Welcome to Edinburgh: A guide to the Scottish Capital


Edinburgh, the stunning capital of Scotland, effortlessly blends its rich historical heritage with a vibrant contemporary cultural scene. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Arthur’s Seat and the Pentland Hills, the city captivates visitors with its dramatic skyline, dominated by the iconic Edinburgh Castle perched atop the imposing Castle Rock. From the cobbled streets and narrow wynds of the atmospheric Old Town, to the elegant Georgian architecture of the New Town, Edinburgh’s diverse neighbourhood’s offer a compelling fusion of ancient and modern.

Whether exploring its ancient landmarks, delving into its literary legacy, or savouring its culinary delights, Edinburgh’s timeless charm and cultural depth continue to enchant all who wander its storied streets.

As locals, we have discovered some hidden gems between the cobble streets and narrow closes’ (alleyways)- check them out in our guide to the Scottish Capital.

  • Accommodation in Edinburgh 
  • Days out in Edinburgh
  • Best places to eat 
Welcome to Edinburgh: A guide to the Scottish Capital

Accommodation in Edinburgh

Edinburgh offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets, ranging from luxurious hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts.

Here are some of the best luxury accommodation options in Edinburgh:

The Balmoral Hotel
This prestigious and elegant hotel, located in the heart of the city on Princes Street, offers luxurious rooms, impeccable service, and stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, making it a top choice for those seeking a truly indulgent stay.

The Witchery by the Castle
Known for its opulent and gothic-inspired décor, this boutique hotel provides a unique and lavish experience within close proximity to Edinburgh Castle, offering an ideal blend of luxury, history, and romance.

The Scotsman Hotel
Housed within the former Scotsman newspaper building, this upscale hotel boasts a central location, luxurious rooms with stunning city views, and a sophisticated ambiance that reflects the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Edinburgh offers several budget-friendly accommodation options that provide comfortable stays without compromising on quality, including bed & breakfasts.

Here are some of the best budget-friendly accommodation options in Edinburgh:

Highfield Guest House
Located near the city center, Highfield Guest House offers affordable rates without compromising on quality. Guests can enjoy comfortable rooms, a hearty breakfast, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Fraoch House
This charming bed and breakfast, situated in the heart of Edinburgh, provides affordable rates along with cozy rooms, a delicious breakfast, and a convenient location for exploring the city’s attractions.

Castle Rock Hostel
Situated near Edinburgh Castle, this popular hostel offers a friendly atmosphere, comfortable accommodations, and organised activities, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers looking to socialise and explore the city.


Things to do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh offers a plethora of exciting activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Wether you take a step back in time and immerse yourself into Edinburghs’ rich history, escape the bustling city by taking a walk round Edinburghs green spaces or head for some family fun in one of Edinburghs interactive experiences, there’s something for everyone. 

Edinburghs historic days out

Edinburgh has a long and storied history that dates back centuries, with a rich tapestry of events, characters, and folklore that have shaped the city’s identity. Here are a few ‘must visits’ to immerse yourself in Edinburgh’s History… be careful, there are tales of spirits that still haunt the streets of Edinburgh today.

Edinburgh Castle 
Explore this historic fortress perched atop Castle Rock, offering panoramic views of the city and housing the Scottish Crown Jewels.

The Royal Mile
Stroll along this historic street in the heart of the Old Town, lined with charming shops, pubs, and notable landmarks like St. Giles’ Cathedral and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

The Real Mary King’s Close
Delve into Edinburgh’s hidden history with a guided tour through this underground network of streets and spaces, providing a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past.

Edinburghs green spaces

Edinburgh boasts an array of picturesque green spaces that offer respite from the bustling city life and provide a tranquil escape for locals and visitors alike. Here are some of the notable green areas in Edinburgh:

Holyrood Park
Home to the iconic Arthur’s Seat, this sprawling royal parkland encompasses rugged hills, grassy slopes, and scenic walking trails, providing panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscapes.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Explore this world-renowned botanical garden, featuring a diverse collection of plant species from around the globe, as well as stunning glasshouses, landscaped gardens, and informative exhibitions that cater to both horticulture enthusiasts and casual visitors.

Union Canal
Running approximately 31 miles in length, the canal provides a picturesque pathway for outdoor activities and leisurely walks, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside and urban landscapes.

Check out some more Outdoor activities in Edinburgh here

Interactive experiences

Edinburgh offers a range of interactive experiences that allow visitors to engage with its rich history, culture, and natural beauty.

Here are some interactive experiences to consider during your visit to Edinburgh:

The Edinburgh dungeon 
Embark on a theatrical and interactive journey through Edinburgh’s dark and chilling history, featuring live actors, special effects, and immersive storytelling that bring to life the city’s most gruesome tales and historical events.

