Look around every corner of Edinburgh and there’s a piece of unique and breathtaking heritage to explore; with every new street a window into stunning gothic, Georgian and medieval architecture or an entrance to world-leading museums. As stunning as these attractions are however, some of the city’s most beautiful, interesting and sometimes shocking heritage is hidden just off the beaten track.
If your idea of a perfect trip is discovering incredible stories and visiting fascinating sites, then our 4-day heritage itinerary is the perfect way to plan your Edinburgh stay. Learn, relax and play all while seeing a city you think you already know in a completely different light.
Thursday
Kick off your long weekend with a trip to one of Edinburgh’s ‘other’ castles, the picturesque 16th century Lauriston Castle – set in acres of stunning grounds located a stone’s throw from the Firth of Forth. Book a guided tour to explore the preserved 20th century interiors and learn more about upper middle-class life in Scotland at the time. The castle is also home to Mimi’s Little Bakehouse, one of Edinburgh’s best loved bakeries and cafes, so grab a picnic and enjoy in the lush surrounds of the castle gardens. No trip would be complete without a visit to the castle’s incredible Japanese Garden (donated by Edinburgh’s twin city Kyoto) which if you’re lucky enough to visit in Spring, is home to one of the city’s largest spring blossom collections.
After a few hours soaking in the sights of Lauriston Castle it’s time for a snack, or something more substantial, at The Pitt in Granton. This purpose-built street food market is home to resident food trucks and guest traders, a bar and a coffee shop in collaboration with top local roasters Williams & Johnson. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, there’s even a wood-fired sauna on-site overlooking the waterfront!
The Pitt is accessible from Lauriston Castle by one of the city’s best 1 hour walks. Heading out from the castle entrance road, turn left onto Barnton Gardens then take the first left onto Lauriston Farm Road. Walk for 10 minutes until you reach a roundabout, then take the first exit onto Silverknowes Road. Head down this leafy road for 15 minutes until it ends at the Firth of Forth, and head down the path below you passing the Boardwalk Beach Club café and turn right to walk along the Cramond Promenade – a beautiful, wide paved path which hugs along the Firth of Forth shoreline. Take in the views of beaches, the iconic restored Granton Gas Holder and the Fife coastline on your 35 minute walk until you arrive at The Pitt ready for a delicious treat. After finishing, catch one of Lothian Buses regular services back into the city centre and refresh before an evening of laughs.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is renown as a melting pot of the world’s best comedy, but did you know you can enjoy a Fringe night out all year round? Every Thursday night Monkey Barrel Comedy, an iconic Fringe venue and winner of Scotland’s Best Comedy Venue, host their Best of the Fringe night. Featuring a new line-up each week of Fringe favourites and up-and-coming talent, it’s a side-splittingly funny night and the perfect way to round off a first day in Edinburgh. Head down at 7pm for their early show or go after dinner at 9pm for the longer late-night show and get the full Fringe experience!
Friday
Edinburgh has been at the cutting edge of medical advancements for over 500 years, and there’s no better place to learn about the history of medicine in the city than visiting Surgeons’ Hall Museums. Learn the story of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (founded in 1505); discover the impact of the pioneering Edinburgh Seven, the first women to study medicine in the UK; and explore Surgeons’ Hall’s extensive surgical pathology museum, one of the world’s largest and most historic collections.
After a morning learning about the city’s historic contributions to global medicine, why not spend the afternoon enjoying another very different historical contribution Edinburgh has given to the world – golf. A short 20 minute walk away from the museum is the historic Meadows and Bruntsfield Links, one of the earliest known locations where the game of golf was supposedly played as far back as 1456. Edinburgh’s ‘links’ parks are the historic home of the game, with the first official rules of golf being written at Leith Links on the north side of the city in 1744. At Bruntsfield Links, you can experience golf in its traditional surroundings on Edinburgh’s only free public course, a 36 hole short pitch-and-putt course set right in the heart of the park. If you’ve got your own clubs and balls, hop on and play straight away. Or head into the historic Golf Tavern and hire equipment behind the bar (it’s also a fantastic spot for a post-round drink).
After a long and active day, take a short stroll to the neighbourhood of Tollcross for dinner. Home to some of the city’s best international cuisine, beautiful bistros and Edinburgh institutions like vegetarian restaurant Hendersons, you’ll be spoilt for choice. To finish the night off in style, head to one of the city’s best traditional pubs, Bennets Bar. The pub retains its beautiful original interior décor from when it opened in 1906, and the walls are lined with pictures and playbills from the next-door King’s Theatre, who’s visitors and actors have been regular clientele over the decades. If you want the truly authentic 1906 experience, try to grab a seat at the small ‘jug bars’ at the front of the pub. These hidden private booths can be found behind their own small doors by the entrance and are a fantastic place to while away the hours chatting with friends and loved ones.
