10 Exciting Things To Do In Edinburgh
What to Pack for a Trip to Scotland
11 Facts About Edinburgh
There were 4.98 million total overnight trips to Edinburgh by international and domestic visitors in 2023. Source VisitScotland.
The number one free attraction was the National Museum Of Scotland with 2,186,841
Edinburgh Castle was the number one paid for attraction in not only Edinburgh but the whole of Scotland. Edinburgh Castle recorded 2,111,578 visitors in 2024.
Exciting Things To Do In Edinburgh
Edinburgh has been nicknamed “Auld Reekie”, “Edina”, “Athens of the North”
Estimates from the Office of National Statistics gives the population of Edinburgh (within the council area) as 514,990 in 2022.
Exciting Things To Do In Edinburgh
How Edinburgh Got Its Name
In the 7th Century the region in which Edinburgh is located the language was known as Cumbric. This was a Brittonic Celtic language which was also spoken in Wales and Brittany in France.
The area of Edinburgh was known as Eidyn and from here it became known as Edin. The stronghold of the area was known as Din (hillfort) Eidyn and is believed to be where Edinburgh Castle is now.
In 638 the king of the Angles of Northumbria, Oswald, laid siege to Din Eidyn.
By 954 the kingdom became known to the English as Scotland.
As a result and over time the language moved from being Cumbric to Northumbrian Old English and then Scots.
With the change in language din as in Din Eidyn was replaced by burh. This gave the name Edinburgh.
Edinburgh has been the accepted capital of Scotland since at least the 15th century.
Exciting Things To Do In Edinburgh
The Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament and the highest courts in Scotland are located in Edinburgh.
The official residence of the British monarch in Scotland is the Palace of Holyrood House.
The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland meet annually in the City.
Edinburgh has excelled in the learning of Medicine, Scottish Law, Literature, Philosophy, Engineering and Sciences.
The University of Edinburgh is considered one of the best research institutions in the world. It was founded in 1582. There are two other Universities in the City.
Exciting Things To Do In Edinburgh
After London, Edinburgh is the largest financial centre in the United Kingdom. It is in the top five in Europe and the top 15 in the world.
10 Things To See Or Do In Edinburgh
1 – Number One for Edinburgh
Number One for Edinburgh is more a way of doing things than specific places to visit in a City.
It is a brilliant concept and gets people seeing what they need to see with a little bit of excitement and adventure added in. A Treasure Hunt!
Exciting Things To Do In Edinburgh
Unless you have been an organizer of a Treasure Hunt you may not appreciate how much work is involved. The route, the clues, arranging and liaising with proprietors along the route, double checking and doing the route yourself. As an organizer you try and make sure everything goes right and that all the participants are happy. It takes hours, if not days to organize properly.
Well two young men, Bryn and Nick, from differing backgrounds who were school chums came up with the idea of making visiting a City an adventure. Make it exciting. They have even arranged discounts for some of locations your clues take you.
Anyone can go to a City and take an organized tour. However this is at the timing of the operator. You stop and start when they do. Go to cafes or bars or gift shops they recommend. You are pretty much stuck with the tour itinerary. Some are very good but some not so much.
What these two young men have done is to compile a series of Treasure Hunts for various mainly UK Cities at present.
You can do these Treasure Hunts in your own time. Rush through it or stop and talk to the locals. Go back and do it again. Stop half way through and do the next stage the day after. You decide and you have the control.
Exciting Things To Do In Edinburgh
You can buy a Treasure Hunt in advance for the city you are going to visit and have it posted to your home.
Alternatively you can have it posted to the hotel you will be staying so it is there when you arrive. Alternatively it is available as an instant digital download.
As far as I can discover there is no one else doing such a service anywhere in the world, they are the first.
They also have a bespoke service Treasure Hunts based on where you want to go or what you want to do and tailored just for you.
Try and give these young men your support by clicking HERE and if you do contact them direct mention this website GoPackGoTravel and that you have been referred by Michael. There is no cost to you.
Exciting Things To Do In Edinburgh
Treasure Hunts are already available for Edinburgh, Bath, Bedfordshire, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Brighton, Bristol, Cambridge, Canterbury, Durham, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Oxford, Peak District, Portsmouth, Sheffield, Southampton, St. Albans, Windsor and York. Check for more HERE.
Here Are 9 Other Examples Of Activities You Can Do Based In, On, Around Or From Edinburgh
2. Edinburgh Day Trip Loch Ness, Highlands, Glencoe 12 hrs +
3. Edinburgh Day Trip Pitlochry Tour Plus Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe 12 hrs +
4. Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour
5. Ghost Tour of Edinburgh
6. Holyrood Palace Tickets
Exciting Things To Do In Edinburgh
7. Harry Potter Themed Walking Tour Of Edinburgh
8. Whisky Distillery Tour From Edinburgh
9. Forth Boat Tour
10. Bus Tour Of Edinburgh Hop On Hop Off 24 Hour Ticket
Exciting Things To Do In Edinburgh
What to Pack for a Trip to Scotland
If you’re headed to Scotland to sample this Celtic nation then it’s essential to make sure you pack well.
Scotland is a geographically diverse region which brings with it unique packing challenges.
There are a lot of varied activities to enjoy in Scotland, from touring ancient castles to enjoying a night on the town.
Exciting Things To Do In Edinburgh
As with many countries, the weather can change quickly which means it’s important to be prepared.
The following list of items will help you make sure to enjoy your trip to Scotland without worrying about whether you’ve packed the right gear.
Outerwear
Whether you’re in Scotland during the summer or winter, it’s always important to have a coat.
The weather is often damp and humid which can make the air temperature feel a bit colder.
Exciting Things To Do In Edinburgh
In the summertime make sure to have a windbreaker and/or a jacket.
In the spring, autumn and winter the temperatures can dip quite low. Sometimes without too much warning.
In winter the appropriate winter weather gear is essential.
Rain Gear
Expect rain. It rains often and sometimes with ferocity. This doesn’t seem to bother the locals of this great country at all.
Like most places you grow up adapting to the location you are in.
The Scots adapt to make the best of things and as such they tend to be outdoorsy folks.
Exciting Things To Do In Edinburgh
While you can undoubtedly find rain gear to purchase on your trip, it makes financial sense to bring your own.
Bring a rain jacket. Boots or good stout shoes are a good idea for walking outside of towns.
If you want to make sure you stay dry, consider light weight rain over trousers and an umbrella as well.
Exciting Things To Do In Edinburgh
Clothing Layers are the way to go in Scotland.
You may find that during the day you’re peeling off layers and down to a t-shirt by midday, and by the end of the evening you’re wearing a sweater and a coat.
Pack long pants as well, and if you’re hiking then don’t forget to pack appropriate clothing and shoes.
For any travelling excursion, good walking shoes are a must. This is particularly true in Scotland where you may be hiking or walking through ancient ruins and castles.
The Extras
Be sure to pack a camera. Scotland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and you’ll want to capture every moment.
If travelling from abroad to visit and you’re bringing electronic devices that need to be plugged in, you’ll also want to pack an adaptor or buy one when you arrive. You’ll need a three rectangular pin adapter.
Don’t forget toiletries and any medicines specific to you that you will need when you’re there.
Exciting Things To Do In Edinburgh
If you’re camping then you’ll want to bring your camping supplies as well.
Enjoy your time in Scotland.
Pack for wet weather and be prepared for anything.
Preparation will ensure an enjoyable trip and memories of a lifetime.
Exciting Things To Do In Edinburgh