Edinburgh Airport serves a large portion of visitors to Scotland, the majority of whom head to Edinburgh city centre, a 30 minute drive away. Hiring a car allows you to experience everything on offer as and when you wish.
Enjoy the annual Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and the Edinburgh International Book Festival, which generally run between the end of July and early September each year.
Sightseeing in Edinburgh
Take an after-dark tour of the city for a chance to discover its historic past. One tour in particular will show you around Mary King’s Close which was sealed during an outbreak of the plague during the 17th Century.
Visit the mighty Edinburgh Castle towering over the city. A mile east you will see Arthur’s Seat, the main peak of a group of highland hills in the centre of the city, 823ft high and providing panoramic views of the city, it’s well-worth the effort.
Scotland and the beach are somewhat of an oxymoron but it doesn't have to be! Head to Portobello Beach for a bucket and spade day complete with a sandy beach and promenade offering ice creams, candyfloss, and old fashioned amusement arcades.
Edinburgh Zoo is one of the main attractions in Edinburgh displaying over 1,000 animals from 171 species. The zoo is also currently one of the only places in UK that houses koalas and pandas.
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is also a popular destination for visitors. The gardens are a world renowned scientific centre for the study of plants, their diversity, and conservation.
Take a tour of the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre in the Old Town. Enjoy the tastings on offer or attend a whisky masterclass. Alternatively pay a visit to HMY Britannia, the former Royal Yacht of the British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, in service from 1954 to 1997.
Day Trips From Edinburgh
Glasgow is located to the east of Edinburgh about an hour’s drive in your rental car. Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and filled with attractions; from museums and art galleries to a wide range of bars and restaurants.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park are only a short drive away. Great for nature lovers and those wishing to explore the Scottish wilderness, a trip is a must. There are plenty of hiking trails, cycling trails, and nearby golf courses on offer.
Golfers will delight in the excellent fairways just a stone's throw from Edinburgh city. A number of golf courses such as Duddingston Golf Club (an 18-hole show-stealer), Prestonfield Golf Club and even Braids Hill Golf Course are all within an easy drive of the city. A little further afield, St Andrews also houses plenty more courses for you to tackle.
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