haggis tours edinburgh

Haggis Adventures

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Haggis Adventures - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

Haggis Adventures

• See all photos

Stirling Castle,Trossachs National and Loch Lomond Day Tour from Edinburgh

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Loch Ness, Glen Coe & The Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Haggis Adventures - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

Haggis Adventures

• See all photos

Stirling Castle,Trossachs National and Loch Lomond Day Tour from Edinburgh

3-Day Budget Backpacker Isle of Skye and the Highlands Tour from Edinburgh

Loch Ness, Glen Coe & The Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

HAGGIS ADVENTURES (Edinburgh) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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Backpacking in Europe , Backpacking in Scotland , Backpacking in the United Kingdom , Reviews

Scotland tours from edinburgh: an honest haggis adventures review.

I’ve lived in England for most of my life yet haven’t travelled much in the UK.  However, after my trip to Ireland last year, I couldn’t wait to visit Scotland!   I was invited by Haggis Adventures to join them on one of their Highland Fling 5-day tours around Scotland and was excited to see everything on the itinerary.  Here’s my full and honest Haggis Adventures review, including highlights of our Highland Fling tour and what to expect on a Haggis Adventures tour.

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I received a complimentary tour from Haggis Adventures, but as usual all opinions are my own and this is my honest Haggis Adventures review.

About Haggis Adventures

Haggis is the sister company of Shamrocker Adventures , who I travelled around Ireland with in September.  Radical Travel is the parent company, who also own BusAbout.  They run various tours around Scotland of varying lengths, from single day tours to 10-day explorer trips.  The tours are a good combination of budget backpacking tours, mixed with culture, food and drink and incredible Scottish scenery. 

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When is the Best Time to Visit Scotland

Although you can take Haggis Adventures tours throughout the year, I’d say that spring and autumn are the best times to travel around Scotland.  The weather in winter can be very cold and wet, and although that could still happen throughout the year, Spring and Autumn have a mixture of sun and rain, without the crowds that flock here over the summer. 

There are some parts of the Highland Fling itinerary which are only included from late May to Autumn, for example, the Harry Potter Jacobite steam train, so check the dates for that if you want to include that option.

How Haggis Adventures Tours Work

The standard Haggis Adventures tours are aimed at budget or mid-range travellers who want the convenience of having transport included, with a guide and the chance to travel with other like-minded people.  The accommodation is in hostels, usually in dorm rooms of 4 to 12 people, but you can book private rooms for a supplement if you prefer. 

Although I am a solo traveller and love my own space, the shared dorm rooms gave us more chance to get to know each other, even if a good night’s sleep isn’t always guaranteed.  A snooze on the bus is a welcome break if you need it!

All transport on the yellow Haggis Adventures buses is included, as was the ferry crossing to the Isle of Skye.  Some activities such as tree planting and a visit to Culodden National Trust site are included in the package price, whereas other optional activities are payable on top. 

The Loch Ness boat trip, Jacobite Steam train, Ceilidh dance and whisky distillery visit were extra costs, but I loved them all so I’d recommend joining in what you can to get the full Scottish experience!

Our guide was also our bus driver.  Michael did a fabulous job driving us all over Scotland, sharing interesting facts, myths, legends and a varied playlist of music to keep us entertained. 

I was thrilled on the first day when he turned up in a kilt, and although he didn’t wear it every day it was a nice surprise when he had it on again for our final day.  He was calm, fun, friendly and looked after us all very well.

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What was the Tour Group Like?

As with any group tours, you can’t control who you travel with, and the group you get can make or break the tour.  We had a full bus of around 30 people and actually had a great group. 

Although there were smaller sub-groups which formed over the week, and people travelling together didn’t mix as much as other solo travellers, there was a great vibe and we all made friends quickly.  I was on the older end of the age range at 36, I would say that most travellers were in their mid-20s, although we ranged from 18 to 40+. 

I enjoyed the variety, so you could party if you wanted to or just chill out.  I knew I didn’t want a heavy party tour, so this suited me down to the ground.

