A quick guide to Edinburgh. The hogwarts-esque Scottish capital!

How to get to Edinburgh:

From London this distance is around 400 miles and from Manchester it is just over 200 miles.

To drive it takes from London 7 hrs and 30 mins and from Manchester 3 hr 44 mins. A UK road trip is the ideal way to take in all the varied cities and landscapes of our home country.

You can fly from London which takes just over an hour and costs between £50 to £100.

Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, Arthur’s Seat, Harry potter, Hogwarts, Holyrood Palace, Princes Street , gardens, Royal Mile, Camera Obscura, Scott Memorial, Edinburgh Castle, One O'clock gun, Train, fly, transport, how to get there, guide to edinburgh, what to do in Edinburgh, from London,

Or you can take the train:

London: 4hrs 45mins, cost: £60- £100

Manchester: 3 hrs 24 mins, cost: £27-£100

In the UK trains can be booked up to 3 months in advance, if you want the best prices it is best to try and book them as early as you can.

Powered by 12Go system

Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, Arthur’s Seat, Harry potter, Hogwarts, Holyrood Palace, Princes Street , gardens, Royal Mile, Camera Obscura, Scott Memorial, Edinburgh Castle, One O'clock gun, Train, fly, transport, how to get there, guide to edinburgh, what to do in Edinburgh, from London,

Things To Do In Edinburgh

The Castle and the One O’clock gun:

The jewel in the crown of this magnificent castle it dominates the Edinburgh skyline and has done since the 12th century. It is an important piece of Scotland’s heritage and history and not only is it an impressive vantage point to visit but it chronicles much of that history through displays and museums inside.

Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, Arthur’s Seat, Harry potter, Hogwarts, Holyrood Palace, Princes Street , gardens, Royal Mile, Camera Obscura, Scott Memorial, Edinburgh Castle, One O'clock gun, Train, fly, transport, how to get there, guide to edinburgh, what to do in Edinburgh, from London,

The castle famously sits on top of an extinct volcano, the position gave what became to be known as “the most besieged place in Great Britain and one of the most attacked in the world” a tactical advantage over advancing enemies. One of the highlights of the day is the firing of the cannon at one O’clock every day (except Sunday, Good Friday and Christmas Day). Now just used as a ceremonial signal it was first established in 1861 as a time signal for ships over 2 miles away in the Firth of Forth and harbour of Leith.

Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, Arthur’s Seat, Harry potter, Hogwarts, Holyrood Palace, Princes Street , gardens, Royal Mile, Camera Obscura, Scott Memorial, Edinburgh Castle, One O'clock gun, Train, fly, transport, how to get there, guide to edinburgh, what to do in Edinburgh, from London,

Ticket costs £16.50Open in the summer from 9.30am to 6pm and in the winter from 9.30am to 5pmAllow 2-3 hours for your visit.

Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, Arthur’s Seat, Harry potter, Hogwarts, Holyrood Palace, Princes Street , gardens, Royal Mile, Camera Obscura, Scott Memorial, Edinburgh Castle, One O'clock gun, Train, fly, transport, how to get there, guide to edinburgh, what to do in Edinburgh, from London,

Scott Memorial:

The Scott Memorial is the unmistakable 200 ft tall Victorian Gothic tower standing just off Princes Street in the heart of Edinburgh. It memorialises the Scottish author Sir Walter Scott and for only a few pounds you can climb the 287 steps which reveal the amazing panoramic view of the city.

Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, Arthur’s Seat, Harry potter, Hogwarts, Holyrood Palace, Princes Street , gardens, Royal Mile, Camera Obscura, Scott Memorial, Edinburgh Castle, One O'clock gun, Train, fly, transport, how to get there, guide to edinburgh, what to do in Edinburgh, from London,

Not only that but once at the top you are afforded an up-close view of the artistic details of this powerful memorial carved in great detail from 1840 to 1844. You’ll even receive a certificate for your efforts, but the view alone is a worthwhile reward!

Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, Arthur’s Seat, Harry potter, Hogwarts, Holyrood Palace, Princes Street , gardens, Royal Mile, Camera Obscura, Scott Memorial, Edinburgh Castle, One O'clock gun, Train, fly, transport, how to get there, guide to edinburgh, what to do in Edinburgh, from London,

Cost: £4

Opening hours:

April through September: Monday to Sunday 10 am – 7 pmOctober through March: Monday to Sunday 10 am – 4 pm; last admission 3.30 pm

Location: Princes street gardens

Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, Arthur’s Seat, Harry potter, Hogwarts, Holyrood Palace, Princes Street , gardens, Royal Mile, Camera Obscura, Scott Memorial, Edinburgh Castle, One O'clock gun, Train, fly, transport, how to get there, guide to edinburgh, what to do in Edinburgh, from London,

Camera Obscura:

One of the more offbeat attractions but definitely the most fun! This crazy world of optical illusions will take you deep into the heart of Victorian Edinburgh where you will learn about the city as well as the mystical way our brains and eyes work! It’s an odd combination but it works, it’s like stepping back in time to a 19th-century fairground attraction! This is a great thing to do with kids in Scotland too as it’s such a fun place!

Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, Arthur’s Seat, Harry potter, Hogwarts, Holyrood Palace, Princes Street , gardens, Royal Mile, Camera Obscura, Scott Memorial, Edinburgh Castle, One O'clock gun, Train, fly, transport, how to get there, guide to edinburgh, what to do in Edinburgh, from London,

This unique and fascinating attraction has been wowing locals and visitors alike for over 150 years…and don’t think it’s just for kids either! In this day of modern technology, Camera Obscura proves how even simple mirror and lens tricks can still amaze you!

Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, Arthur’s Seat, Harry potter, Hogwarts, Holyrood Palace, Princes Street , gardens, Royal Mile, Camera Obscura, Scott Memorial, Edinburgh Castle, One O'clock gun, Train, fly, transport, how to get there, guide to edinburgh, what to do in Edinburgh, from London,

Opening hours:July – August: Every day 09:00 – 21:00September – October: Every day 09:30 -19:00November – March: Every day 10:00 -18:00 (Closed 25th December)April – June: Every day 09:30 -19:00

Price:Adult: £13.95 (Reduced rates for Students, Seniors, Children and groups)

Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, Arthur’s Seat, Harry potter, Hogwarts, Holyrood Palace, Princes Street , gardens, Royal Mile, Camera Obscura, Scott Memorial, Edinburgh Castle, One O'clock gun, Train, fly, transport, how to get there, guide to edinburgh, what to do in Edinburgh, from London,

Our Favourite Backpacks

Osprey Fairpoint/ Fairview

We’ve used the Osprey Fairpoint/ Fairview for all our backpacking adventures over the past 5 years and highly recommend them!

The main area of the pack opens like a suitcase, which is great for using packing cubes to keep everything organised and they even come with a detachable day pack!

Royal Mile:

One of two main streets in Edinburgh the Royal Mile is by far the most historic as it runs through the centre of what is the old town of the city. Spanning a whole Scots mile (slightly longer than an English mile!!) it runs down hill from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, two of the most historically significant buildings in Scotland.

Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, Arthur’s Seat, Harry potter, Hogwarts, Holyrood Palace, Princes Street , gardens, Royal Mile, Camera Obscura, Scott Memorial, Edinburgh Castle, One O'clock gun, Train, fly, transport, how to get there, guide to edinburgh, what to do in Edinburgh, from London,

A stroll along here is guaranteed to be greeted by Bagpipers and copious amounts of kilts, but in a romantic sort of way, it’s just what you want from a trip to Scotland. There are numerous restaurants and shops to discover along here but if you are feeling a little more adventurous the nooks, crannies and side streets that lead off it. Also, keep an eye out for the Heart of Midlothian and Canongate!

Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, Arthur’s Seat, Harry potter, Hogwarts, Holyrood Palace, Princes Street , gardens, Royal Mile, Camera Obscura, Scott Memorial, Edinburgh Castle, One O'clock gun, Train, fly, transport, how to get there, guide to edinburgh, what to do in Edinburgh, from London,

Safety Wing Travel Insurance

The Best Insurance for Nomads

No one likes buying insurance, but equally everyone hates skyhigh medical bills! Get yourself covered so you can enjoy your trip worry free!