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Explore five floors of interactive exhibits, optical illusions, and hands-on experiences that challenge your perception and offer a playful and educational exploration of light, color, and visual trickery, all topped off with stunning views of the city.

Dynamic Earth
Engage with interactive exhibits and immersive displays that take you on a journey through the Earth’s history, exploring natural phenomena, environmental changes, and the planet’s diverse ecosystems, providing an educational and entertaining experience for visitors of all ages.


Best places to eat in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is renowned for its vibrant and diverse culinary scene, offering a plethora of dining options ranging from Michelin star restaurants to quaint eateries and high quality pub-grub.

Here are some of the best restaurants and eateries in Edinburgh:

Scran and Scallie Edinburgh
The Scran & Scallie is a popular gastropub located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is known for its high-quality Scottish cuisine, warm ambiance, and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant was founded by renowned chefs Tom Kitchin and Dominic Jack, both of whom are highly regarded in the culinary world.

The Holyrood 9A
The Holyrood 9A is a popular gastropub known for offering a variety of classic pub dishes with a contemporary twist, emphasizing the use of locally sourced ingredients and high-quality produce. extensive selection of craft beers, ales, and ciders, making it a favoured destination for beer enthusiasts and those looking to explore a wide range of beverages.

Civerinos
Civerinos is a well-known Italian street food and pizza restaurant located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is popular for its vibrant and contemporary atmosphere, delicious Italian-inspired dishes, and a diverse menu that caters to a range of tastes and preferences. Civerinos is popular with the locals, especially for grabbing as a takeaway to enjoy in the Meadows as the sun sets over the city.

Check out the our favourite places to go for breakfast in Edinburgh here


MY Adventure and Intrepidus Outdoors are adventure tours and outdoor experience providers, both based in Edinburgh, Scotland. We specialise in private and open canyoningcoasteeringmountain biking and hill walking tours, and deliver these adventurous experiences across Scotland. We are also a provider of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Expeditions where we run bronze, silver and gold level awards for young people.

If you are looking for additional information about adventures from Edinburgh, we have published a number of blogs:

  • 6 steps to being happy like a Scot here 
  • You’ll never get bored in Edinburgh here 
  • Best Budget Hotels and Hostels Edinburgh here 
  • Hen Party Adventures Edinburgh: here
  • Stag Party Outdoor Adventures Edinburgh Essentials: here
  • SUP, A Buying Guide: here

If you haven’t already seen it, check out the our  Trip AdvisorYoutube channelVisit Scotland page and blog to hear about how others found their outdoor adventures with us! Equally, if there is any gear that you would like us to review, drop us a DM.

Intrepidus Outdoors – Adventures Edinburgh, Scotland!

Intrepidus Outdoors is based in Edinburgh, Scotland and specialises in Outdoor Activities. We are an adventure tourism and outdoor education provider based in Edinburgh. However, we also operate out of Glasgow, East Lothian, Midlothian, Scottish Borders, Tweed ValleyPerth, Fort William, Cairngorm National Park, Pitlochry, Aberfeldy and Loch Tay.

We specialise in canyoning, coasteering, mountain biking and hill walking, and deliver these adventurous experiences across Scotland. The experiences that we provide take clients into some of the most exquisite, incredible and extreme environments the UK has to offer. Through our MY Adventure (Edinburgh) brand we are also a provider of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Expeditions where we run bronze, silver and gold level awards for young people. These expeditions are through the disciplines of hill walking as well as canoeing. 


Mission Statment :

To deliver the highest quality adventurous experiences to entertain, thrill and inspire.


 

Outdoor Activities: Edinburgh & Scotland

Our values reflect those of a business started by a small group of rock climbers and mountain bikers. The experiences that we have had adventuring, and our passion for the outdoors, has led us to choose a lifestyle dedicated to sharing our love for the outdoors with others. The approach that we take to the experiences that we provide, and the business that we run, is that of sustainability, and an unapologetic quest for quality.

For us at Intrepidus Outdoors, we recognise that our experiences kayaking in clean rivers, surfing on unpolluted beaches and climbing frozen waterfalls have contributed to who we are as people. Therefore, protecting the planet so that the next generation of adventurers can have their own experiences, is hugely important for us. We believe that for people, communities and businesses to make the choice to minimise their impact on our planet, they must first value the planet that we have. We feel that the best way for people to value our blue planet, is to have first hand quality experiences in nature. They can then see the beauty of a forest, feel the power of an ocean and learn to love what is outside our towns and cities, so that they then fight to protect them. We strive to through the products that we deliver make a small difference to peoples understanding of the impact that they have on our world.

Our experiences adventuring have made us who we are and Intrepidus Outdoors is a reflection of us. We provide real adventurous experience that we hope you will cherish.