Haggis Adventures Backpacking Scotland Tour Highlights

We covered a lot of ground on our 5-day Highland Fling tour, crossing Scotland from Edinburgh to the west coast and back again.  I won’t list the full itinerary here as there is too much to mention, but you can check out all the details of the tour on the Haggis Adventures website here .

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Glencoe was absolutely stunning.  We didn’t get to spend too long here which was a shame, although if it was raining I’m sure a quick stop is adequate!  We had the chance to take a short walk to admire the gorgeous scenery and stretch our legs before hopping back on the bus.

A Scottish Ceilidh

The Ceilidh Dance was an unexpected highlight of our first day.  We were led to the venue by a handsome bagpiper, and walking through the streets we certainly got a lot of attention!  At first, I wasn’t sure I wanted to take part in the dancing, but after seeing how much fun everyone had on the first dance, I soon joined in. 

Forget any embarrassment and get involved!  Just wear comfy shoes and light clothes – you will get sweaty as you fling each other around the dance floor. 

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Distillery Tour and Whisky Tasting

Scotland wouldn’t be Scotland without whisky!  Although I’m not a fan of the drink myself, visiting a Scottish Whisky Distillery was interesting, and we got to taste the whisky at the end as well.  (I donated mine to someone else!)

The Jacobite Steam Train (aka The Hogwarts Express)

A trip on The Jacobite Steam Train across the Glenfinnan Viaduct is only included in the itinerary during the summer, so if you want to do this make sure you plan your trip accordingly.  The train is most famous for being featured in the Harry Potter films as part of the journey of the Hogwarts Express, and the journey is quite spectacular – especially when crossing the viaduct.

The Isle of Skye

Hiking to the Old Man of Storr was probably my favourite activity on the whole trip.  We were very lucky with the weather on Skye and had glorious sunshine to hike to the top of this incredible viewpoint.  The hike was quite steep but definitely worth the effort!  We spent nearly 2 full days on Skye and also visited a waterfall, a castle and a brewery among other places.

You can’t visit Scotland and not go to Loch Ness .  We stayed in Fort Augustus on the Loch for 2 nights and could take an optional boat tour on the Loch which I highly recommend.  We took the boat tour with Cruise Loch Ness and the guide Shaun pointed out interesting things around the Loch, and we also spotted a couple of deer on the bank. 

The most interesting (and entertaining) part of the tour was the talk given by Shaun about Nessie and the various attempts to find the Loch Ness Monster.  If I wasn’t a believer before, I am now!  You might even be able to snap a photo of Nessie herself if you’re lucky.

Planting Trees

This may seem like an odd highlight, but I really enjoyed this part of the tour.  Haggis Adventures partner with Trees for Life UK to help repopulate an area now known as Haggis Wood.  We planted two trees among the others that previous Haggis tour groups planted, doing a small bit for the environment. 

Trees for Life is a wonderful project, and you can volunteer there to plant trees for a week yourself.  To me, it highlighted that Haggis Adventures really do care about Scotland and the environment and are making a contribution to help.

Culodden probably isn’t somewhere I would have visited by myself but learning about a period in Scottish history I knew nothing about was actually very interesting.  It was sobering to visit the battlefield, which is essentially a mass grave, where thousands of Highlanders were killed in a brutal battle which ended the Jacobite uprising and destroyed the Highland Clan way of life. 

The weather was fitting for the sombre day; grey clouds hung low in the sky and the drizzle fell as we walked around the field. 

Extra Stops Along the Way

There were some fab stops along the way which I wouldn’t have been able to do if I was travelling on my own by public transport.  We visited some hairy coos and could buy some vegetables to feed them, or just snap a few pics.  We also visited the Kelpies, Portree, Kilt Rock on Skye, Eilean Donan Castle and Dunkeld, among others.