Here at The Roaming Renegades we love Safetywing Insurance because it’s designed for nomads, you can buy it when you’re already abroad and it’s kickass!

Click the button below to get a quote on your insurance provided by Safetywing.

Princes Street and Gardens:

The other main through fare of the city would be Princes street in the New Town area of Edinburgh. Unlike the narrow and romantic feel of the Royal Mile, Princes Street is open on one side which allows views of the gardens, castle and old town. The street is home to more modern shops and is the city’s high street in all but name.

Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, Arthur’s Seat, Harry potter, Hogwarts, Holyrood Palace, Princes Street , gardens, Royal Mile, Camera Obscura, Scott Memorial, Edinburgh Castle, One O'clock gun, Train, fly, transport, how to get there, guide to edinburgh, what to do in Edinburgh, from London,

Although still full of history the street doesn’t have the character and charm of The Royal Mile after several redevelopment projects but it does make up for that in the diversity of shops on offer and views over the city. It is also of course home to the Scott Memorial and the beautiful Princes Street gardens and art gallery.

Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, Arthur’s Seat, Harry potter, Hogwarts, Holyrood Palace, Princes Street , gardens, Royal Mile, Camera Obscura, Scott Memorial, Edinburgh Castle, One O'clock gun, Train, fly, transport, how to get there, guide to edinburgh, what to do in Edinburgh, from London,

Holyrood Palace:

The Palace of Holyrood house is the official residence of the British Monarch whilst in Scotland and fittingly sits at the bottom end of The Royal Mile and faces the Scottish Parliament. Since the 16th century Kings and Queens of Scotland have taken up residence here and the Queen still spends one week here at the beginning of every summer.

Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, Arthur’s Seat, Harry potter, Hogwarts, Holyrood Palace, Princes Street , gardens, Royal Mile, Camera Obscura, Scott Memorial, Edinburgh Castle, One O'clock gun, Train, fly, transport, how to get there, guide to edinburgh, what to do in Edinburgh, from London,

Throughout the year it is possible to visit these impressive and historic apartments and gardens to take a look into the worlds of British and Scottish royalty.

From April until October, the palace is open between 09:30 and 18:00

Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, Arthur’s Seat, Harry potter, Hogwarts, Holyrood Palace, Princes Street , gardens, Royal Mile, Camera Obscura, Scott Memorial, Edinburgh Castle, One O'clock gun, Train, fly, transport, how to get there, guide to edinburgh, what to do in Edinburgh, from London,

Arthur’s Seat:

Just beside Holyrood Palace, you will find “Arthurs Seat”, one of the highest peaks in mountainous Edinburgh. Like many of the city’s hills and peaks, it is an ancient and extinct volcano, in not many capital cities can you say that!

Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, Arthur’s Seat, Harry potter, Hogwarts, Holyrood Palace, Princes Street , gardens, Royal Mile, Camera Obscura, Scott Memorial, Edinburgh Castle, One O'clock gun, Train, fly, transport, how to get there, guide to edinburgh, what to do in Edinburgh, from London,

The walk up to the top is an easy 20-minute stroll and offers great views over the city from yet another vantage point. The name is said to come from the legend surrounding Kind Arthur and is a great way to finish off the day…but be sure to take a rain coat, the weather in Scotland can be hit and miss!

Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, Arthur’s Seat, Harry potter, Hogwarts, Holyrood Palace, Princes Street , gardens, Royal Mile, Camera Obscura, Scott Memorial, Edinburgh Castle, One O'clock gun, Train, fly, transport, how to get there, guide to edinburgh, what to do in Edinburgh, from London,

What to try and buy:

When in Scotland be sure to try some of the famous fudge available in Edinburgh, a bit of haggis with your breakfast and some Iron Bru to wash it all down! And of course, pick up some world-famous tartan and tweed! Edinburgh is also home to one of the UK’s best festivals with the Edinburgh Fringe comedy festival every year. If you are around the city throughout August then you are in luck! Check out the plethora of local, international, well-known and upcoming comedians at the Fringe.

Have you ever been to Edinburgh, what are your favourite things to do there?