 

Adventure Activities: Edinburgh & Scotland

There are cities where stuff is happening all year round and where you will never get bored. Edinburgh is undoubtedly one of these cities. It’s an extraordinary place, full of history, festivals, impressive architecture and plenty of attractions you won’t find anywhere else. Not to mention that we are located on the door step of so many amazing adventures and outdoor experiences.

We would like to introduce you to this extraordinary city, giving you a full range of possibilities that can be found north of the wall! Edinburgh has a huge dose of beautiful history, world-famous festivals, fantastic attractions, adrenaline fuled expereinces and great food. Edinburgh is calling you and you simply cannot refuse its invitation.

There are a many outdoor and adventurous experiences to be had in Edinburgh. If you are a thrill seeker visiting Edinburgh and interested in a canyoning, coasteering or mountain biking adventure in Scotland, Get In Touch!


Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is a fantastic destination with a rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene. Here are 11 reasons why Edinburgh is a great city to visit with friends:

  1. Historic Architecture: Edinburgh is known for its historic and impressive architecture. Explore the medieval Old Town, with its narrow alleys and the iconic Edinburgh Castle perched on Castle Rock. The contrasting Georgian New Town offers elegant streets and squares.

  2. Edinburgh Castle: Dominating the city’s skyline, Edinburgh Castle is a must-visit. Explore the various sections of the castle, learn about its history, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from its vantage points.

  3. Royal Mile: The Royal Mile is the main street of the Old Town, running from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It’s lined with shops, pubs, and street performers, making it a lively and entertaining stroll.

  4. Festivals: Edinburgh is famous for its festivals, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest arts festival. If you visit during August, you’ll be treated to a vibrant atmosphere with countless performances, events, and shows.

  5. Scenic Views: Climb Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano located in Holyrood Park, for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. It’s a great place for a hike or a picnic with friends.

  6. Cultural Museums: Edinburgh boasts several excellent museums, including the National Museum of Scotland, the Museum of Edinburgh, and the Scottish National Gallery. These institutions offer a diverse range of exhibits, from art and history to science and technology.

  7. Whisky Tasting: Scotland is renowned for its whisky, and Edinburgh is a great place to sample some of the finest Scotch whiskies. Explore local pubs and whisky bars to experience the rich and varied world of Scottish spirits.

  8. Haunted History: Edinburgh is known for its haunted history, and there are various ghost tours that take you through the city’s spookiest spots. It’s a fun and eerie way to learn about the darker side of Edinburgh’s past.

  9. Dynamic Arts Scene: The city has a vibrant arts scene, with numerous theaters, galleries, and performance spaces. Whether you’re into traditional or contemporary arts, you’re likely to find something that suits your tastes.

  10. Friendly Atmosphere: Scots are known for their friendliness, and you’ll likely find the welcoming atmosphere extends to the city itself. The friendly locals and the convivial ambiance of Edinburgh make it an excellent destination for a memorable trip with friends.

  11. Outdoor Activities on your Doorstep: Edinburgh is on the edge of the Pentland Hills, Ochil Hills, East Lothian, the East Neuk of Fife and a hour and a half drive from the Cairngorm National Park. We deliver outdoor adventures, activities and exciting pursuits to all of these amazing locations. 

Outdoor Adventures Scotland.

We operate out of Edinburgh, Glasgow, East Lothian, Midlothian, Scottish Borders, Tweed ValleyPerth, Fort William, Cairngorm National Park, Pitlochry, Aberfeldy and Loch Tay.

It’s no secret that Scotland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. From the rural coastlines to vast mountain ranges, we have it all. Whatever kind of experience you’re after you’re sure to find it here, so we’ve put together an adventurer’s guide to Scotland to help get you started. Our guide breaks down all the outdoor activities Edinburgh has to offer and many more adventures to keep you entertained on your holiday.

Scotland’s allure for outdoor adventures is rooted in its unparalleled natural beauty and diverse landscapes. From the rugged peaks of the Scottish Highlands to the tranquil shores of its countless lochs, the country provides a stunning backdrop for a myriad of outdoor activities. Hikers can traverse historic trails like the West Highland Way, while mountaineers are drawn to the challenge of scaling iconic peaks such as Ben Nevis. The expansive coastline and intricate network of rivers offer opportunities for water enthusiasts, from thrilling white-water rafting to peaceful kayaking. Scotland’s commitment to preserving its wilderness allows for accessible exploration, inviting both seasoned adventurers and casual nature lovers alike. With a rich cultural heritage woven into its landscapes, including ancient castles and historic sites, Scotland stands as an exceptional destination for those seeking not just outdoor excitement, but a profound connection with the untamed beauty of the natural world.

Moreover, Scotland’s outdoor appeal extends to its diverse range of activities, accommodating adventurers with varying interests and skill levels. Cyclists can navigate scenic routes, taking in the breathtaking views of rolling hills and coastal panoramas. As winter blankets the land, the Cairngorms and Glencoe transform into playgrounds for skiers and snowboarders, offering a thrilling winter sports experience. Wildlife enthusiasts find solace in the country’s natural habitats, where red deer roam freely, eagles soar overhead, and seals bask along the rugged shoreline. The proximity of Edinburgh, the capital city, further enhances the Scottish adventure, providing a seamless transition from urban exploration to the untamed wonders that lie just beyond its borders. In every season, Scotland’s outdoor wonders beckon, promising a tapestry of experiences that blend natural splendor with a rich tapestry of history and culture.

MY Adventure and Intrepidus Outdoors are adventure tours and outdoor experience providers, both based in Edinburgh, Scotland. We specialise in private and open canyoningcoasteeringmountain biking and hill walking tours, and deliver these adventurous experiences across Scotland. We are also a provider of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Expeditions where we run bronze, silver and gold level awards for young people.

If you are looking for additional information about adventures from Edinburgh, we have published a number of blogs:

  • Welcome to Edinburgh- A guide to the Scottish Capital: here
  • 6 steps to being happy like a Scot: here 
  • Adventures guide to Scotland: here
  • You’ll never get bored in Edinburgh: here 
  • Best Budget Hotels and Hostels Edinburgh: here 
  • Hen Party Adventures Edinburgh: here
  • Stag Party Outdoor Adventures Edinburgh Essentials: here
  • Best Restaurants in Edinburgh: here

If you haven’t already seen it, check out the our  Trip AdvisorYoutube channelVisit Scotland page and blog to hear about how others found their outdoor adventures with us! Equally, if there is any gear that you would like us to review, drop us a DM.

Here is a list of our Frequently Asked Questions about Outdoor Adventures from Edinburgh!

What are the best outdoor activities in and around Edinburgh?

Canyoning, Coasteering, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Canoeing and Rock Climbing!

Is Edinburgh a good venue for adventures?

Edinburgh is on the doorstep of incredible locations for outdoor adventures. Only a short minibus ride and you are in world class venues for coasteering, canyoning, mountain biking and hiking.

Are your adventures suitable for beginners?

Yes. Our outdoor adventures are great for everyone!

Do you provide all the equipment?

We provide all technical equipment for your outdoor adventures with us. This includes canyoning and coasteering boots!

Is Edinburgh good to visit?

Yes. Edinburgh is a fantastic city to visit, offering a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Is Edinburgh expensive?

If you live in the south of England, No. If you live in the Midlands or the North of England, Yes.

How much is a pint in Edinburgh?

Between £4 and £6

Do you collect us from our hotel for adventure tours?

Yes. On our private adventure tours we collect clients from their hotels.

Where do you collect open group tours from?

Edinburgh Waverley Train Station – The Market Street Entrance.

What is the age range of your adventures?

Open groups 14+. Private groups all ages!

How extreme are your outdoor adventure tours?

Canyoning and coasteering has jumps up to 10meters and the canyoning has waterfall abseiling uptimes 17 meters. So you tell us?!

How much are your adventure tours?

Days trips from £95 per person including transport.

What is the most popular outdoor adventure from Edinburgh?

Canyoning. People LOVE canyoning. We also love canyoning!

Do you take pictures?

Yes. All instructors will take pictures with their iPhones and GoPro’s. They will send them to you after the adventure.

What is your favourite outdoor activity?

Our team like lots of different adventures! Some like the extreme trips like canoeing while others like the more mellow tours like canoeing.

How are your trip advisor review so good?

We aim the exceed the expectations of our clients on all our outdoor adventure tours from Edinburgh!

Where do you run adventure tours from?

We operate out of Edinburgh, Glasgow, East Lothian, Midlothian, Scottish Borders, Tweed Valley, Perth, Fort William, Bruar, Dollar, Alva, Cairngorm National Park, Pitlochry, Aberfeldy and Loch Tay.  .

What are your group sizes for private outdoor adventure tours?

Between 8 and 80!

Do you provide transport for your outdoors experiences?

Yes! We have a National Operators License to operate our own fleet of 17 seater minibuses.

Who is the best adventure tour provider in Edinburgh?

With over 350 5star TripAdvisor reviews the Intrepidus team aims to exceed our customers expectations in every trip!

What provider runs the best outdoor experiences in Scotland?

Intrepidus Outdoors run canyoning, coasteering and hiking almost every day and we have over 350 5star TripAdvisor reviews!

Location


Unit 2/2
Edlin Industrial Estate
Edgefield Road
Loanhead
EH20 9QX

Contact


Phone: 0131 357 1990
Email: info@intrepidusoutdoors.co.uk

Opening hours


Mon - Fri
8:00 to 18:30
Sat & Sun
8.30 to 19.30