What I Loved about Haggis Adventures

What I loved about the Haggis Adventures tours was the varied itinerary, local guides and schedule to help you get the most of a short time in Scotland.  As with any group tour, there are pros and cons with relinquishing control of your itinerary to someone else. 

In this case, I loved the extra stops which were included, things which I wouldn’t have made the effort to visit – or indeed couldn’t have visited at all with public transport.

I also really enjoyed the variety of activities on the tour, it was well thought out and there really was something for everyone.  Hiking, nature, history, cute villages, Scottish dancing, drinking and jaw-dropping scenery really showed us the best of Scotland in a very short time.  If you didn’t want to do anything, you didn’t have to, but the range of activities meant most of us did everything we could! 

Anything I didn’t like?

Checking 30 people into a hostel at the same time isn’t the easiest task, and in the first hostel, there was only one person on the reception who checked us in one at a time as we had to leave a deposit for the room key.  This took longer than it should have done – there must be an easier way, like collecting deposits beforehand or handing out keys in groups. 

The next hostel was quicker, and the final hostel had 2 people working, although the process took a while as most people paid for the option breakfast and dinner as we checked in. 

The hostels were decent, but generally didn’t have enough toilet facilities or showers, especially when we were all aiming to leave around the same time.  However, the overall quality was pretty good, and I slept well each night.  My favourite hostel was Morag’s Lodge in Fort Augustus, we stayed there for two nights so had time to settle in and do the pub quiz there too which was great fun!

Again, it’s hard to balance the right amount of time in each place, there were places I would have happily spent more time like Glencoe and the beautiful Isle of Skye, but that was also due to the gorgeous weather. 

With Scotland’s weather being so unpredictable I guess you have to hedge your bets a bit with where to spend your time – hiking Glencoe in the rain would not have been that tempting!

Would I Recommend Haggis Adventures?

100% YES!  After my Shamrocker Irish Adventures tour, I had no concerns about taking a tour with Haggis Adventures, but the trip really did exceed my expectations. 

That might have been partly due to fabulous weather, our great guide Michael, the lovely bunch of people on the tour and all of the amazing things we saw – all together they made me fall head over heels in deep Scottish love with Scotland!  My only regret was not spending longer here. 

I would love to explore more of Scotland when I can, but the 5-day Highland Fling tour gave me a wonderful taster to really whet my appetite.  Scotland, I’ll be back!

Have you taken a Haggis Adventures backpacking tour of Scotland?  I’d love to hear your review as well, please let me know in the comments below.

Want More Travel Tips for Edinburgh & Scotland?

• 2 Day Edinburgh Itinerary
• Free Things to do in Edinburgh
• An Edinburgh Food Tour
• Hunting for Harry Potter in Edinburgh
• 7 Day Scotland Itinerary
• Things to do in Loch Ness Scotland
• Backpacking Scotland Tours from Edinburgh
• Wailing Widow Falls in Scotland

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Hi! I'm Claire Sturzaker, a 30-something foodie traveller who loves to enjoy the best of a destination without breaking the bank. I'm here to help you and all women backpackers to plan their best budget travel adventure. I am an avid supporter of female solo travel, and took my first solo trip 20 years ago! I love to write about travel, hostels, backpacking and van life.

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Haggis Adventures

• See all photos

Stirling Castle,Trossachs National and Loch Lomond Day Tour from Edinburgh

3-Day Budget Backpacker Isle of Skye and the Highlands Tour from Edinburgh

Loch Ness, Glen Coe & The Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh

Outlander Filming Locations Day Tour from Edinburgh

5-Day Isle of Skye, Inverness and Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

HAGGIS ADVENTURES (Edinburgh) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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• Fully Guided
• Christmas & New Year

Places You’ll See

• Stunningly beautiful Isle of Skye
• Rugged landscape of Glencoe
• Mysterious Loch Ness
• View Glenfinnan Viaduct, popular to all Harry Potter movie fans
• Introduction
• ISLE OF SKYE
• Day 1 EDINBURGH TO PORTREE
• Day 3 ISLE OF SKYE TO EDINBURGH

