Best Edinburgh Hidden Gem Attractions

THE 10 BEST Hidden Gem Attractions in Edinburgh

Best Edinburgh Hidden Gem Attractions

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13 places sorted by traveller favourites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.


What travellers are saying

  • Darren R
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful New Town house. Its the guides that make it extra special though, really enhanced the visit with their knowledge and enthusiasm.
    Written 16 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Chan G
    Reading, UK257 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Cute Harry Potter looking village! Not too far to walk to from the city centre and it's very quaint and looks stunning. It does get very busy so I'd recommend going early in the day.
    Written 30 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Magdalene E
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Had a lovely afternoon with the Alpacas. Walk not to strenuous and the weather was perfect..Great to hear the history of the Alpaca and such gentle animals 😀
    Written 18 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kelly1957
    Crowborough, UK104 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great boat trip with Forth Tours. Enjoyable, informative commentary on board, great crew and drinks/snacks for sale.
    Amazing views of the bridges and coastline.
    The island is a magical place and the staff on the island are just wonderful.
    Castle and island are well worth a visit.
    We thought we might keep this a secret but we had the whole island to ourselves for the last hour!!
    Captain took us to see the seals on the way back to Queensferry.
    Great views of the razorbillls and gulls.
    Written 20 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Rantin rover
    Biggar, UK8 675 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Substantial historic ruined medieval castle in the suburbs of Edinburgh and within distant view of it’s more famous attraction in the city centre. Both are maintained by Historic Scotland and are subject to entrance fees. I’ve got Historic Scotland membership which covers our grandchildren so only had to pay £7.50 for my wife to join us on this particular exploration which was aimed largely at keeping the kids occupied for a while!

    Unlike the famous Edinburgh Castle this site doesn’t attract large numbers of visitors at any one time and there are only parking places for a dozen or so vehicles. However it’s likely to be on a bus route if you’re based in town. No café facilities on site either although the small ticket office/shop does sell a limited number of “treats”.

    There are sometimes quizzes at Historic Scotland sites aimed at focusing younger visitors minds on the search for information however on this occasion it wasn’t the case. There were some games set up in a vaulted section which kept us entertained for a while - skittles and a version of darts (of the sticky variety rather than the sharp type). The main attraction of course was to explore the hidden nooks and crannies which children and adults often enjoy on such sites. A little imagination is required to transport yourself back through the years but some interpretation boards help set the scene. I’d recommend taking a torch if you want to look up the chimneys or venture into the vaulted stores - lighting is provided most places but a torch helps where it is not.

    I had visited solo previously and had obtained the guidebook so I had a rough idea of the layout to try and see all the areas of interest. The fact that Mary Queen of Scots had stayed at the castle at some stage was lost on our young visitors who didn’t have a clue who she was!

    An element of caution is required to supervise small children as there are plenty of uneven surfaces, large drops from battlements and steep spiral stairways - thankfully our 4 and 10 year old grandkids managed fine. The most hazardous part of the trip for their grandparents was the post trip visit to McDonalds at Cameron Toll where we were re-introduced to a dining experience of a different variety.

    Craigmillar is well worth a visit with children or if you enjoy exploring castle ruins for an understanding of our history.
    Written 5 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Darren R
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    House gives an insight into the history of Edinburgh Old Town. Its the guides that make it though. Genuinely enthusiastic and informative.
    Written 16 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ruth G
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A spooky yet interesting tour! Definitely recommend doing it at night to add an extra creepy vibe ;) Kieran was very knowledgeable, funny and kept our attention the whole time. A definite must do and see if you’re in Auld Reekie!
    Written 3 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Brian P
    Cupar, UK431 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were at Hopetoun's Snowdrop Festival and thoroughly enjoyed the visit. The highlight for us was the visit to the House itself. It is a self-guided tour but the guides situated throughout the mansion were very helpful, knowledgeable and welcoming. The grounds are beautiful and the snowdrops were outstanding. Our only disappointment was the cafe situated in the magnificent stables. It was significantly overpriced and with a very limited selection of food. A small cup of soup and a cheese scone was £8. We'll take a picnic next time.
    Written 18 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • matthew p
    Edinburgh, UK102 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    this is a nice place to walk to there is a visitor centre here at Lanark road if you walk to ingles green viaduct you can walk up the stairs and get very good views of the city and afar. if you walk down the stairs you can walk the walkway takes you into the woods.
    Written 2 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lucie H
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I played a concert here with my band as part of a Scotland tour and we loved the whole experience of being hosted by the staff at the castle and sharing our music in such gorgeous surroundings.

    The castle staff were so warm and welcoming and really worked hard to help us put on our event. The complimentary cakes / teas /coffees at half time were such a great addition to the whole concert experience and we really appreciate the efforts that the staff went to for the event.

    Would highly recommend a visit to the concert and especially to take part in an event hosted by the castle. The setting and ambience really added such a special touch to the whole experience! Thank you Lauriston Castle and we look forward to visiting again at some point in the future!
    Written 16 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • matthew p
    Edinburgh, UK102 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    so this place can be a hit or a miss as if you walk to the island always remember to check when the tide comes in as if you don't you will be left stranded on the island for ever!! only joking the RNLI will come out, but best to check the times so you can walk too what are ruins of buildings from the second world war and walk back too the beach. other then that there's not much else too see imho. oh, and the beach is nice as well.
    Written 2 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Rosalind P
    Northampton, UK31 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had a wonderful wedding at Riddles Court. We booked the venue, unseen, in early summer 2020, and from the first enquiry the team were incredibly professional, helpful and supportive, and with a genuine warmth and enthusiasm for the success of our wedding day.

    We were organising the wedding across the pandemic and the team did a wonderful job to help and support our enquiries, being very professional while always working and communicating government restrictions clearly, but being as flexible as they could be, within those rules.

    The venue was beautiful and we were thrilled with the choice. It had a wonderful ambience. Our guests all commented on what a great location it is. It’s perfect to be in the centre of the city, and also very close to the registrars office for collecting and dropping of the relevant paperwork.

    We stayed in the Kings Chamber on site before and after the wedding, and this was great. The apartment is decorated beautifully and it a perfect location to stay in the city. It was also very useful to have a spot on site to get ready and take deliveries, etc for the day.

    We felt it was also good value for money.
    Written 28 January 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Malgorzata
    12 113 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Old and beautiful ruins. The northern wall of the former chapel, like a few stones, but the place is magical. These ruins exude a relaxing and soothing atmosphere. The ruins of a shrine, a lake in the background and ubiquitous greenery. Unforgettable panorama. You will enjoy an interesting view of the coast, the city and nearby parks. It's a great place to visit.
    Written 19 November 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.