The Jazz Bar

Scotland may not be renowned for its contributions to the jazz community; however, it just so happens that Edinburgh is home to the ‘best jazz club in the UK,’ (Parliamentary Jazz awards) just off the Royal Mile on Chambers Street.

By day, the bar is a cool café offering the ‘after-work ambience’ of local, unplugged musicians free of charge. By night, music-lovers queue around the corner in order to catch a glimpse of some of the bigger names in contemporary jazz that stop through the city. The Jazz Bar is a must for any music enthusiast – regardless of the preconceptions they may have regarding jazz, no one ever seems to leave disappointed.

Out of the Bedroom at the Montague

Nestled in the Southside of Edinburgh on Montague Street, the Montague Bar plays the venue to Edinburgh’s most popular open mic night: Out of the Bedroom. Boasting to be Edinburgh’s oldest open mic night, this ritualistic amateur music event brings out some of the more talented and colourful musicians and poets in the city.

The Montague Bar recently witnessed a much-needed facelift, and provides a cosy setting to enjoy one of their choice whiskeys whilst listening to some of the city’s best, undiscovered talent.

The Rat Pack Piano Bar

The Rat Pack Piano Bar is one of few places in Edinburgh that provides, without fail, free live music seven nights a week. Located in the heart of the West End on Shandwick Place, the small Italian-owned haunt plays host to the city’s best piano players. The dimly-lit but stylish interior is an ideal place to stop for a drink and listen to live music – no matter what the hour, as the Rat Pack’s regular players are known to dish out requests well-past 3 am!

Electric Circus

Tucked away into a corner just next to Waverly Station, Electric Circus is bizarre to say the least; a ‘Clockwork Orange-inspired’ interior plays host to one of the more intimate music venues in town, where the owners provide a stage for the more promising up-and-coming bands in the country.

A surprising number of best-selling artists have graced the stage at Electric Circus well-before their names were recognizable, which is reason enough to frequent the club on the off-chance that you’ll meet the world’s next big superstar. A very alternative venue for very alternative musicians, Electric Circus never offers a dull moment.

Whistle Binkies

If the doors of Whistle Binkies are open, there is a band on the stage. This tiny but widely popular venue on South Bridge typically hosts 4-6 bands every day of the week – almost entirely free of charge.

While many of these bands may have familiar names, Whistle Binkies are more than happy to give local bands – young and old – a chance to play for the world. Their open mic night on Mondays has packed the house every week for nearly ten years, providing the city’s undiscovered talent a respectable audience in order to showcase their skills. With drinks flowing and constant music, Whistle Binkies proves a good time every night of the week.

the imposing facade...

It is for this reason and many others that the Chapel stands at the heart of numerous conspiracy theories regarding the Knights Templar. Yet instead of curbing these eager tales, visiting Rosslyn Chapel will only fuel one’s imagination further still. The chapel was founded by William Sinclair, the 1st Earl of Caithness – a descendant of the Norman Knights of Saint-
Clair-sur-Epte. The Sinclairs were one of the more influential and colourful noble families of medieval Scotland, and the neighbouring heritage centre’s staff will be more than happy to share dozens uponn dozens of family stories with visitors.

centuries of myth and mystery

After strolling the grounds, there is an impressive gift shop and café located nearby; that being said, there are also two tasteful pubs in the centre of the village where you can enjoy a warm meal by an open fire. When you are ready to return to Edinburgh, the number 15 bus will stop through the centre of the village every thirty-to-fourty minutes.

The trip in total can take anywhere from two-to-four hours, and is an amazing way to continue your trip through Scotland’s incredible history from outside the walls of Edinburgh.

Artisan Roast

Ask any local where to go for an imaginative cup of coffee, and they will inevitably point you toward Broughton Street – where the staff members of Artisan Roast have transformed coffee into more than just an interest, but a way of life. The small chain’s owner, Lukasz Gasiorowski, ensures that all of his baristas know more about coffee beans than the most genuine caffeine-enthusiast could hope to learn in a lifetime – and one sip will indicate just how extensive this knowledge may be.