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What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Accommodation details are subject to availability and may change

Customer Photos

Operated by Haggis Adventures

Back in 1993 a dynamic team of Scots established a travel company that broke the mould - fully guided trips that allowed intrepid travellers to discover Scotland’s best bits, with legendary, local guides leading the way. We believe that a country's culture, history, myths and legends can only truly come to life through a local. We have always stuck stubbornly to our mission – to make every trip we run the best yet and have never cancelled a single trip. As fellow travellers, we are passionate about giving you an authentic experience. We want to impart infinite local knowledge, with personal tales of the land we love so much. We’ll show you the best of Scotland’s wild side, and help you find yours too. The stories of your life are here in Scotland. We cannae wait to show ye!

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation policy.

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 4.7
• Itinerary Excellent 4.8
• Guide Excellent 4.9
• Transport Excellent 4.8
• Accommodation Excellent 4.4
• Food Excellent 4.2
• Tour Operator Haggis Adventures 4.7
• Most Recent
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• Lowest First
• LM Linda · 26th August 2023 I was absolutely discouraged with the accommodations, The brochure did not say initially we would sleep in a hostel. Then I was told we would . Not willingly I agreed. When we got to the hostel the people did not understand English. The room was 8' x... Show more Trip date: August 2023
• JL Janet · 21st August 2023 guide was great. really enjoyed the beautiful scenery and oppotunities for photos. hostel was average but good location. when booking didn't realise that could do different accommidatiion although i did get asked if i was okay with hostel. generally... Show more Trip date: August 2023
• TB Terri · 18th August 2023 Karis was a very good guide and a very skillful driver, I was very disappointed in the accommodation provided by Haggis Tours. I only realised that it is a budget tour company and expected to stay in a dormitory but I did not expect to stay in a hostel... Show more Trip date: August 2023

• SC Samantha · 2nd July 2023 We had a fantastic three-day tour of the Highlands and Skye. Our guide, Dusty, was great. He organised everything perfectly and his commentary throughout the tour was lively and informative. He really took care of us! The tour itself is an excellent way... Show more Trip date: June 2023

• DA Dianna · 3rd June 2023 Mark, our driver was excellent. He had all kinds of tales to give us. But I will never book with touradar again. My husband and I were with 4 others in a hostel. The tour didn’t pay for the entrance to the castle, which I paid for at the location. I... Show more Trip date: May 2023

• MW Minjia · 8th March 2023 A nice tour guy, know everything about Scotland, talk a lot of about history, made fun for us. Trip date: March 2023

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024
• January 2025
• February 2025
• August 2025
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• February 2026
• Saturday 8 Jun, 2024 Monday 10 Jun, 2024 English Almost Sold Out €399 Confirm Dates
• Monday 10 Jun, 2024 Wednesday 12 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out €399 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Wednesday 12 Jun, 2024 Friday 14 Jun, 2024 English Almost Sold Out €399 Confirm Dates
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• Monday 17 Jun, 2024 Wednesday 19 Jun, 2024 English Almost Sold Out €399 Confirm Dates
• Wednesday 19 Jun, 2024 Friday 21 Jun, 2024 English Almost Sold Out €399 Confirm Dates
• Saturday 22 Jun, 2024 Monday 24 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out €399 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Monday 24 Jun, 2024 Wednesday 26 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out €399 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• 1 Other Unavailable Departure
• Wednesday 26 Jun, 2024 Friday 28 Jun, 2024 English Filling Fast €399 Confirm Dates
• Saturday 29 Jun, 2024 Monday 1 Jul, 2024 English Sold Out €399 See Similar Tours For These Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

It is advisable to book the Jacobite train ahead of time as it is very popular and can sell out.

The tour usually returns at about 8:30 pm.

Yes, there are optional activities available which can be added to your booking.

Yes, you will still enjoy the Isle of Skye for two nights even if you do not take the steam train.

