Kingsknowe Railway Station is Edinburgh’s gentle secret—a charming, compact hub framed by quiet neighborhoods and tree-lined streets. Just one moment on its platform can fill your soul with the serenity of small-town charm.









Everything you need to know about Kingsknowe
Located just south of Edinburgh city center, Kingsknowe offers a peaceful retreat close to natural beauty and cultural attractions. The Kingsknowe Hotel is a top choice—this charming Victorian-era building blends historic charm with modern comforts, featuring spacious rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a full Scottish breakfast. Its convenient location provides easy access to public transit, with a 5-minute walk to bus stops leading directly to Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street.
Guests enjoy proximity to Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Arthur's Seat, perfect for scenic hikes or morning walks. The hotel also offers free parking and personalized travel tips, making it ideal for visitors seeking both tranquility and city accessibility. Experience authentic Scottish hospitality in a serene, leafy neighborhood.
Yes, Kingsknowe is surrounded by excellent family-friendly attractions. Just a 10-minute drive away is the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, home to over 10,000 plant species and featuring a dedicated children’s discovery garden with interactive trails and nature play areas—perfect for young explorers.
A short hike from Kingsknowe leads to Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh’s iconic volcanic hill. With well-marked paths and panoramic views of the city skyline, it’s ideal for families seeking adventure and fresh air. The climb takes about 30–40 minutes, offering rewarding vistas from the summit.
Along the way, families can stop at local cafés like The Coffee House at the Gardens, serving healthy snacks and hot drinks. A weekend trip combining nature, history, and delicious food makes for a memorable Scottish family experience.
Travel time from Kingsknowe to central Edinburgh ranges from 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. The most convenient option is taking bus routes 50, 51, and 57, which stop near the area and provide direct access to Princes Street, Waverley Station, and St Andrew Square.
For greater flexibility, taxis or ride-sharing services (like Uber) are readily available, costing approximately £10–15. Self-drive travelers can use the nearby M8 motorway entrance, which connects quickly to major city attractions.
Parking is also accessible throughout the neighborhood, with ample public spaces and road-side bays. Whether for business or sightseeing, Kingsknowe offers efficient connectivity to Edinburgh’s heart, balancing convenience with ease of access.
Yes, Kingsknowe boasts several hidden culinary gems. The Old Mill Café, housed in a restored 19th-century mill, offers artisanal pastries, seasonal desserts, and specialty coffee in a tranquil, rustic setting—ideal for a relaxing afternoon break.
Another standout is Hillside Bistro, renowned for its creative British cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. Try their smoked Scottish salmon or slow-cooked beef rib, paired with an expertly curated wine list for a refined dining experience.
For a taste of community life, visit the Kingsknowe Farmers’ Market (held monthly), where local producers showcase fresh produce, handmade cheeses, and baked goods. These venues not only deliver exceptional food but also reflect the warmth and authenticity of this vibrant South Edinburgh neighborhood.
See what other travelers say about Kingsknowe

Staying at the voco Edinburgh - Haymarket was a perfect balance between city convenience and peaceful retreat. The hotel is centrally located, just a short walk from major attractions and a quick subway ride away, yet the rooms are remarkably quiet—thanks to the windows that open slightly and the whisper-quiet air conditioning. Everything in the room felt clean and thoughtfully equipped: tea bags, biscuits, coffee, and even chocolate drinks were available. They even provided slippers in the bathroom, which was a nice touch. The view from the window was stunning, offering a beautiful glimpse of the city skyline. Breakfast was fantastic—plenty of options, including boiled eggs, and authentic Scottish specialties that truly stood out. Dinner was equally impressive, so much so that I decided to have a meal there right before heading to the airport. When I had any questions, the front desk staff responded promptly and with great care. Overall, this stay exceeded my expectations. If I ever return to Edinburgh, I’d absolutely book here again.

Staying at Mercure Edinburgh Haymarket was an absolute pleasure. As a well-known chain, the hotel delivers consistent quality—clean rooms, modern amenities, and friendly staff. The location is unbeatable: just a 10-minute walk to Haymarket Station, making it super easy to hop on the subway for quick access across the city. The airport tram stops right outside the station, so getting to the airport is seamless—just a 15-minute ride with no transfers needed. Plus, major attractions like St. Giles Cathedral and the Royal Mile are all within a 10-minute walk, perfect for exploring on foot. There’s also a bus stop right in front of the hotel, connecting you to key sights without hassle. Whether you're here for sightseeing or business, this hotel offers excellent value, great convenience, and a stress-free stay.

Staying at Village Hotel Edinburgh for three nights was an absolute delight. The location is super convenient—just a short metro ride into the city center, and there are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. The room was spotless, with a comfortable bed that made for a restful sleep every night. I especially appreciated the 24-hour fitness center—it's well-equipped and perfect for early morning workouts or late-night sessions. The on-site bar has a cozy, inviting vibe with soft background music, making it a great spot to unwind after a day of exploring. The common areas are clean and well-maintained, adding to the overall pleasant atmosphere. With its great value and excellent amenities, this hotel stands out. I’d definitely return and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Edinburgh who wants a comfortable, lively stay.

Staying at Hampton by Hilton Edinburgh West End was a real highlight of my trip. The location is unbeatable—just a short walk from the city center and within easy reach of public transport. While the sofa bed does take up a bit more space when unfolded, it didn’t affect my comfort at all. The breakfast options were simple but fresh and delicious—especially when I made my own waffles in the room, which turned out surprisingly tasty! There’s a great little Chinese restaurant and a supermarket right nearby, making daily essentials super convenient. Yes, the booking price was a bit on the higher side, but everything else—the cleanliness, staff friendliness, and overall vibe—made it totally worth it. I’d definitely stay here again.

The breakfast buffet was exceptionally well-rounded and delicious—plenty of options and great quality. The location is perfect for exploring the city on foot, with major attractions just a short walk away. The staff were incredibly helpful, responsive, and genuinely friendly throughout our stay. Being an adults-only property added to the peaceful atmosphere, making it ideal for a relaxing getaway without distractions. It’s clear that attention to detail and guest comfort are top priorities here. Highly recommend this charming hotel for anyone visiting Edinburgh.

Staying at the Leonardo Edinburgh Haymarket was a fantastic experience overall. The room was larger than expected, featuring a comfortable sofa that made it feel more like a home away from home. Cleanliness was excellent—everything looked fresh and well-maintained. The in-room amenities were thoughtful: a capsule coffee machine and a fridge made mornings easy and convenient, especially for that quick caffeine fix. Location-wise, it couldn’t be better—just a short walk to the train station and within easy reach of major attractions. There are plenty of restaurants and cozy bars nearby, so dinner and drinks are never an issue. The only downside is the cabinet above the tea station—it has a sharp corner that could easily cause injury if you’re not careful. It’s definitely a safety concern, especially when moving around with luggage or in low light. A simple fix like adding a soft edge cover would go a long way. Otherwise, this hotel offers great value and a welcoming atmosphere.

Staying at The Roseate Edinburgh was a truly memorable experience. While it didn’t stand out dramatically over our previous night’s accommodation, the unique charm of being housed within a historic castle made all the difference. The atmosphere is quiet and serene—perfect for unwinding after a busy day exploring the city. Rooms were clean, well-appointed, and surprisingly peaceful, with excellent sound insulation. The surrounding area is pleasant too—cozy cafés, local shops, and easy access to public transport make getting around hassle-free. It’s not just a place to sleep; it feels like stepping into a story. Great value, great location, and an unforgettable stay overall.

Staying at the Britannia Edinburgh Hotel was a pleasant surprise, especially since it’s a bit outside the city center—though that’s actually one of its biggest perks. The hotel is tucked away in a quiet area with a large park right next door, perfect for morning walks. My parents loved strolling through the fresh air each day, and the peaceful vibe made our stay feel like a real retreat. A short walk takes you to Dean Village, which has such a charming, rural feel compared to the bustling city. The room itself was unremarkable but comfortable—nothing fancy, but clean, well-maintained, and had all the essentials. It’s not flashy, but it works perfectly if you’re after a calm, relaxing base. Plus, getting into the city by public transport is easy. Overall, this place offers a great balance between tranquility and convenience—ideal for travelers who want to escape the crowds without sacrificing accessibility.

Since traveling to Europe has been a bit risky lately, I decided to go for the next best thing—Scotland. The Piries Hotel is perfectly located near Haymarket Station, just a short walk into the heart of the city, with trams and buses nearby. That said, the room was extremely basic and not at all what I expected when booking. It was also quite noisy because it’s situated right at the base of the stairs leading up to the upper floors. To make matters worse, the hotel charged me twice for the same stay—six weeks apart. I’ve reached out via phone and email, but they’ve refused to respond or explain what went wrong. Honestly, despite the great location, I can’t recommend this hotel under any circumstances. I’ve traveled extensively around the world and have never experienced anything like this before. It’s hard to believe this happened, and I’m left wondering if this is a common issue or just an isolated incident.

The location is unbeatable—everything worth seeing in Edinburgh is just a short walk away, from the castle to historic streets and museums. The staff went above and beyond with their warm, friendly service and genuine attention to detail. I felt welcomed from the moment I arrived. The room was spotless, well-maintained, and incredibly comfortable—perfect for a relaxing stay after a day of exploring. Cleanliness, convenience, and hospitality all at top level. This is exactly the kind of hotel I’d recommend to anyone visiting Edinburgh, and I’ll definitely be returning.

I truly miss this hotel—it was such a gem! Sure, the building feels a bit dated and the corridors can be a little maze-like, but the breakfast absolutely blew me away. It easily outshined what many higher-rated luxury hotels serve. The location is unbeatable—just a 3-minute walk from Haymarket train and tram station, with access to at least 20 bus routes. You’re never far from anywhere in the city. And on top of all that, it was incredibly affordable—seriously one of the best values I’ve ever experienced. This place felt like an old lady who’s lost her spotlight but still carries grace and warmth. I’m genuinely excited to see what the new building will bring, hoping they preserve the soul and charm that made it so special.

The location of City Rooms Edinburgh is excellent—very convenient for getting around the city by metro. The bed was comfortable, which was a plus. However, during our five-day stay, the room was never cleaned at all—even the bathroom remained untouched. The carpeted floor was another issue; it’s hard to keep clean and feels unhygienic. It’s disappointing, especially considering the price. I wouldn’t recommend this place, and if I ever return to Edinburgh, I’ll definitely look for a different hotel.
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