Days Out in Edinburgh

A mecca for tourists in the summer months, and during world famous events such as the Festival, Fringe, and Tattoo, quieter spring is a great time to visit this vibrant city, where Georgian splendour mixes with Scottish traditional style. The quaint medieval Old Town will win you over with its quaint pubs and bars, narrow, winding streets and centuries-old buildings. Then there's the New Town where you'll find a buzzing atmosphere, plenty of shopping opportunities, beautiful Georgian townhouses and fantastic museums.

From the Royal Mile to the city's awe-inspiring castle, Edinburgh is also a green city, with 112 parks and more trees per head of population than any other city in the UK. Categorised a UNESCO World Heritage site, Edinburgh is often judged among the world’s most spectacular cities. And don’t forget, all this is situated right on top of an ancient (and luckily extinct) volcano!

The Edinburgh Ghost Bus Tours

Edinburgh has many intriguing spirits, but for once we're not talking about Scotch! So where better to start in this famously haunted city than a ghost tour with a twist? Edinburgh’s chilling and charming Necrobus has been thrilling visitors for over a decade on its daily haunted tours of the best of the city’s grisly landmarks. All Ghost Bus tour guides are comprised entirely of classically-trained actors, immersing you in the grisly history and ghoulish antics of this ancient city.

Boarding from Waverley Bridge, sit back as your charismatic conductor whisks you through Edinburgh's most brutal bits of history on an ex-funeral bus! Learn about murders, witch hunts, torture and hauntings in famous sights like Edinburgh Castle, The New Town, Grassmarket, Greyfriar’s Kirk, The Old Town, Holyrood Palace and the Royal Mile. If you need to settle your own restless spirits after this fun and uplifting experience, they’ll even recommend the best bars for a medicinal dram!

The Edinburgh Dungeon

It's not all haggis and heather, there's a darker side to Scotland, and you can step right through it at the Edinburgh Dungeon. The perfect antidote to shortbread and bagpipe buskers, the Edinburgh Dungeon is a 70-minute, interactive walk-through experience using a professional cast of live actors, theatrical sets, spectacular special effects and thrilling rides to bring 1000 years of Edinburgh and Scottish history to life, minus the boring bits!

Uncover Edinburgh's gruesome past with 11 shows, state of the art special effects and two amazing underground rides in a 360-degree experience. Get inside the Witch Pricker’s interrogation chamber, dodge the cannibalistic Bean Family and step into the shoes of a medieval plague cleaner. Words fall short of this atmospheric experience; with a cast of talented actors bringing the past to life, you'll laugh out loud, then look over your shoulder and shiver…

HMY Britannia

The Queen’s beloved former private yacht for over 44 years, you can now explore the one of the most famous ships in the world. Now firmly moored, and heralded as one of Scotland’s most popular tourist destinations, The Royal Yacht Britannia carried the Royal Family millions of miles in style, hosting glittering state visits, official receptions, Royal honeymoons and relaxing family holidays.

Starting in the Royal Yacht Museum Visitor Centre, learn the history of Royal Yachts through exhibits, photos and models. Then grab an audio guide and walk the gangplank to explore the five decks of Britannia herself. Stroll through the sun lounge, imagine yourself joining the Royals for a cuppa in the Royal deck tea room, and see behind the scenes in the engine room. You can also peek into the State Apartments, arranged as if guests like Nelson Mandela and Winston Churchill have just stepped out, and see the gleaming Rolls-Royce Phantom V which used to transport the Royals shoreside. The epitome of luxury, it’s a chance to step into a world of seafaring style, with no chance of getting seasick!

Edinburgh Boat Charters

If all this has made you long to up anchor, raise the gangplank, and make for a life (or at least an afternoon) on the ocean wave, then head for Edinburgh Boat Charters, based at nearby Port Edgar marina. Owned and ‘skippered’ by a passionate, experienced local sailor, dedicated to providing you with a fantastic day out, previous sailing experience is not necessary to enjoy a memorable day in a scenic and historic setting.

Choose from a wide range of tours and experiences, from a gentle sail around the bridges and inner islands through longer passages to the outer islands and more distant harbours. There’s trips to fit experienced sailors seeking new adventure, couples looking for a romantic sail under Edinburgh’s bridges, visitors new to Scotland, or friends & family simply looking for a great day out. There’s the opportunity to take the helm and ‘learn the ropes’, under your skipper’s expert tuition, or simply sit back and enjoy the ride.