Edinburgh tips

From wildlife, stargazing, historic castles to magic, there are plenty of great ideas for days out in Scotland to keep kids of all ages entertained this half term. Also, with accommodation to suit all budgets, why not make a week of it? Wrap up warm, but bring sunglasses, and remember to refer to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code when out and about. Outdoor fun

A new high-speed rail service hopes to link the UK cities of Edinburgh and London by the end of 2024.

As midnight approaches, dark groups huddle on the freezing slope of one of the seven hills overlooking the soft yellow lights of the city of Edinburgh.

Johnnie Walker Princes Street has been crowned the World’s Leading Spirit Experience by the World Travel Awards (WTA), further cementing Scotland’s reputation as one of the world’s best food and drink tourism destinations. The global flagship visitor experience for the world’s number one-selling Scotch whisky*, which opened its doors in September 2021, has quickly established itself as one of Scotland’s leading attractions for international and local visitors. It was created as part of Diageo’s £185million investment in Scotch whisky experiences, that was designed to put Scotch and Scotland at the pinnacle of global food and drink tourism.

‘Leith is changing. Bars are becoming bistros, and barbers are opening with bars in them,” says walking guide Paul Stewart, founder of Edinburgh Street Tours. He points to the new tram station atop Leith Walk and says, “It feels more tram-spotting than Trainspotting,” a reference to the drug-addled 90s black comedy written by Leith-born Irvine Welsh. Stewart is not complaining as he used to survive on the streets of this old port where, in the 1980s, half the unemployed had been jobless for over a year. It was no accident that Leithers the Proclaimers used Leith as the video backdrop for their damning riposte to Thatcherite Scotland, Letter from America.

During August, all rules and social conventions are put to one side when Edinburgh hosts the world’s biggest arts festival.

With everything from rolling hills, valleys and craggy mountain passes to sodden heath, windswept moor and sparkling lakes, Great Britain sure packs a lot in. At Rough Guides, we usually advise against trying to see everything a location has to offer in one trip. Not this time.

From historic bars pouring the finest whiskies to gastropubs serving up gourmet burgers, when it comes to Edinburgh nightlife, there's has a drinking den to satisfy every craving. There are some world-class establishments in the city – but also plenty of duds. Follow our guide (and steer clear of the Grassmarket) for the best night out the Scottish capital has to offer.

With extra long days and scenery that reveals itself in a palette of soft blues, greens and browns, summer is the best time to explore the spectacular Scottish Highlands. Driving along the Highland's winding lanes will reveal unexpected views, quaint villages and of course, country pubs.

From city breaks to romantic countryside escapes, options for weekend breaks in the UK abound. Whether you're looking to get active, overindulge or just chill out, we've got you covered. Here's our pick of the best weekend breaks in the UK. Need more inspiration? We've also rounded up 20 of the most memorable places to stay in the UK.

This bespoke travel itinerary was curated in partnership with Xbox One X and is part of Visit Xbox 2019. Put your self in the game and visit some of the incredible destinations that inspired the open world to Forza 4. Book this trip

Edinburgh is a stunning city at any time of year. Whether you’re blown away by the view over the city from Arthur’s Seat, or simply enjoying the gorgeous architecture in the Old Town, there’s something to please everyone here. But it’s during the festivals that Edinburgh really comes into its own, and those iconic attractions are brought to life with creativity, buzz and brilliant entertainment. Here are 13 essential sights in the city, and how best to enjoy them during Edinburgh's many festivities.

Billy Connolly famously said that «there are two seasons in Scotland: June and winter». Yet anyone who loves walking in this hauntingly beautiful country knows that even the weather can't spoil the bleak majesty of its ancient landscape. It's the rain, wind, sleet, snow, sun and constantly changing light bursting from vast, shifting northern skies that make walking in Scotland so magical. And you don't have to bag a single munro to reap its rewards either...

Are you wondering what are the best things to do in Scotland you need to include in your trip? Read on to make sure you don't miss out on these big ones, taken straight from our travel guide.

Intrigued by the idea of a UK city break with an outdoorsy twist? Look no further. We’ve collated our favourite city-based activities. You’ll see the sights while enjoying the great outdoors, and see the UK’s best-loved cities in a whole new way. Between walking London’s canals, paintballing in the Eccles Forest or cycling the Taff Trail, we’re sure you’ll find your next outdoor adventure in a British city here.

While images of far-flung landscapes and tropical sunset spots may stir the soul, the same can be said of unique photography that captures the streets that surround us. And the great thing is, armed with a smartphone, a smart eye, and smart intel about where to go and what to shoot, anyone can bag stunning shots of the UK's top 20 most photogenic streets.

You may already be a connoisseur of British culture, but we’re here to show you a different side to this deliciously diverse country. If you’ve already marvelled at Big Ben and seen Stonehenge, now’s the time to discover what else Britain has to offer, beyond her world-famous landmarks. From wonderfully bizarre traditions to inspiring up-and-coming art scenes, prepare to discover Britain’s lesser-known, but equally cool, icons.

When one thinks of British cuisine, the first thing that often comes to mind is fish and chips or a traditional afternoon tea. But the UK has so much more to offer beyond its classic dishes. From VR wine tasting to innovative foraging workshops, Britain is full of unique culinary surprises that are just waiting to be discovered. So come and explore with us, as we take you on a journey through the diverse and dynamic world of British food and drink, and show you a side of Britain that you may not have expected.

Whether you plan on exploring Edinburgh Castle, scaling Arthur’s Seat or hunkering down in an old pub with a wee dram of whisky, this is a city where you’ll want to stay a while. Luckily, Edinburgh has more places to stay than anywhere else in the UK aside from London, with something for every budget. Here's our pick of where to stay in Edinburgh.

City breaks can be hard to plan. You want it all – art, culture, quirky hotels, top restaurants – but also the chance to relax. Fortunately, there are enough cities in Europe where you can find it all. These city breaks in Europe don’t skimp on urban culture, and have nature on their doorstep for when you need a breath of fresh air.

With a huge rise in local travel, UK breaks are ever popular right now. There are plenty of thriving city breaks to be had, from exploring the fascinating museums in Liverpool to heading to the sea in Portsmouth. Read our guide to the best cheap city breaks in the UK, and get inspired to escape the everyday. Start planning your affordable UK city break.