The interior of Artisan Roast is the ultimate ode to coffee – the walls are lines with sacks of coffee beans, the light-fixtures are made from cafetieres and even the varnished wooden floor appears to have been soaked in espresso. Be sure to ask your barista for a piece of art in your drink – they are always more than happy to comply, and will transform a typical cappuccino into a masterpiece.

The Black Medicine Coffee Co

From the moment its door creaks open, this self-described ‘veritable woodman’s delight’ appears to scream out all that is alternative. Having recently given birth to an additional two locations, the original Black Medicine sits on the corner of Nicholson and Drummond Street – luring in a diverse crowd consisting of tourists from the High Street as well as colourful students from Edinburgh University.

The interior is something strange to behold, successfully combining aspects one might find in an ancient Scottish pub, as well as in the hut of a wild shaman somewhere closer to where their coffee beans may grow – the 12-foot totem pole in the corner says it all, as does the black magic they serve in a mug. This is no coffee shop in which to bunker down and get some work done, but the surroundings and products are captivating to say the least.

Saint Giles Café

A hop-and-a-skip away from Edinburgh Castle, Saint Giles Café is situated caddy-corner from the towering Cathedral on the Royal Mile. It’s tucked into a corner just far away enough from the High Street that it provides a safe haven from the throng of tourists wandering up and down the street, and serves a limited – but tasty – range of drinks and light bites.

The interior is an impressive bit of stripped stonework, and seems more akin to an artist’s studio rather than a café. Original – and very alternative – art lines the walls from floor to ceiling, able to keep eyes easily entertained for hours. Coffee and tea are served in generous portions, making Saint Giles a great pit stop when meandering up and down the Royal Mile for the day.

Chocolate Soup

If it’s something sweeter that your palette is after, try Chocolate Soup – located just off of the High Street on Hunter Square. Not for the faint of heart, it’s artistic – and in some cases, quite manic – interpretations of hot chocolate will transform any wary passer-by into a complete chocolate addict.

The cosy interior provides a relaxing break from the hectic crowds of the High Street, although the café is always littered with locals who simply can’t stop coming back for more. A wide-array of sweets and cakes stand ready to complete the sugar-rush, which will no doubt keep you geared on ‘ten’ for the rest of your visit in the Old Town.

Tiki Café

Located right on the waterfront in the Ocean Terminal, the Tiki Café attempts to transport visitors closer to the equator. This quiet eco-café is an essential break from wandering up the waterfront, and on a hot summer’s day they provide fresh frappes and smoothies that truly do emulate that of a tropical paradise.

The interior does well to pay homage to the café’s tropical name, and everything served within is 100% organic and fair-trade. The Tiki Café is the ideal place to have a seat overlooking the sea with an iced coffee in hand and appreciate Edinburgh’s warm summer days.

Day Trip One: St Andrews

(1 hr from Edinburgh by train, 11/2 by coach. Prices from £12-£16 return)

A stunning pocket of medieval history tucked away in a picturesque coastal bay, St Andrews is home to the oldest University in Scotland (founded in 1413) where Prince William studied Art History and met his future Queen Kate in a coffee shop that now has a life-size picture of the couple emblazoned in the window.  Arriving in St Andrews you’ll feel as though you’re entering a Harry Potter book, with the rising Cathedral tower looking over the always turbulent sea and the granite buildings all huddling together against the bitter wind.  Bring a hat, and a scarf, and several pairs of socks…and another hat, as it can be extremely windy (already being in Scotland though, you’ll probably be used to it).

A Bit of History

Start your walking tour at St Salvator’s Quad, the main university quadrangle where all official events take place, take a peek inside the chapel which regularly marries St Andrews students (the university has a 1 in 6 marriage rate). At the entrance to the quad, look at the ground and you’ll notice a ‘PH’ marked out in the cobblestones.  This is a monument to the religious martyr Patrick Hamilton who was burned at the stake on this spot during the Reformation – supposedly if you look up in a squinting way at the facing tower bricks you can just make out an impression of his face.  For students, it’s bad luck to walk on the PH and the only way to lift the curse is to jump in the North Sea during the annual May Dip.  If you happen to be there that month, it’s a unique insight into one of the more crazy university traditions (there are many).

Stroll down North Street towards the cathedral ruins.  You can explore the 12^th century cathedral for free and there is a small tourist information centre with guides to give you an impression of what the largest cathedral in Scotland would have looked like.  In the middle of the ruins is a tower which you can climb.  Tickets are available from the information centre; a £4.50 adult ticket will get you into the small museum there, as well as a token to climb the tower.  The climb up the tight, spiralling staircase is well-worth it as the views of St Andrews from the top are stunning.  For £7.60 you can get a combination ticket which gets you into the castle and castle museum too.

And The North Sea

The (not quite famous) St Andrews Castle

From the cathedral walk down the hill to East sands (one of three beaches) and the quaint little harbour before turning back on yourself and heading East towards the castle.  The castle ruins perched precariously on a black cliff look like the stuff of graphic novels about King Arthur, and you can enter (at your own risk of being hit on the head) the impressive mine and counter-mines dug during the siege of the 1540s.

To get to the castle you’ll walk through an informative visitor’s centre which gives a great overview of the castle’s history.  Tickets cost £5.50 but are cheaper with the cathedral combination ticket.

The street leading to and past the castle is called The Scores and can be followed all the way down to the famous golf course.  To your left and right you’ll see gothic buildings decorated with turrets and towers, these are where the lucky students have lectures and tutorials, looking out to the sea for inspiration.  Continue down the largest beach in St Andrews, West sands; a gorgeous stretch of white sand and dunes which provided the perfect location for the famous running scene from Chariots of Fire.

Do you golf?

Behind West sands the world-famous Old Course which hosted the Open in 2009 stretches across the length of the beach, overlooked by the celebrity-haven though architectural eye-sore – the Old Course hotel.  There is a path that cuts through the golf course to the other end of the beach but strollers are obliged to adhere to golfing etiquette which means standing still and keeping quiet when players are teeing off (look at other walkers for clues).  In early October, the Links courses host the annual Dunhill celebrity golf championships; previous players have included Samuel L. Jackson, Hugh Grant and Bill Murray who was witnessed at the end of the competition at a student party, very kindly doing the washing up.

Snack Time

From the golf course, head round and back up the hill to North Street and right to the central Market Street.  Here you’ll find chain stores and café’s, a supermarket (Tesco) and a couple of restaurants.  The street parallel is called South Street and has a wonderful café called Janetta’s at the end which sells ice cream all year round if you’re brave enough.  Boutique fashion stores line the connecting streets in-between as well as unique gift-shops, whiskey suppliers and a delicious cupcake bakery at BB’s Cupcakes.

Restaurants abound in the little town; there are at least two on every street.  Try The Dolls House hidden in the courtyard next to the church for traditional fare, or Mitchell’s Deli for a quirky brunch.  You can get a sandwich almost anywhere; Cherrie’s do a brilliant make-your-own lunch deal for £3.50 whilst the twenty or so pubs all provide Scottish main-meal haggies, neeps and tatties cooked in whisky sauce.

Pure deid brilliant, aye. That’s Scottish for you should definitely go as it’s amazingly, fantastically great, alright.  Think we’re getting the hang of this now…

Step 1: Know everything there is to know about the Scottish tradition Burns Night.

There is plenty of information on the internet; this government website provides lots of information on the origins of the tradition as well as some fun facts about the poet.

Kilt required.

Step 2: Have your Piper welcome in the guests.

If your Burns Night isn’t this lavish, you can play some traditional music in the background as everyone comes in.  Regale them with your impressive knowledge of Burns facts (see above) and lead everyone to their seats.  Make an introduction to the evening, outlining the general proceedings; what’s on the menu, the entertainment etc.

Did you know that after Queen Victoria and Christopher Columbus, Robert Burns has more statues dedicated to him around the world than any other non-religious figure? (Cue appreciative gasps from your guests…)

Step 3: Say a prayer.

The traditional prayer said at a Burns Night is called the ‘Selkirk Grace’ and is said just before the beginning of the meal.  It is usually recited in Scots and goes as follows:

Some hae meat and canna eat,                                    Some have meat and can’t eat,

And some wad eat that want it,                                 And some would eat that want it,

But we hae meat and we can eat,                               But we have meat and we can eat,

And sae the Lord be thankit.                                      And so the Lord be thanked.

Step 4: Piping in the Haggis, Addressing the Haggis, Toasting the Haggis.

As the Haggis is presented to the guests on a silver platter, it should be accompanied by bagpipe music in some shape or form.  Guests should stand as the chef, the piper and the person who will address the haggis enter the room (these may all be just one person) and their glasses should be topped up sufficiently with whisky in order to make the toast.  The addressor will perform To The Haggis* before cutting it with a knife down the middle (beware bits of flying haggis).  At this point, guests applaud the haggis and then a toast is made where everyone shouts ‘To the Haggis!’

Step 5: The Meal

A traditional Burns Supper will always have music in the background, so make sure to keep the Piper or CD player going.  The meal should begin with Cock-a-leekie soup as a Starter; the main, of course, will be Haggis, Neeps and Tatties, followed by Typsy Laird for dessert. Whisky should figure somewhere in the meal as a sauce/garnish. Drinks can be wine, ale or whisky.  Check out the BBC food website for some fantastic Burns supper recipes.

Some would say it tastes better than it looks.

Step 6: Entertainment

Usually one of Burns poems is performed, often to music (one of his most famous is Tam O’ Shanter about a drunken man who falls off a horse) which is then followed by a speech about the poet’s life and works known as ‘The Immortal Memory’.  Afterwards, more poems and music and maybe a bit of traditional Ceilidh folk-dancing.

Step 7: Toast to the Lassies

Make a toast to the role of women in modern society.  The more humorous the better, though keep in mind step 8.

Step 8: Revenge to the Toast to the Lassies

Female guests are invited to make a revenge toast berating the original toast.

Step 9:  Auld Lang Syne

Get all of the guests, even the reluctant ones, to join hands and sing together the traditional Auld Lang Syne – a song that expresses friendship, fellowship and hope and is sung every New Year’s eve throughout the world.  Burn’s is credited with rewriting the hymn and making it into what is today.

Step 10: Pat yourself on the back; you’ve just hosted Burns Night!

Pour yourself another whisky and bask in your own glowing pride.

*To The Haggis

Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face,

Great chieftain o’ the pudding-race!

Aboon them a’ ye tak your place,

Painch, tripe, or thairm :

Weel are ye wordy o’a grace

As lang’s my arm.

The groaning trencher there ye fill,

Your hurdies like a distant hill,

Your pin wad help to mend a mill

In time o’need,

While thro’ your pores the dews distil

Like amber bead.

His knife see rustic Labour dight,

An’ cut you up wi’ ready sleight,

Trenching your gushing entrails bright,

Like ony ditch;

And then, O what a glorious sight,

Warm-reekin’, rich!

Then, horn for horn, they stretch an’ strive:

Deil tak the hindmost! on they drive,

Till a’ their weel-swall’d kytes belyve

Are bent like drums;

Then auld Guidman, maist like to rive,

Bethankit! hums.

Is there that owre his French ragout

Or olio that wad staw a sow,

Or fricassee wad make her spew

Wi’ perfect sconner,

Looks down wi’ sneering, scornfu’ view

On sic a dinner?

Poor devil! see him owre his trash,

As feckless as wither’d rash,

His spindle shank, a guid whip-lash;

His nieve a nit;

Thro’ bloody flood or field to dash,

O how unfit!

But mark the Rustic, haggis-fed,

The trembling earth resounds his tread.

Clap in his walie nieve a blade,

He’ll mak it whissle;

An’ legs an’ arms, an’ heads will sned,

Like taps o’ thrissle.

Ye Pow’rs, wha mak mankind your care,

And dish them out their bill o’ fare,

Auld Scotland wants nae skinking ware

That jaups in luggies;

But, if ye wish her gratefu’ prayer

Gie her a haggis!

Skip the Airport Though

If you’ve traveled and rented a car before, you may have gone with one of the big rental agencies, like Hertz.  The attraction there, of course, is that you’re familiar with them and maybe trust them.  The downside, however, is that they tend to charge higher prices than most local options.  That’s why my recommendation, as with so many things in travel, is to go local. Edinburgh is a major capital city, of course, so it’s got plenty of options.  Just in the airport you’ll have several options.  My advice, however, is to skip the airport as shops there tend to charge a premium for the location; the only exception is if you’ll only be flying in and out of Edinburgh and you’re happy to pay a “hassle” fee.

Skip the Bells and Whistles

Let’s be honest, there are hundreds of possible combinations to choose from in a rental market.

How many people should the car sit?
Do you need a powerful stereo?  Built-in GPS navigation?
Something sporty or something practical?  Something flashy?
How many miles per gallon does the car get?
For the eco-conscious, does it have low emissions?
How many miles can you drive on a full tank?  (Important the further north you go!)

The list goes on.  It’s time to get real and narrow down your options to what you *really* need.  My suggestion is to get the most basic package, keeping in mind good mileage – due to those winding roads and infrequent fuel stops – and if you don’t have a smartphone that works, perhaps a GPS package, although you’ll want a map backup just in case.

Go with a Local Rental Agency

You’ll never possibly get the best possible choice from any single agency.  One company can only have so many vehicles, and depending on when you go, most of the ‘good ones’ may well be taken already.  So when I travel, I always rent a car after I have checked the prices of the local renting companies.

These companies tend to scour a bit harder to find the cheapest prices, with a larger selection than you’ll ever get at the little shop in the airport.  And don’t forget, a great deal on a rental car means you can easily head out of the big city and to one of the world’s most (in)famous attractions, none other than the Loch Ness Monster herself.  After about three and a half hours of absolutely stunning scenery in the Scottish countryside, you’ll find yourself at the mouth of Loch Ness, the most famous loch in all the world.  Stand at the edge, with your camera ready, and if you’re lucky, you might just be the one to get a picture of the notoriously elusive Loch Ness Monster, or ‘Nessie’ as the locals call her.  But there are also hundreds of ancient castles, medieval cathedrals, lakes and rivers, streams and shores, all waiting to be explored.

Trips like this just aren’t possible with trains, and a car offers you far more freedom than a tour-bus.  See some beautiful scenery off the highway?  Well, just turn off the road, park, and have a hike.  The heart of travel is adventure, and a rental car will guarantee it!

Tablet is said to have first made an official presence in Scottish cuisine back in the 18th century! The product is simple, usually just sugar and condensed milk with butter, though some fancier recipes include additional flavours like whisky or vanilla – or both!.

I’ve made it several times before and while the recipe for how to make Scottish tablet is simple, it’s also easy to screw up Here’s a recipe for you to try it at home. Be sure to read through it a couple times first, because “in the heat of the moment” – literally – it can get a bit hectic.

Ingredients

• 1 kg white granulated sugar
• 400g sweetended condensed milk (1 tin)
• 100g unsalted butter (not margarine)
• a small bowl of fresh milk
• a splash of vanilla extract

How To

Get your large, non-stick pan and put it on the stove on medium-high heat. Put the sugar in the pan with a little bit of the cold milk just to dampen it – you don’t want very much, hardly more than a couple spoons full. Add the butter and the condensed milk.

As it heats, stir it constantly – you must make sure it doesn’t stick. As it comes to a boil, turn the heat down and keep on stirring. You’ll notice it really rising up in the pan but just keep stirring.

It will take about 20 minutes after it boils to start to settle. You don’t have to have a sugar themometer to know when it’s ready – just drop a piece of it into cold water, and if it forms a soft, sticky ball, then it’s ready to go.

Once you take it off the heat, you need to stir EVEN MORE. Yup, go crazy. Once you feel the batter is quite smooth and almost starting to stick to the pan, you immediately then need to put the mixture into a glass tray, which you’ve buttered. The mixture will really freeze on you quickly so move fast.

You’ll need to leave the mix now to cool, usually overnight, before cutting into squares. Be sure to store in an airtight container so it doesn’t dry out.

Goes well with whisky and/or after a meal, or a long day of sightseeing.
Slainte!

The Scott Monument

The Scott Monument is just across the street from Jenner’s Department Store, on the lawn of Princes Street Gardens.
It  was built in the mid 1800s as a memorial to the death of famous Scottish author Sir Walter Scott.  It’s in a style known as “Victorian Gothic” – the dark color actually is from the soot of the coal fireplaces that were once common in Edinburgh, but the sandstone chosen for the monument was specifically used as it darkens quickly with age.

For a nominal fee you can walk the VERY tiny stairs up to the top. Not for the claustrophobic.

The Dugald Stewart Monument

The Dugald Stewart Monument is probably the most photographed monument in Edinburgh, and yet it’s most unknown. It is a memorial to the Scottish philosopher and professor Dugald Stewart. The monument was built by one of the more famous of architects, William Henry Playfair, and the design may seem familiar – it’s based on the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens, and there are many others similar to it around the world.

Next time you’re up here on Calton Hill, don’t just snap away – take a closer look at this beautiful monument.

The National Monument

This structure is another William Henry Playfair structure (co-designed with fellow architect Charles Robert) and is the National Monument. It was built in the mid 1800s and some say left unfinished – citing the Parthenon in Athens as the model it was designed after – but others say the architect’s intended for it not to be finished. There are several bits of lore about how the city of Glasgow offered to pay to finish it but Edinburgh was too proud to say yes.

Whatever happened, today the monument is a beauty, finished or not – especially right at dusk.

The Melville Monument

Smack in the middle of beautiful St. Andrews Square, which only in 2008 was open to the public with its lovely benches and reflecting pond, sits the Melville Monument. That guy on the top is Henry Dundas, the Viscount Melville. You might know him by another name, King Henry the 9th.

There’s a tiny wee door on top which I’d love to go up and open, but sadly it isn’t open to the public.

Greyfriar’s Bobby

Perhaps one of the most photographed “persons” in the city of Edinburgh is old Greyfriar’s Bobby, sitting outside of the Greyfrair’s graveyard. There is so much rumor and folklore about this wee skye terrier that it’s hard to say what’s true or not. The traditional story goes that the dog’s owner, John Gray, died and was buried in Greyfriar’s Kirkyard, and the dog returned vigilantly every day waiting for his master.

Many books and films have been made about the dog, though some researchers say that the dog was just a Victorian-era publicity stunt. (It obviously worked.)

The Nelson Monument

Last but not least we feature another popular Edinburgh monument, The Nelson Monument. It was built as a memorial to a victorious naval officer, Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson. The odd design is intentional, as it was intended to look like a upside-down telescope. The monument later became more functional in nature – that strange cross at the top has a ball that can be used to signal time to ships in Leith Harbour. That was replaced with the 1 o’clock cannon now fired from Edinburgh Castle.

There is a wonderful viewing platform at the top, and the staircase up is quite wide. While the opening hours are not as frequent as other monuments in the area, this one is perhaps my favourite – and it’s quite here, as most folks are busy enjoying the other sights on Calton Hill.

If you’re looking for a bit of pampering while you’re here, we’ve got some crafty suggestions – careful, though; these hotels are so comfy, you might not want to leave.

Tailors Hall Hotel

The Tailors Hall Hotel is centrally located on the historic Cowgate, which used to be a street for moving cattle (as the name implies) but now is steps from bars, restaurants, clubs, and of course is just underneath the Royal Mile where many of the attractions are. Tailors is noted for it’s popular bar (though rooms are quiet) and staff are friendly and full of that classic Scottis hospitality.

Pampering services at the Tailors Hall include 24-hour concierge, modern toiletries, and amazing interior decor.

The Hudson Hotel

The Hudson Hotel Edinburgh is another local hotel known for their popular bar, but the 30 rooms here at the Hudson – smack in the center of town – are modern and stylish yet still have a vintage charm. It almost feels like a hotel from New York, yet here you are in Auld Reekie, with Queen Street right out your door – be at bars, clubs and restaurants in less than 60 seconds.

The Caledonian Hilton Hotel

The Caledonian is one of Edinburgh’s most famous hotels, a regal establishment that was once actually a bustling railway station. Today you can see touches of those railways days – rooms feature historic paintings and some of the several bars and restaurants in the hotel are actually railway platforms. The hotel is right on the end of Princes Street, so all the attractions are very close and you are afforded one of the best views of Edinburgh castle in the city.

On site there are plenty of amenities including the wonderful bedding, tartan-style, massive bathrooms, bathrobes, slippers, indoor pool and fitness area.

The Scotsman

Last but certainly not least, The Scotsman takes hospitality and charm to a new level. Located right off the Royal Mile, this historic building will take you back to the days of royalty, in both comfort and modern amenities. Rooms feature wine bars, comfortable beds, and furnishings that are some of the most stylish in the city. Be sure to check out the spa gym, which is popular with the locals

Apart from hitch-hiking, you’ve got 4 main options on how to get from London to Edinburgh (or, how to get to Edinburgh from London).  Here’s the pros and cons of each, along with travel times.

Note: Total travel time includes travel time to/from transit point.  In other words, approximate door-to-door time.

Plane

London flights are one of the obvious options for getting from London to Edinburgh, and they’re probably the most popular because of quick and easy travel.  BMI flies regular flights from Edinburgh into London Heathrow, and there are banks of other options that fly into the various London airports.  The prices aren’t that dissimilar so you’ll want to research your airport option in London (since there are several) so you know your total travel time and any additional travel costs getting to/from the airport in London.

• Total Travel Time:  4-5 hours
• Pros: Your actual travel time is quite short, and overall it is the quickest way to get to Edinburgh.  It’s also often the cheapest.
• Cons: Airport hassles are the obvious – and delays are common, especially on the London end.  Plus getting to the airport in London can often be a hassle and add cost as well.

Don’t miss our guide on how to get from Edinburgh to the airport and what to eat at the Edinburgh airport.

Train

Pictured above for a reason – I think the train is the best option.  It’s easy, the train stations have plenty of conveniences, and the National Express – which operates the direct London-Edinburgh train route – is arguably the best train in the UK. It’s not as fast as flying, but when you incorporate the less hassle times on either end, the times are comparable.

• Total Travel Time:  5-6 hours
• Pros: Travel en route is very comfortable, and you don’t have to arrive hours early before your departure time.  Train stations have great amenities.
• Cons: Limited trains and the popularity of this option may mean your ideal travel time is sold out if you don’t plan in advance.  Trains are often subject to delays.

Don’t miss our guide on getting cheap railway tickets.

Bus

This is probably my least favorite option for traveling from London to Edinburgh because it’s slow and traffic in the UK can make your trip even longer.  Megabus is the best choice here, but National Express also offers bus services.  Be sure to research on board amenities such as a washroom, Wifi, etc. as the prices don’t always correlate to the options available.

• Total Travel Time:  11 hours
• Pros: With some carriers like Megabus, this can be a budget option.  Also bus stations don’t require you being there very early.
• Cons: It is very slow, you’re subject to traffic, and it can also be quite uncomfortable.

Car

Driving is not a great option, even if you’re already doing a driving tour in Scotland – the London end of traffic is a total mare and it can take quite some time to just get out of the city and be on your way to Edinburgh, or vice versa.  Also driving in London is complex, and there are congestion fees which means you might not be able to or want to drive in certain areas.  Although this is slightly more comfortable/convenient than the bus, it’s also more stress and hassle than letting someone else drive.

• Total Travel Time:  8 hours
• Pros: You travel on your schedule, and stop when you’d like to.
• Cons: This is a tough trip if you aren’t used to driving on the left side of the road.  Traffic is also a nightmare in the UK and you’re all but guaranteed hitting some of it during your trip unless you travel in the middle of the night.  Fuel costs are also rising and can add up.

Also note that if you’re buying a Eurorail pass, just be careful that your pass covers Scotland – you’ll want the Britrail Pass extension which costs more.