Upgrades to private rooms are not available as only shared dorm accommodation is offered.

Breakfast is not included in the accommodation, but dietary options can be found in Portree.

Check-in starts at 7:45 am at Edinburgh Bus Station, Gate J, Stance 15/16.

You can take a medium sized suitcase up to 15kg per person. Additional luggage can be stored at Edinburgh bus station for a fee.

Yes, you can bring hand luggage on board as long as it fits overhead on the coach.

Detailed itineraries are not provided, but an overview of the tour stops and highlights can be shared upon request.

Got a question about this tour?

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Good to Know

• Currency £ Pound Sterling England and Scotland

As a traveller from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for type G.

• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 25th July 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 25th July 2024, a minimum payment of €75 is required to confirm your booking with Haggis Adventures. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 50 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Haggis Adventures will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Haggis Adventures" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
• TourRadar is an authorised Agent of Haggis Adventures. Please familiarise yourself with the Haggis Adventures payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Day Tours from Edinburgh

Here are a selection of our day tours departing Edinburgh. Is there somewhere more specific you’d like to visit? Get in touch and we can create a bespoke itinerary for you!

St Andrews & Fife

It’s called ‘the Kingdom of Fife’ for a reason- we’ll take you on a tour of our favourite spots in this bonnie region.

Journey through the famous Glencoe valley, arguably one of the most scenic areas in Scotland.

Explore Outlander filming locations with a real-life Jamie Fraser accent doppelganger.

Scottish Borders

Explore the bonnie south of Scotland where some of Scotland’s most interesting history can be discovered.

Discover Stirling Castle, the Scott Monument, and some of our favourite hidden gems in this area.

Bespoke tour

Know where you want to go, or have an idea of what you’d like to see? We can put together a bespoke itinerary that will knock your socks off.

Tips & Articles

If you’re looking for Scotland travel inspiration, be sure to check out our blog.

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About Kiwi & Haggis Tours

Kiwi and Haggis Tours is a family-owned and operated business by Yvette and Craig Webster offering private driving tours in Scotland.

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The 21 best things to do in Edinburgh

E dinburgh has become synonymous with the annual Fringe Festival, which sees thousands of attendees flock to the city every August. But there are plenty of other amazing sights and attractions that pull in visitors all year round. From whisky tastings, to exploring Japanese gardens and 300-year-old underground passages, this is how you can get to know the Scottish capital.

Read on for all our expert tips, plus here's what you can do for  free in the Scottish capital . We can also help you plan a  weekend in Edinburgh , alongside our dedicated guides covering the best  hotels ,  restaurants ,  bars & pubs ,  nightlife  and  independent shops . 

Find things to do by area

• Out of town

Immerse yourself in the world's biggest arts festival

More than 60 years ago the International Festival’s founders set out to bring art, culture, colour and prosperity to a gritty and grey post-war Edinburgh. Now there are seven festivals in August, including the Fringe, Book and Comedy Festivals. Every year Edinburghers fall in love with it all over again as Auld Reekie becomes, quite literally, the city that never sleeps. 

Insider's tip:  It’s worth planning well ahead as hotels and restaurants book up early and headline shows sell out, but if you haven’t, don’t despair; there’s somehow always a room, tent or even a sofa somewhere, and always another free show.

Contact:   eif.co.uk  

Price:  £-£££

Visit the city's goriest museum

You’ll need a strong stomach and a morbid sense of humour to enjoy the fascinating Surgeons' Hall Museums. There are life-sized tableaux, tools of the surgical and dental trade that will make your toes curl (there’s probably a device for that), gruesome photographs, and pickled and preserved body parts. The unnervingly extensive collections include pathology and histories of surgery and dentistry.

Insider's tip: One of the more disturbing objects on display is a notebook bound in the skin of William Burke – one of the well-known Edinburgh bodysnatchers. It's possibly not the most family-friendly destination, unless your last name is Addams.

Contact:   museum.rcsed.ac.uk

Price:  £

Take your taste buds for a stroll around town

An Eat, Walk Edinburgh tour will provide you with an excellent gourmet introduction to the city. You’ll try 'starter-sized' taster dishes and samples of whisky, wine and beer along the way, but don't expect all the food to be Scottish – this is about all the variety Edinburgh has to offer.

Insider's tip: Plan this activity for day one, as you finish the tour with lots of useful information and a discount card for participating bars and restaurants. You'll also benefit from a lovely glow from the exercise (and the nips of malt whisky along the way).

Contact:  eatwalkedinburgh.co.uk

Explore the Queen's Scottish home

A tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse – Queen Elizabeth II's official gaff in Scotland –  will show you more tapestries, portraits, and plasterwork than you can shake a sceptre at. You'll also be able to see Mary, Queen of Scots' chambers, where her courtier Rizzio was stabbed 56 times and then thrown down the stairs by her jealous husband. There are free audio tours, a gift shop and a smart courtyard café.

Insider's tip: In summer, take a guided tour of the hauntingly beautiful ruins of the nearby abbey, but keep in mind that the star attraction is the Queen’s Gallery with its fabulous exhibitions of the best art from the Royal Collections.

Contact:  royalcollection.org.uk

Price:  ££

See Scotland’s Stone of Destiny

Edinburgh Castle, the city’s most famous landmark, broods over Edinburgh – an elephantine presence on its dramatic volcanic rock. Home to the oldest crown jewels in Britain, Mons Meg and the Stone of Destiny, not to mention the  military tattoo, it’s more than a monument – it’s part of the city’s every day life. In fact, locals have been setting their watches by the one o’clock gun since 1861.

Insider's tip: There are complimentary guided tours to help you make sense of it all, or you can pay for an audio guide. Give the crowds a miss by purchasing tickets and downloading audio guides in advance online and visiting early in the day.

Contact:  edinburghcastle.gov.uk

Book tickets

Take part in a literary-themed pub crawl

As the first Unesco City of Literature, Edinburgh has a long – and sometimes dishonourable – literary history. It's cleverly brought to life on the Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour by two professional actors who focus on writers from the past. Tours start at 7.30pm in the Grassmarket and tickets can be bought online, at the meeting point, or from the Visit Scotland Information Centre in the Waverley Mall.

Insider's tip: The tour makes stops in several pubs where you can have a drink while you enjoy the guides' performance, or if you’re more of a misanthrope there’s a self-guided tour app on the website (but it’s more fun with the live guides).

Contact:   edinburghliterarypubtour.co.uk

Take a whisky masterclass

You may not be sure about the plastic barrel ride at the start, but there are worse ways to learn how whisky is made. The tour leaders at The Scotch Whisky Experience are brilliant and the Gold Tour upgrade is a revelation. Aficionados should opt for the Morning Masterclass, and gourmands should consider the Taste of Scotland Whisky and Food Tour, which includes a three-course meal in the Amber Restaurant.

Insider's tip: After the tour, visit the bar to find 300 whiskies and great views. It also offers Scotland’s other national drink – Irn-Bru – for teetotallers. If you have a cold, ask for a restorative hot toddy.

Contact:  scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk

Go ghost hunting

You can’t throw a haggis on the Royal Mile without hitting a ghost tour, but if you’re looking for one grounded in history, The Real Mary King's Close is the tour for you. You’ll explore hidden 17th-century streets – long considered to be haunted by plague victims who were walled up alive. The odd murder and a healthy population of other ghosts adds further interest.

Insider's tip: Bear in mind there are 58 steps down and 38 up to be negotiated, so it’s not suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs, the claustrophobic, or those with limited mobility. Children under five will not be admitted at all.

Contact:   realmarykingsclose.com

Price:  ££

Step into a world of optical illusions

Even in a high-tech world, a simple pin-hole camera that can project razor sharp moving images from distances that defeat modern cameras feels like magic. Children will love Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, and enjoy learning how to make do-it-yourself spyware using a cardboard box, tin foil and a blanket. There are optical illusions, games and a dizzying holographic exhibit that will delight visitors of all ages, too.