Saturday
Start off your Saturday with a leisurely morning before heading to one of the city’s most unique historic attractions, Barnton Bunker. Hidden among the leafy suburb of Barnton, this fascinating military site was built originally as part of Britain’s air defences in World War II. It then became a vital part of the nation’s Cold War defences, including the designated nuclear bunker for the government in Scotland. The bunker is currently undergoing extensive restorations after years of neglect and damage, so guided tours only happen at 1pm every Saturday with hard hats on and are led by volunteers working to bring the bunker back to its former glory. It’s a unique opportunity to see a hidden part of the city’s recent history in a nearly untouched state.
After your tour, jump on the 43 or 26 bus nearby and head towards two of Edinburgh’s many world-leading art galleries, National Galleries of Scotland: Modern. Comprising two galleries and sculpture parks, these are housed in two of the city’s finest examples of neo-classical Georgian architecture and are set in the lush grounds. Modern One is home to visiting exhibitions from leading current artists, and Modern Two is a collection of artworks which show the development of experimental art since the 19th century, including Edinburgh’s most famous artist, Sir Eduardo Paolozzi. You can see one of the finest examples of his work in the Vulcan sculpture, and visit a meticulous recreation of his studio, the contents of which were donated to the museum by the artist in 1994.
Round off an inspiring day of history and culture by strolling from the galleries into the neighbourhood of Stockbridge via the Water of Leith pathway, passing through the iconic Dean Village. Pop into one of the area’s traditional pubs or cool modern cocktail and wine bars for an aperitif, before heading out for dinner. Stockbridge is one of the best areas to dine out in the city, with some of the city’s finest high-end eateries located down the neighbourhood’s cobble streets. Or if you fancy something more relaxed, Stockbridge has plenty of choices for all tastes including Civerinos, recently named by Time Out magazine as one of the top 19 pizza restaurants in the world.
Sunday
Our final day is all about connecting with nature by visiting the magnificent Pentland Hills, which you will have seen towering over the city during the first few days of your stay. The hills are an enormous regional park featuring multiple peaks and reservoirs dotted with easy to moderate walking routes all ages and abilities can enjoy. There are multiple access points all reachable via bus. If you’re looking for reservoir walks with views of the hills and a variety of nature and bird life, then take the number 44 to Balerno to access the Harlaw Reservoir and the Harlaw Woodland Walk.
For the best variety of terrain, nature and stunning views, our recommendation is the 3.5 hour long Capital View Walk. This route passes through the picturesque village of Swanston and heads up to the Allemuir and Caerketton Hills for majestic views across Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth and surrounding counties. The best way to access the route is by taking the number 4 bus to the Hillend terminus and walking in via the Midlothian Ski Centre. At the start/end of the route is The Steading, perfect for a hearty lunch to fuel up pre-walk or unwind after an invigorating few hours. And for those feeling particularly adventurous, Midlothian Snowsports Centre is home to Scotland’s first Alpine Coaster, a thrilling and unforgettable way to finish your trip to the city.
To wrap up your final day, head back into the city for a relaxing final evening eating and drinking at some of the city’s most exciting new small plate restaurants located near our suggested accommodation.
Accommodation and evening food
Visitors to Edinburgh are spoilt for choices when it comes to well-located, varied and sensational accommodation in the city. For this trip though, we’d recommend heading off the beaten track to some of the city’s boutique hotel options. In Stockbridge, The Raeburn Hotel is set in a 19th century former Georgian home and located next to Reaburn Place, the site of the first ever international rugby match between Scotland and England. It’s also perfectly suited for accessing Stockbridge’s restaurants for your final night, including the Michelin guide listed, Skua.
Next to Bruntsfield Links and its pitch-and-putt golf course is Black Ivy, another small boutique hotel located behind a beloved local bar and eatery which shares the same name. The hotel is also perfectly placed for dinner at neighbourhood wine bar/café Margot, with its menu of small plates and snacks.
Our final option is Malmaison Edinburgh, located at The Shore in Leith, Edinburgh’s historic harbour district. This sophisticated hotel is located right by the dockside and the area’s collection of top restaurants, including 3 Michelin star winners. A few minutes round the corner is Ardfern, a café and bar which serves inventive and delicious small plates.
This project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund
