Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile walking tour
Skip the line at the castle, then walk down the Royal Mile with a local guide.
See dates and prices →Scotland for wedding guests: key facts
- Best time for a wedding
- May to September
- Getting there
- Edinburgh (EDI) is 25 minutes from the city center by tram or taxi, and about 1 hour from Gleneagles in Perthshire. Glasgow (GLA) is an alternative.
- Getting around
- Central Edinburgh is compact and hilly. Walking is the best way around the old and new towns.
- Top group activities
- Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile walking tour; Highlands day trip: Loch Ness and Glencoe; Scotch whisky tasting experience
- Activity prices
- Mid-range, from free walks to private charters
Updated November 2026
☀️ Relaxed things to do
Highlands day trip: Loch Ness and Glencoe
A full day through the most dramatic scenery in Scotland, with an optional Loch Ness cruise.
See dates and prices →St Andrews and Fife fishing villages day trip
The home of golf, a ruined cathedral and pretty harbor villages along the coast.
See dates and prices →🍷 Foodie things to do
Scotch whisky tasting experience
Learn the regions and taste single malts beside the castle.
See dates and prices →Whisky distillery day trip
Visit working distilleries in the countryside, with tastings and a scenic drive.
See dates and prices →Edinburgh food tour
Taste haggis, Scottish cheese, smoked salmon and shortbread on a guided walk.
See dates and prices →Scottish dinner and ceilidh show
Traditional food, music and dancing in a lively evening show. A fun warm-up for the wedding.
See dates and prices →Gin distillery tour and tasting
See small-batch Scottish gin being made and mix your own G&T.
See dates and prices →🧗 Adventure things to do
Arthur's Seat hike
Climb the old volcano in the middle of the city for views over Edinburgh and the sea.
See dates and prices →Ghost tour of the underground vaults
Go beneath the old town into the vaults where Edinburgh's ghost stories live.
See dates and prices →Falconry experience
Fly hawks and owls with an expert falconer in the countryside near Edinburgh.
See dates and prices →Bike tour along the Water of Leith
An easy ride along a leafy river path from the city to the old port of Leith.
See dates and prices →Where wedding guests should eat in Scotland
The Kitchin
Leith, Edinburgh
Michelin-starred cooking with the best Scottish seasonal produce, by the Leith waterfront.
Map ↗Ondine
Old Town, Edinburgh
Oysters and sustainable seafood just off the Royal Mile.
Map ↗The Witchery by the Castle
Old Town, Edinburgh
Gothic, candlelit dining rooms at the castle gates. Unforgettable for a rehearsal dinner.
Map ↗Hawksmoor Edinburgh
New Town, Edinburgh
Steaks and cocktails in a grand former bank hall, with private dining rooms.
Map ↗Wedgwood the Restaurant
Old Town, Edinburgh
Intimate, creative Scottish cooking on the Royal Mile.
Map ↗Dishoom Edinburgh
New Town, Edinburgh
Bombay-style café with dishes made for sharing. Handles groups well.
Map ↗The Scran & Scallie
Stockbridge, Edinburgh
Relaxed gastropub from the team behind The Kitchin. Great Sunday lunch.
Map ↗Mussel Inn
New Town, Edinburgh
Pots of Scottish mussels and fish at fair prices.
Map ↗The Sheep Heid Inn
Duddingston, Edinburgh
One of Scotland's oldest pubs, below Arthur's Seat, with a skittle alley for groups.
Map ↗Contini
New Town, Edinburgh
Bright Italian restaurant in a former banking hall on George Street.
Map ↗Oink
Old Town, Edinburgh
Hog roast rolls carved to order. A cheap, famous lunch.
Map ↗Mary's Milk Bar
Grassmarket, Edinburgh
Small gelato shop with castle views.
Map ↗Where to stay
Full guide to where to stay in Scotland →
- The Balmoral $$$
Princes Street, Edinburgh. The city's grand landmark hotel, beside Waverley station. - Gleneagles $$$
Auchterarder, Perthshire. Famous countryside estate with golf, falconry and a two-Michelin-star restaurant. - Hotel du Vin Edinburgh $$$
Old Town, Edinburgh. Boutique hotel in a historic building close to the Royal Mile.
Getting around
- Central Edinburgh is compact and hilly. Walking is the best way around the old and new towns.
- The tram runs from the airport to the city center every few minutes.
- Trains from Edinburgh Waverley reach Perthshire, Stirling and St Andrews' nearest station, Leuchars.
- Driving is on the left. For a castle or countryside venue, book a coach for guests on the wedding day.
Arriving
Edinburgh (EDI) is 25 minutes from the city center by tram or taxi, and about 1 hour from Gleneagles in Perthshire. Glasgow (GLA) is an alternative.
Good to know for guests in Scotland
- Currency: Pound sterling (GBP). Cards are accepted almost everywhere.
- Tipping: Around 10 to 12.5% in restaurants. Check the bill first, because a service charge is often added for groups.
- Dinner time: Dinner usually from 6:30 to 9 pm. Many kitchens stop serving by 9 or 9:30 pm, even in summer.
- Power plugs: Type G plugs, 230 V.
Popular tours in Scotland right now
Questions guests ask about Scotland
When is the best time for a wedding in Scotland?
May to September is the most popular season. Castles, whisky, dramatic hills and long summer evenings. Edinburgh's old town makes a magical base, and the Highlands are close enough for a day trip.
How do guests get to Scotland?
Edinburgh (EDI) is 25 minutes from the city center by tram or taxi, and about 1 hour from Gleneagles in Perthshire. Glasgow (GLA) is an alternative.
How do guests get around Scotland?
Central Edinburgh is compact and hilly. Walking is the best way around the old and new towns. The tram runs from the airport to the city center every few minutes. Trains from Edinburgh Waverley reach Perthshire, Stirling and St Andrews' nearest station, Leuchars. Driving is on the left. For a castle or countryside venue, book a coach for guests on the wedding day.
What can wedding guests do in Scotland as a group?
Good group options include edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile walking tour, highlands day trip: Loch Ness and Glencoe, scotch whisky tasting experience, whisky distillery day trip. Most have private options for 10 to 20 people.
Is there a ready-made weekend plan for guests in Scotland?
Yes. Our Scotland wedding weekend itinerary has relaxed, foodie and adventure plans for the day before, the wedding day and the day after.
Getting married in Scotland?
Turn this list into a personal guest page with your names, dates, venue and day plans. Free, in two minutes.
Create your guest pagePlan the weekend
Scotland wedding weekend itinerary
Ready-made relaxed, foodie and adventure plans for the day before, the wedding day and the day after.
See the plan →Welcome dinner restaurants in Scotland
Group-friendly places for the welcome or rehearsal dinner and the day-after brunch, with local dinner times and tipping.
See the restaurants →Best time to get married in Scotland
Month-by-month weather, rain, crowds and seasonal activities, with the best and cheapest months.
See the months →Where to stay in Scotland
Hotels from affordable to special, the best areas for guests, a map and room block tips.
See hotels and areas →Wedding welcome bag ideas
40 wedding welcome bag ideas for destination weddings: essentials, local treats, hangover kits and the itinerary card guests actually keep.
Read the guide →Compare Scotland with other destinations
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