Insider's tip: It’s a great way to spend time on a wet day or revive tired children, and the 360-degree view from the roof is one of the best perspectives on the city – no matter what kind of camera you use.

Contact:   camera-obscura.co.uk

Experience life in 17th-century Edinburgh

Should you find yourself wandering down the Royal Mile, wondering what it was like to live in a towering tenement 300 hundred years ago, you can find out on a visit to Gladstone's Land. The National Trust has meticulously restored this wealthy Edinburgh merchant’s house to provide a fascinating recreation of the cramped conditions – even for the wealthy – in 17th-century Edinburgh. And there’s a good ice cream parlour, too. Try ‘The Butcher’: vanilla ice cream, candied bacon and whisky sauce.

Insider's tip:  You’ll see the kitchen and a pretty panelled parlour, but don’t miss the Painted Chamber. This bedroom contains what is considered the best original wall and ceiling decoration in Scotland.

Contact:  nts.org.uk

Price:  £

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

No one can fail to be stirred by this anachronistic but irresistible spectacle. Perhaps it’s the vibrating beat of hundreds of drums accompanying perfectly drilled marching bands, or the skirl of pipes (or twirl of kilts)? Or the sheer scale of it, under the towering walls of Edinburgh Castle, bursting fireworks overhead making the pulse beat faster. It certainly takes a heart of stone not to feel the pathos of the lone piper’s lament calling from high on the ramparts. Every festival-goer should go at least once (there’s a different theme each year). Just remember to take a handkerchief.

Contact:   edintattoo.co.uk

Tour the city in an open-top bus

You’ll find several sightseeing tours operating under the Edinburgh Bus Tours banner, but The City Sightseeing Tour offers a useful overview of the major attractions, operates all year round and is particularly good for children – the choice of audio commentaries includes a 'Horrible Histories' version for young ones.

Insider's tip:  A Royal Edinburgh ticket will give you 48 hours of access to all three of the available tours plus free entry to Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace and the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Contact:   edinburghtour.com

Dress up like 18th-century landed gentry

A visit to The Georgian House (a National Trust property) on the enduringly fashionable Charlotte Square is an absorbing way to get a sense of what life was like in a prosperous 18th-century household in the New Town – both for the family and those below stairs. The house was designed by Scottish neoclassical architect Robert Adam, and is a particularly fine example of Georgian architecture that's been beautifully and accurately furnished.

Insider's tip:  Do talk to the guides in each room who like to show off their detailed knowledge and if your children aren’t inspired by antiques, they can dress up in the period costumes available in the activity room.

Learn to cook Scottish fare

Gourmands can get to grip with local ingredients on a full-day cookery course. The well-regarded Edinburgh New Town Cookery School runs small one-day courses that are both professional and fun. Use the best Scottish ingredients in the Fish and Shellfish Workshop, or learn how to cook with game in a masterclass of meat. Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy mastering the indulgent creations in the patisserie workshop and at the end of the experience, you’ll get to try your hard work with a glass or two of wine in an elegant dining room with views all the way to the Firth of Forth.

Insider's tip: Book early as courses fill up quickly.

Contact:   entcs.co.uk

Visit Edinburgh's 'other castle'

Locals like to take visitors to this charming alternative to Edinburgh Castle. Craigmillar Castle is one of best examples of the medieval variety in Scotland and much of the structure is in remarkably good order. Explore from the top of the tower house to the gloomy basement where a skeleton was found walled up in the early 19th century. Mary, Queen of Scots stayed here twice – the area is still called Petit France.

Insider's tip:  Wood from ancient yew trees in the inner courtyard is said to have been used for making bows, which is an interesting fact for inspiring children’s imaginations in a place where they are positively encouraged to run wild.

Contact:   historicenvironment.scot

Tee up for outstanding city vistas

The Gentleman Golfers of Leith established the 'rules of golfing' on Leith Links in 1744, arguably making Edinburgh the home of golf. While you can no longer play in Leith, the 18-holes at the Edinburgh City Council-run Braid Hills Golf Course is a bargain. The layout itself is vertically challenging and is a Par 71 course. You can hire clubs and trolleys if you haven’t brought your own.

Insider's tip: It's worth a round even if you’re not a golfer, if only for the glorious views across the city to the Firth of Forth. Also be sure to look out for the gorse bushes – an unusually painful hazard.

Contact:   edinburghleisure.co.uk

Climb aboard a floating royal residence

The Royal Yacht Britannia was apparently frozen in time long before she was decommissioned. Look out for the various props found inside – there's everything from well-used board games in the sun lounge to toothbrushes in tumblers in the crew quarters. Together, the items bring Britannia, and the Queen’s fascinating frugality, to chintz-upholstered, brass-polished life. The comprehensive tour proceeds at a leisurely pace set by handheld recorded information delivered in suitably plummy tones.

Insider's tip:  Do plan to pause in the Royal Deck Tea Room for remarkably good simple lunches or a slap-up tea. Don’t miss the gift shop either, which is amusingly filled with stuffed corgis. 

Contact:  royalyachtbritannia.co.uk

Take in a unique distillery

There are any number of distilleries in Edinburgh, from micro to maxi, but the Port of Leith distillery is the first vertical distillery in Scotland, already a local landmark and just a hop from the Ocean Terminal tram stop. It’s a striking building and a fascinating tour; the guides lively, well-informed and engaging – although it’s worth going just for the views from the bar at the top. In fact, consider booking a table for a few cocktails and perhaps the steak pie or the Clava brie tartiflette. There’s a shop as well selling Port of Leith white port and Olorosa sherry as well as blended whisky.

Contact: leithdistillery.com

Out of Town

Discover the city on two wheels.

You can take a gentle three-hour guided ride around The Royal Mile, New Town, Holyrood Park and Portobello with Edinburgh Bike Tours, or hire by the day for your own tour on Edinburgh’s extensive system of cycle routes; tagalongs, trailers and bikes for children are available. You’ll need to be fit, but not Tour de France standard.

Insider's tip: Catch the sea breeze on a full-day tour along the coast, which takes in historic Cramond, Queensferry and the Forth Bridges. You’ll escape the city traffic and see fascinating areas other tours don’t touch.

Contact:   edinburghbiketours.co.uk

Explore underground coves

Many locals don’t know about Gilmerton Cove, and it is certainly one of the city's more obscure attractions. Even archaeologists can’t explain the 300-year-old underground passages and rock-furnished rooms, hand carved from sandstone and hidden underneath the streets of this quiet suburb; but there are plenty of theories, as the enthusiastic guides will tell you. Maybe it was a meeting place for the Hellfire Club, a hiding place for Covenanters, or a drinkers’ den? Make up your own mind when you visit.

Insider's tip: Tours must be pre-booked and are unsuitable for wheelchair users and children under five. Steep steps and rough (sometimes wet) floors require sturdy shoes. Remember to take a torch for solo exploring.

Contact:   gilmertoncove.org.uk

Amble through a Japanese garden

Lauriston Castle is a 16th-century tower house with Victorian extensions. The building overlooks the Firth and is surrounded by woodlands and a Japanese garden. Inside, it's home to an impressive collection of fine furniture and ceramics, as well as the personal belongings of its wealthy owners. Look for the newspaper in the sitting room reporting the sinking of the Titanic. 

Insider's tip: Take a pleasing 15-minute stroll to the Boardwalk Beach Club café. It sits right on shores of the Firth and has a huge outdoor seating area with blankets, great views and yummy soups, sandwiches and scones. Children and dogs are looked after, too.

Contact: edinburghmuseums.org.uk

Price: £; the grounds are free

How we choose

Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.

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