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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.
See what other travelers say about Lauriston Castle
Absolutely loved our stay at Dalry Guesthouse! The location is fantastic—just steps away from the subway and right next to a Lidl, which made grabbing essentials super convenient. The room was clean, well-sized, and cozy with everything we needed. Breakfast was a real highlight—fresh, hearty, and full of local flavor. The staff went above and beyond with their warm hospitality, always ready to help or offer tips. The neighborhood itself has a vibrant, multicultural vibe, with diverse cafes and shops around every corner. It’s such a welcoming, authentic part of Edinburgh. For a budget-friendly yet high-quality experience, this place truly delivers. Highly recommend for travelers who want comfort, convenience, and a genuine local feel.
Staying at Belford Hostel was an absolute highlight of my trip to Edinburgh! The place is incredibly clean and comfortable, with a standout feature being the spacious and immaculate restroom—definitely one of the best I've ever used in a hostel. The atmosphere is welcoming, the staff are friendly and helpful, and the location is perfect for exploring the city center by foot or public transit. I loved the cozy vibe, great amenities, and how well-maintained everything felt. It’s rare to find such a high-quality budget stay, and I’d absolutely recommend this place to any traveler looking for comfort, cleanliness, and value. Would book again without hesitation!
The moment I walked into the hotel, it felt like coming home—warm, cozy, and spotless. The room had everything I needed: a coffee corner, plenty of towels, a hairdryer, and even a small sink. The shared bathroom was always clean and easily accessible. Everything I needed was within reach, and the location is perfect—everything you’d want is nearby, with the city center just a short walk away. It’s hard to find a better place to stay in Edinburgh. Highly recommend this gem!
Coming from the airport, take the Airlink 100 bus and get off at Haymarket. Cross the road and walk back a bit—look for the sign pointing to Coates Gardens. Follow the slope upward until you reach the top, and there it is—Travelodge Edinburgh Haymarket right in front of you. The location is fantastic: most attractions are within walking distance, so you won’t need to buy any bus tickets. The main entrance faces southeast, so if you book a room on a higher floor, you’ll catch the morning sun streaming in—perfect for snapping some beautiful photos. Super convenient, well-located, and great value—highly recommend for travelers wanting a stress-free stay in Edinburgh.
The stay was absolutely fantastic! The residence is spotlessly clean with all the essentials you'd need—great beds, functional furniture, and excellent soundproofing that made for a peaceful night's sleep. The staff were incredibly welcoming and always ready to help with any request, making the whole experience feel personal and stress-free. Located just steps away from the university, it’s super convenient for commuting via public transit. Plus, there are plenty of cafes, grocery stores, and local spots nearby. I can’t recommend this place enough—it’s perfect for students looking for comfort, convenience, and value. I’ll definitely be coming back next time I’m in Edinburgh!
The property has recently rebranded from Syozant Morrison Central ApartHotel to Edinburgh Central Morrison Aparthotel, but the experience couldn’t be worse. The room was filthy, with visibly dirty sheets and poor hygiene throughout. The listing description is completely misleading—nothing matched what was advertised. Shared facilities and a cramped layout make it feel more like a student dorm than a proper apartment stay. We only stayed for about ten minutes before deciding to leave, but the owner refused to issue a refund. This place is not worth your time or money—avoid at all costs.
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.
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.
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.
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