2edinburgh

a blog about visiting Edinburgh – things to do around the city

Edinburgh Castle

Take a walk in Holyrood Park and climb Salisbury Crags or Arthur's Seat for views of Edinburgh Castle.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh for a world class plant collection, great views of Edinburgh and all year round interest.

Royal Yacht Britannia

The Royal Yacht Britannia is moored at Ocean Terminal Leith - discover what life was like on board The Queen’s floating royal residence.

The unique combination of Edinburgh's historic Old Town with the planned Georgian New Town is how Edinburgh gained UNESCO World Heritage status. Explore the architecture around Edinburgh's City Centre.

Pubs in Edinburgh you might like to Visit

Sandy McNaughton Edinburgh, Short Breaks 27 January 202527 January 2025Food & Drink, Pubs, ScotlandHour 0 Comment

Pubs in Edinburgh. When you’re on holiday, visiting our local pubs might be on the agenda, whether as a means of grabbing a quick refreshment on the way to do something else, or as a destination for an evening with friends or to listen to music.

Top 5 Things to do on a Trip to Edinburgh

Sandy McNaughton Edinburgh, Short Breaks 27 January 202527 January 2025Arthur's Seat, Camera Obscura, Edinburgh Castle, Royal Yacht Britannia 0 Comment

If you want to know what the top 5 things to do on a trip to Edinburgh are, no need to look at Trip Advisor just ask the locals. Here are our top 5 things to do on a city break to Edinburgh. Read more

Walking the Forth Road Bridge to North Queensferry

Sandy McNaughton Short Breaks, Walking 16 October 202416 October 2024Forth Bridge, Forth Road Bridge, North Queensferry, Queensferry Crossing, South Queensferry 0 Comment

I’ve wondered if many visitors to Edinburgh would be interested in walking the Forth Road Bridge, and thought that maybe giving some idea of what to expect might entice you to attempt this walk. Read more

Edinburgh Old Town and Arthur’s Seat

Sandy McNaughton Edinburgh, Short Breaks, Travel, Walking 23 September 202423 September 2024 0 Comment

If you are looking for a walk through the historic Edinburgh Old Town including a panoramic view of the city then read on. This walk will take you to a lot of Edinburgh’s favourite historical sites. I will give you a guided tour along the way with lots of photos of things to look out for.

A Day Trip from Edinburgh to Stirling Castle

Sandy McNaughton Days Out, Edinburgh 23 November 202423 November 2024

A Day Trip to Stirling Castle from Edinburgh

A day trip from Edinburgh to Stirling Castle offers a fascinating journey through Scotland’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable views. The drive is just about an hour long, but the experience feels timeless, as you leave the bustling city and head into the heart of the country.

The Pentland Hills

Sandy McNaughton Days Out, Edinburgh, Scotland, Walking 15 August 202415 August 2024

The Pentland Hills are located on the south side of Edinburgh. A short drive from the city and you can find yourself in a different world. There are lots of paths suitable for walkers, mountain bikers, and fell runners. The scenery is not unlike what you might find on a trip to the highlands of Scotland.

For fans of Diana Gabaldon's series of Outlander books, now a major TV Series on Starz Network, we've selected some ideas from the books to help you with a self-guided exploration of central Scotland's film locations.

Outlander – A Trip to the Battlefield Site

Sandy McNaughton Edinburgh, History, Outlander Trail, Reading, Walking 2 April 20242 April 2024East Lothian, Outlander, Outlander Adventures 1 Comment

Dragonfly in Amber – The Battle of Prestonpans

It was fun investigating around the Royal Mile in Edinburgh using Diana Gabaldon’s Voyager as a guide (see Outlander Exploring on the Royal Mile). So for the next adventure I’ve gone exploring out to East Lothian, down the coast to the east of Edinburgh to find out more about The Battle of Prestonpans, which features in Dragonfly in Amber, the second book in the Outlander series. Read more

A Day Trip to Culross

Susan and Sandy McNaughton Days Out, Edinburgh, Outlander Trail 23 June 20232 April 2024

A day trip to Culross from Edinburgh is a great choice if you’re looking to explore a charming historic village in Scotland. Culross is located on the northern shore of the Firth of Forth, approximately 30 miles (48 kilometers) northwest of Edinburgh. Culross is also the fictional village of Cranesmuir in the hit Starzs TV series Outlander.

Here are some walks taking you to places of interest around the city. Some are easy taking only a few hours. Others more challenging. I hope you enjoy exploring Edinburgh on foot.

The Water of Leith Walkway, Balerno to Murrayfield

Susan and Sandy McNaughton Edinburgh, Walking, Walking Edinburgh 27 January 202527 January 2025

Nestled within the boundaries of Edinburgh lies a hidden gem, the Water of Leith Walkway, offers a tranquil escape from the bustle of the city. Stretching over 12 miles, this scenic route follows the meandering course of the Water of Leith, leading from the charming suburb of Balerno to the picturesque district of Murrayfield and onward to the shore at the port of Leith. Embarking on this journey is not merely a walk; it’s an immersive experience through nature’s embrace and historical landscapes.