Best Things to do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh: things to see and do

We’ve pulled together our top tips for the best things to do in Edinburgh, so whether it’s a city break add-on, or short stop en route to Glentress Forest, you won’t miss out on some of Scotland’s best tourist attractions.

Things to do in Edinburgh, just an hour away

Perched amongst the picturesque Tweed Valley, it’s hard to believe Edinburgh is just an hour’s drive away from the quiet pace of Glentress Forest. You can’t take a trip to Scotland without visiting its historic capital to enjoy some amazing Edinburgh attractions, and with so many things to do in Edinburgh for kids, couples and groups, we’d recommend making a detour to enjoy a day or two there, tagged onto your forest escape. 

Offering something different to start or end your slowed-down forest adventure, take a drive through winding, unforgettable scenery and find yourself surrounded by historic buildings, museums, parks and even an extinct volcano. The perfect city break? We think so. Here’s our rundown of the best things to do in Edinburgh:

Parks, gardens and nature

Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat

This 640-acre royal park features lochs and crags, and even an extinct volcano, Arthur’s Seat. Hike to its summit for stunning views of the city and beyond, or stroll around St Margaret’s Loch to experience Edinburgh's natural beauty right at its busy heart.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Explore glasshouses, themed plant collections and educational trails across the 70-acre, wheel-friendly, urban garden. Outdoor exploration zones offer sensory ‘explorer backpacks’ filled with nature-themed activities for toddlers, while parents can unwind in the onsite tearoom and stock up on sustainable, locally sourced products.

My favourite place to visit in Edinburgh is Arthur’s Seat. We visited on lovely clear day and enjoyed identifying the various buildings around the city. The views there are absolutely stunning.

Forest Holidays guest

Princes Gardens and The Scott Monument

Running underneath Edinburgh Castle, this urban park offers playgrounds and ornamental gardens, with lots of seasonal events. Stroll the promenades alongside the Scott Monument and relax amongst the trees while the kids safely explore in fenced playgrounds, designed for different ages.

Jupiter Artland  

A contemporary sculpture park and art gallery, located just outside Edinburgh, Jupiter Artland features outdoor sculptures and installations by leading artists, uniquely blending art and nature and easing you back into life outside the forest! 

Castles, palaces and historic sites

The Royal Mile

An historic street running through the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, The Royal Mile is lined with shops, restaurants, and historic sites, including many of our recommended places to visit. During the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, it also becomes a hub of activity with street performers and artists.

Edinburgh Castle

This Medieval fortress is perched above the city on Castle Rock. Explore together with interactive exhibits and child-friendly trails – where they can discover Scotland’s crown jewels – then find the perfect picnic spot and take in the amazing views across Edinburgh.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse

If you’re visiting the castle, then the palace is the next stop, where you can get a glimpse into royal life inside the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. With beautifully preserved rooms and gardens, it's full of history and impressive architecture.

Museums

Museums National Museum of Scotland 

With free entry, the National Museum of Scotland showcases Scotland’s history, and world cultures, with interactive science galleries. The dedicated Discovery Zone features hands-on exhibits tailored for toddlers, including soft-play areas and interactive storytelling sessions.

The Museum of Edinburgh

A museum showcasing Edinburgh's own past, all within an historic, 16th-century building.

Museum of Childhood

One for little ones and nostalgic big kids, make a trip just off the Royal Mile and enjoy free entry to the world’s first museum dedicated to the history of childhood. With toys from the 1800s to today and interactive play areas including a tee-pee and dress-up zone, there’s endless fun for toddlers and lots to reminisce amongst the exhibits.

Something different

Dynamic Earth

 An immersive science centre and 4D theatre that tells the story of planet Earth through engaging, hands-on exhibits. A toddler-friendly ‘Iceberg’ interactive zone and accessible earthquake simulator will thrill little explorers.

The Scotch Whisky Experience

Scotland is synonymous with a dram of whisky, so take a guided tour and get to know the whisky-making process, with a taste or two along the way.

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

Discover five floors of interactive optical illusions, topped by a rooftop camera obscura projecting real-time city views. The toddler-friendly World of Illusions features soft-foam puzzles and mirror mazes, while the rooftop terrace offers picture-perfect views of Edinburgh Castle.

So, what are you waiting for? Start your forest adventure with a short Edinburgh city break or finish off with a few days back in the city after your forest holiday.

Stay with us at Glentress Forest

If you’re looking for places to stay in Edinburgh and prefer something a little different away from Edinburgh city centre, why not stay nearby in our accommodation at Glentress Forest? It’s just over an hour’s drive away from Edinburgh, along winding country roads with breathtaking scenery. Get the best of both worlds with a stay a world away from Edinburgh’s busy streets in your own log cabin with an outdoor hot tub, and take a day trip over to see the best Edinburgh tourist attractions.