want to blow away the cobwebs and feel the salty sea breeze? How about a day at the coast. A short train (and walk) or bus ride away, South Queensferry offers coastal walks, seafood lunches and stunning views of the iconic Forth Bridges. While if the sun’s out, a day trip to North Berwick feels like a mini holiday. Beach walks, boat trips, ice cream and fish and chips make this a bank holiday favourite.
Closer to home, and home to the afore-mentioned Porty Festival, is Portobello. Walk the prom, dip into cafes and gift shops and enjoy Edinburgh’s seaside without leaving the city.
Enjoy a dram during Whisky Month
May is Whisky Month, a whole 31 days dedicated to Scotland’s national drink.
Many of the city’s bars and distilleries host special tastings, whisky flights and events. Look out for guided tastings focusing on the five Scotch whisky producing regions or lesser-known distilleries. Find out more in where to enjoy whisky month in Edinburgh.
Looking for more ideas? Head to our What’s On page for details of events, exhibitions, tours, shows, workshops and more coming to Edinburgh in May and beyond.
This project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund
