Exploring the Unconventional: 25 Astonishing Activities to Experience in Edinburgh by 2025
Edinburgh, the beautiful Scottish capital, is renowned for its iconic landmarks and rich history. However, there's a world of unique experiences waiting to be discovered off the beaten path. Here's a guide to 25 unusual things to do in Edinburgh that will captivate your senses and broaden your horizons.
## Hidden Gems
1. **Dean Village**: Nestled alongside the Water of Leith, this charming historic village offers a peaceful escape with its picturesque streets and rich history. 2. **Summerhall Distillery / Pickering's Gin**: A hidden gem for gin enthusiasts, this distillery provides an insight into the craftsmanship of Pickering's Gin through tours and tastings. 3. **Newhaven Harbour**: This quaint fishing village offers a glimpse into Edinburgh's maritime history and serves delicious seafood. 4. **Greyfriars Kirkyard**: While not entirely unknown, this historic cemetery is a peaceful spot for a stroll and is a must-visit for Harry Potter fans, with gravestones that inspired some characters.
## Nature Escapes
1. **Lochend Park**: This park offers a tranquil escape with its serene loch, a doocot, and walking paths under mature trees. 2. **Cramond Beach**: At low tide, visitors can explore the nearby island, which features WWII gun bunkers.
## Cultural Experiences
1. **Lauriston Castle**: This beautiful Scottish tower house has stunning gardens and overlooks the Firth of Forth. 2. **Craigmillar Castle**: This castle offers a glimpse into medieval life and is a great spot for history buffs. 3. **The Surgeons' Hall Museums**: These museums trace the history of surgery and medicine. 4. **The Writers Museum**: Dedicated to three of Scotland's greatest writers, this museum is set in Lady Stair's House, built in 1622. 5. **The Storytelling Centre**: Offering various storytelling events, this centre is partly housed within John Knox House, one of only two surviving medieval buildings on the Royal Mile.
## Unique Experiences
1. **Edinburgh's Cat Paradise**: Scotland's first cat cafe, filled with climbing towers and cosy beds. 2. **Cocktail Geeks' Pop-up Bars**: Run pop-up bars and drinks experiences at venues across the city, offering themed bars with drinks inspired by various themes. 3. **Edinburgh Vaults**: A subterranean city with a gruesome history, these vaults offer a unique and eerie experience. 4. **Chocolate Museum**: Offering tours and chocolate-making workshops, this museum provides a fascinating insight into the history and production of chocolate. 5. **The Harry Potter Walking Tour**: For avid Potterheads, this tour features popular spots like the Elephant Cafe and Victoria Street, said to be the real-life inspiration for Diagon Alley.
## Food and Drink
1. **The Smallest Pub in Scotland**: With room for about 20 people, this charming pub offers traditional Scottish dishes and drinks. 2. **Baked Potato Bar**: Serving a variety of baked potatoes with a huge variety of toppings. 3. **Gin and Whisky Tastings**: Locations across the city offer gin and whisky tastings for those who appreciate a good dram. 4. **Themed Bars**: Offering drinks inspired by various themes, such as Game of Thrones or Star Wars. 5. **Craigmillar Bond**: Known as a safe place for plotting, this historic site is a must-visit for those interested in Edinburgh's past. 6. **Craigmillar Castle**: A castle 3 miles from the city centre, known for its associations with Mary Queen of Scots. 7. **Dr. Neil's Garden**: A secluded and tranquil spot overlooking Arthur's Seat, full of small trails, benches, and a few historical spots like an old stone tower. 8. **Morningside's Wild West Ghost Town**: Created by a furniture maker, this ghost town features a jail, horse stables, a bank, and a cantina. 9. **The New Town Walking Tour**: Exploring neoclassical and Georgian architecture and immersing visitors in Scottish culture. 10. **The Water of Leith Walkway**: A pleasant walk along the river offers exquisite views and picturesque natural beauty. 11. **The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo**: Officially the drink of this huge spectacle held nightly in the grounds of the castle in August. 12. **A Tour of Hidden Bars and Speakeasies**: Discover Edinburgh's hidden bars and speakeasies with this unique tour. 13. **Edinburgh's Old Town's Secret Gardens**: Explore the tiny covered alleyways and closes to find these hidden green spaces and graveyards.
Edinburgh's hidden gems offer a unique perspective on the city, providing experiences that are a bit off the beaten path but no less captivating. Keep an eye on their social media to stay informed about upcoming events and make the most of your visit to this wonderful city.
- Beyond its iconic landmarks, Edinburgh's hotels cater to diverse lifestyles, offering luxury, budget, and unique stays that reflect the city's charm.
- For those seeking a taste of local culture, traditional music and dance performances are a must-see, showcasing Scotland's rich arts and entertainment scene.
- The city's sports venues, such as Murrayfield Stadium and Tynecastle Park, provide opportunities to immerse in its vibrant sports culture.
- For shopaholics, home-and-garden stores and boutiques offer a variety of unique items, both old and new, adding a touch of Scottish flair to any home.
- Food-and-drink establishments, ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy pubs, offer a taste of Scotland's culinary delights, from haggis to Scotch whisky.
- Tours cater to various interests, including ghost walks, literary tours, and architecture tours, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy.
- After a day of exploration, relaxing at one of Edinburgh's beautiful gardens, such as Princes Street Gardens or the Royal Botanic Garden, provides a perfect ending to a captivating adventure in the Scottish capital.
