Top 10 Edinburgh Experiences

It’s the second-most visited British destination after London, and for good reason. We’ve narrowed down 10 ultimate experiences to enhance your next encounter with the Scottish capital.

1. Private studio tour of textile designer Araminta Campbell

Encounter first-hand craftwork as Araminta Campbell reveals her behind-the-scenes secrets, from sourcing British alpaca fleeces to the skills involved in weaving on traditional looms. To conclude, visit the showroom, (not open to the public), for an exclusive private shopping experience.

Private studio tour of textile designer Araminta Campbell

2. Watch the Tattoo performance from the best seats in the house

Enjoy priority access to the castle esplanade before joining the Salute Taker and dignitaries with a VIP seat in the Royal Gallery. The Edinburgh Tattoo is a dazzling display of military pageantry with a cast of 1,000 pipers, drummers and dancers from all around the world against the breathtaking backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Highlights include the wondrous sight and sound of the massed pipes and drums emerging from the giant castle gates and over the drawbridge, playing the inspiring battle tunes of Scotland’s most famed regiments, as well as a long piper high on the ramparts, playing a haunting lament to bring the evening to a poignant conclusion. After the performance, drinks and canapés will be held in the Royal Gallery – a unique opportunity to mingle with other guests and performers.

THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO

IMAGES © THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO / GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO

3. Learn to play the bagpipes on Calton Hill

Be greeted by a bagpiper for an engaging lesson with panoramic views across the city from the top of Calton Hill. Look out for the National Monument, inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. Intended to commemorate the Scottish servicemen who died in the Napoleonic Wars, it was never completed, leaving just the 12 columns you see today. The Nelson Monument, shaped like an upturned telescope and completed in 1816, commemorates the death of Admiral Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

Calton Hill

Edinburgh was properly recognised in 1995 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the second-most-visited British destination after London

4. Private whisky tasting in the Vault at Johnnie Walker Princes Street

Designed for whisky connoisseurs, hosted in a rare underground cellar where special whisky expressions are matured – this experience includes an unforgettable tasting of exceptional whiskies and an exclusive Johnnie Walker Princes Street expression created on-site by one of the master makers.

Private whisky tasting

Johnnie Walker Princes Street

5. Private guided tour and breakfast at Edinburgh castle

Enjoy a pre-opening guided tour at Edinburgh Castle; from its volcanic rock, it towers over the city, every inch a mighty fortress and defender of the nation. Highlights start as soon as you find yourself on the esplanade. Step inside the ancient walls and learn of the royalty who lived and died here, the battles fought over it and the struggles for control of Scotland, with a delicious breakfast served in the Gatehouse. See beautiful and small St Margaret’s Chapel and the Stone of Destiny – a powerful and ancient symbol of Scottish monarchy. Of course, no visit would be complete without seeing the Honours of Scotland: the Scottish Crown Jewels. Comprising of the crown, sceptre and the sword, these three pieces were used in the Coronation of Mary, Queen of Scots in 1543 when she was just nine months old.

Edinburgh Castle

IMAGES © VISITSCOTLAND / KENNY LAM / GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO / MIKE BOYLAND

6. Discover the city on a Gastronomy Tour

Be entertained with stories on the history of Scottish food and the city as you stroll through both the New and Old Town into unusual and hidden restaurants, shops and bars. At each location you will have the opportunity to taste locally sourced dishes, sample carefully selected beverages and chat to the chefs and patrons behind such products as smoked salmon, Stornoway black pudding, wild boar sausages, cheeses, charcuterie and dessert. Drinks include Edinburgh raspberry gin, Scottish beer and of course the water of life – whisky!

Whisky and cheese

7. Private tour of Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the Official Residence of King Charles III and the royal family in Scotland. This baroque palace stands against the spectacular backdrop of Arthur's Seat and is closely associated with Scotland's rich history. It is perhaps best known as the home of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the setting for many of the dramatic episodes in her turbulent and short-lived reign. Inside, view the magnificent State Apartments. There are 14 in total, which include the Great Gallery, hung with Jacob de Wet’s portraits of the real and legendary kings of Scotland. In the Palace grounds, discover the ruins of the 12th-century Abbey. Accompanied by an expert guide, this private tour provides a unique and special opportunity to 'go behind the ropes' in selected rooms, including the West Drawing Room. This is used by members of the royal family as a private sitting room and is not normally open to the public. It is among the most beautiful rooms in the Palace and features one of the finest 17th-century plasterwork ceilings in existence. Exclusive private-guided Palace garden and 12th-century Abbey tours are also available.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse

8. Private ghost tours in the underground vaults of the city

The Old Town is peppered with hidden streets and historical closes; one of the most famous being Mary King’s Close. Accompanied by a private costumed guide, descend deep beneath the Royal Mile to discover a secret warren of hidden streets that have remained frozen in time since the 17th century, or take a visit with an expert Mercat guide to the Blair Street Underground Vaults on a Gory Stories children’s tour.

Mary King’s Close

9. A running sightseeing tour of Edinburgh

Delve into the history, the characters and the scenery of this beautiful city as a highly experienced guide leads you through the narrow streets and hidden areas that you might not get to see otherwise. Whether it’s a gentle jog through Edinburgh, or you’re looking for something a little more fast paced – the tour can be tailored to suit your needs. This is the perfect opportunity to see some unexpected sights mixed in with the cultural history of Scotland’s capital city. The tours are open to all levels and abilities, whether you’re a newbie runner or have a few marathons under your belt. Whatever your pace, and whatever your interests are, this will be a unique and unforgettable Edinburgh experience.

Running in Edinburgh

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Did you know? The world's one and only knighted penguin lives at RZSS Edinburgh Zoo. King penguin Nils Olav, is named after Major Nils Egelien and was knighted by King Harald V of Norway.

10. Private tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia

Travel to the historic docks of Leith to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia pre- or postopening before the crowds. Formerly the Queen's floating royal residence it belonged to Her Majesty and the royal family for over 40 years, transporting them over 1 million miles around the world. Opened exclusively for you, the yacht'sVIP experience commences with a 'quayside arrival', and from here you will see the ship in all her splendour. Board via a red carpet on the Royal Brow, a practice previously reserved for members of the royal family and visiting dignitaries.

Royal Yacht Britannia

While in Scotland you might also enjoy...

Meeting a Reindeer in the Highlands

Combine an off-road safari with guided walking on a luxury Braemar Highland Experience.

Sally from Dream Escape feeding a Reindeer

Gazing up at star-filled skies

Glimmering Northern Lights, dazzling shooting stars and twinkling constellations – watch Scotland’s night skies come to life.

Christmas at the Botanics

Follow the one mile illuminated trail that winds its way through the world-famous Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh for a magical experience after dark.

enquiries@dreamescape.co.uk