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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Lauriston Castle
Near Lauriston Castle in Edinburgh, highly recommended options include Hotel Indigo Glasgow and The Castle Hotel. The former is just a 15-minute walk from the castle, offering modern rooms with rooftop dining and panoramic city views, while the latter features historic architecture with select rooms showcasing views of the castle’s turrets and the Scottish Highlands.
Both properties provide complimentary parking and airport transfer services, ensuring convenient access. For unique experiences, book a guided castle tour led by expert historians, exploring hidden tunnels and royal chambers dating back to the 16th century. Don’t miss the evening light event, where the castle is illuminated with dramatic lighting, creating an immersive medieval atmosphere—perfect for photography and cultural immersion.
The easiest way to reach Lauriston Castle from central Edinburgh is via Bus 27 or 48, alighting at "Lauriston Place" and walking 3 minutes to the site. Taxis or Uber take about 10 minutes, costing £15–£20. For eco-friendly travel, rent a CityCycle bike and ride along the Royal Mile Greenway, enjoying scenic views of Old Town and the crescent-shaped gardens.
Parking is limited on-site, but nearby areas like Southside offer short-stay spots—check real-time availability using the Parkopedia app. Weekends often feature art markets and outdoor concerts in the castle square, making it ideal to combine your visit with local cultural events and experience the blend of urban life and green space.
Lauriston Castle hosts several unique cultural events annually, including the Summer Classical Music Festival, held in the castle grounds featuring renowned orchestras performing works by Bach and Mozart. Outdoor seating and tea stalls create an elegant, immersive atmosphere.
The castle also offers historical reenactment tours, where visitors dress as 16th-century nobles, participating in court rituals, letter-writing workshops, and sword demonstrations to experience Scotland’s Renaissance era firsthand.
During Christmas, the castle illuminates a massive tree and hosts a costume market selling handmade ceramics, wool blankets, and traditional Scotch whisky. All events require advance HopeGoo—purchase combo tickets via the official website for discounted entry and exclusive guided access, blending education with entertainment.
Top scenic hotels near Lauriston Castle include Wyndham Edinburgh City Centre and Old Town House Boutique Hotel. The former features floor-to-ceiling windows offering direct views of the castle’s towers and Scottish hills, plus a rooftop bar perfect for sunset vistas.
The latter is nestled within Edinburgh’s Old Town alleys, with a courtyard combining ancient stone walls and contemporary greenery—morning light filters through trees onto cobbled paths. Both hotels are within a 8-minute walk of the castle and near the Edinburgh Subway Station, providing free luggage storage and travel concierge services.
Guests can book an early-morning castle tour during off-peak hours, allowing private exploration of historical chambers with fewer crowds, delivering a more intimate and memorable experience.
The top choice near Lauriston Castle is the Lauriston Castle Hotel, a beautifully restored 19th-century castle offering a unique historic castle stay. Each room blends period charm with modern comfort, and some feature panoramic views of the castle grounds and Edinburgh's skyline.
The hotel also boasts an elegant restaurant and bar, serving authentic Scottish cuisine in a refined setting. Conveniently located just 25 minutes from Edinburgh Airport via bus or taxi, it’s ideal for guests exploring the city and surrounding highlands.
Travelers can take Bus 23 or 36 from central Edinburgh, alighting at Hillside stop, then walk about 10 minutes to reach Lauriston Castle. For greater convenience, HopeGoo a taxi or Uber takes around 15 minutes and offers scenic views of west Edinburgh’s greenery.
Some tour operators also provide guided tours with private transfers, perfect for visitors seeking an immersive experience of the area’s history and architecture.
Near Lauriston Castle, visitors can enjoy several distinctive experiences: guided castle tours revealing its architectural heritage and aristocratic past; afternoon tea in historic halls, featuring homemade scones and fine pastries; and summer outdoor concerts and cultural festivals blending art and nature.
History enthusiasts may also join Victorian lifestyle workshops, where they can explore period home life, dress codes, and traditional crafts in an immersive setting.
Yes, Lauriston Castle Hotel is highly suitable for families, offering family-friendly rooms including interconnecting suites and child-friendly amenities like cribs and baby cutlery. The hotel features a secure courtyard garden and hosts engaging activities such as castle scavenger hunts and gardening workshops that educate children through play.
Its proximity to the Edinburgh Science Museum and Glasgow Botanic Gardens makes it a convenient base for family outings, ensuring a memorable and enriching trip.
Top photo locations near Lauriston Castle include the front façade with its Gothic spires and stone masonry, creating a dramatic backdrop; the fountain plaza in the castle gardens, lush with seasonal blooms and perfect for soft lighting shots; and the hilltop viewpoint overlooking the estate, ideal for sweeping panoramic photos.
Visit during early morning or golden hour for gentle light that enhances architectural details and adds a timeless aesthetic to your images.
Yes, during summer months—typically June to August—Lauriston Castle hosts nighttime illumination events, featuring vintage-style lighting that transforms the castle into a dreamlike landmark. These evenings include guided night tours with storytelling and live music performances, immersing visitors in Scottish legends.
Some events offer stargazing dinners under the open sky, combining gourmet meals with local wines, making it a truly magical experience for couples and history lovers alike.
The breakfast at Lauriston Castle Hotel features locally sourced ingredients, offering a rich English breakfast with freshly baked bread, artisanal jams, smoked salmon, and regional ham. The standout dish is the castle-exclusive scone, served with seasonal preserves and clotted cream—soft, sweet, and perfectly textured.
All ingredients come from nearby farms, emphasizing freshness and sustainability. Meals are served in the grand hall with a roaring fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows, evoking the elegance of a royal breakfast experience.
Traveler Reviews
See what other travelers say about Lauriston Castle
Mercure Edinburgh Haymarket
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.
Leonardo Edinburgh Haymarket
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.
The Roseate Edinburgh
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.
Britannia Edinburgh Hotel
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.
Village Hotel Edinburgh
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.
Piries Hotel
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.
Four Points Flex by Sheraton Edinburgh
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.
Edinburgh Grosvenor Hotel New
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.
City Rooms Edinburgh
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.
Palmerston Suites
The family-friendly suite was spacious enough for our group of four, offering plenty of room to move around without feeling cramped. Its location is unbeatable—just a 5-minute walk to the train station and a short 8 to 10-minute stroll to the high street. Whether you're catching a train or exploring local shops and cafes, everything is within easy reach. The hotel itself felt clean, quiet, and well-maintained, making it a perfect base for our stay in Edinburgh. Highly recommend for travelers seeking comfort and convenience in a central spot.
Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - City West
The room was spacious and offered a lovely view from the window—perfect for morning coffee with a scenic backdrop. Just steps away is a large supermarket where I could easily pick up water, snacks, and everyday essentials without needing to go far. The hotel’s front door has direct access to bus stops, making travel around Edinburgh super convenient as long as you check the route direction. What truly stood out was the front desk staff—so helpful and welcoming! When I asked if they could lend me a spoon for instant noodles, the receptionist immediately handed me a full set of cutlery with a smile. That little gesture made my stay feel much more personal and thoughtful. Clean, well-located, and staff who genuinely care—this is exactly what makes a great experience. Highly recommend this Holiday Inn Express for anyone visiting Edinburgh.
Hampton by Hilton Edinburgh West End
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.
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