Explore Edinburgh Scotland in One Day – Best Places To Visit

During our 3rd day in the United Kingdom, while waiting for our daughter’s return from her 3 weeks Kingdom Education Summer Program, my husband and I decided to go on a side trip to Edinburgh, Scotland from London.

We arrived London on July 27, 2017 from Manila.  The whole day of  July 28,  we go around London and visited the best places in London.

This post is all about our side trip to Edinburgh, Scotland from London.

If you are planning to visit United Kingdom and looking for the best places to visit, I hope this post can help you explore Edinburgh Scotland in one day.

We took the Virgin Train to Edinburgh from Victoria Station London.
Victoria Station is just about 5-8 minutes walk from Comfort Inn Hotel (this is where we stayed for 10 Days in London).

Virgin Train is one of the best way to go to Edinburgh Scotland.  It’s about 5 hours and 25 minutes ride. It is better to take the early morning trip to arrive early in Edinburgh, Scotland.  Virgin train serves lunch at their Food Bar.

Explore Edinburgh, Scotland From London

Here’s how to get to Edinburgh, Scotland  from London Victoria Station.

From Victoria Station go towards Walthamstow Central
King’s Cross St. Pancras Underground Station – walk about 3 minutes King’s cross (platform 4) and take the Virgin Trains EC towards Edinburgh.

This photo was taken outside Edinburgh Waverley Train Station

Upon arrival at the Edinburgh Waverley Train Station, everything that you need to see in Edinburgh is just all walking distance.

This photo was taken just in front of the Edinburgh Waverley train station. One Scottish guy playing Scottish music just beside the Scott Monument located inside the Princes Street Gardens.

We arrived Edinburgh Waverley Train Station around 2:15pm and since we are traveling light, we just decided to go straight to Edinburgh Castle.

Explore Edinburgh Scotland : Visit The Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress which dominates the skyline of the city of Edinburgh, Scotland, from its position on the Castle Rock.

Edinburgh Castle is one of the top tourist attraction that you must see in Edinburgh, Scotland.
This photo was taken before you get in to the Castle.

Edinburgh Castle opening hours:

The castle opens daily at 9.30am. During summer (from April 1 to September 30) closing time is 6:00pm.  And during winter (from October 1 to March 31), closing time is 5:00pm.

Edinburgh Castle is closed on 25th and 26th December. While on January 1st they are open from 11am to 5pm.

Edinburgh Castle Ticket Prices:

Children under 5 years old: Free
Children (from 5 years old to 16 yrs): 16.20 Pounds
Adult: 17 Pounds
Senior (60 years old and above): 13.60 Pounds

Note: The above prices are subject to change.

Explore Edinburgh, Scotland:
Visit The Princes Street Gardens

The Princess Street Gardens is a popular garden that is open for public. This is a beautiful garden to take a walk, relax and enjoy the beautiful view of the Edinburgh Castle from the garden.

This photo was taken inside the Princess Street Gardens. There’s one cute little house inside the garden.

There are benches, children’s playground, sandwich stand and ice cream shop inside the park.

The Princess Street Gardens is located in the heart of the city centre. This is just right in front of the Edinburgh Waverley Train Station and just walking distance from the Old Edinburgh Town, Edinburgh Castle and the other tourist spots.

Inside the park, you will find a Ferris Wheel where you can enjoy the spectacular views of Edinburgh.

The last ride is at 9.45pm

Explore Edinburgh, Scotland:
Visit The Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Queen is in residence at the Palace of Holyroodhouse during Holyrood week, which usually takes place from the end of June to the beginning of July. Souce: RoyalCollectionTrust.Org.Uk

The Queen received His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI at Holyroodhouse during The Pope’s official visit to the UK in September 2010.

Opening Hours of the Palace of Holyroodhouse:

Open daily from 09:30am to 4:30pm (November to March)
Open daily from 09:30am to 6:00pm (April to October)

Standard Admission Prices:

Adult: 12.50 Pounds
Over 60 and Students: 11.40 Pounds (valid ID required)
Under 17 years old: 7.50 Pounds
Children under 5 years old: Free

Note: The above prices are subject to change.

How to Get to the Palace of Holyroodhouse:

By train: Edinburgh Waverley. The Palace is a 15-minute walk from the station.

Head east on The Mound toward The Mound – take the stairs – Continue onto N Bank St – Continue onto St Giles’ St.

Turn left onto High St/The Royal Mile – At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Horse Wynd – Turn left onto Abbey Strand

Turn right (Restricted usage road) –  then you will reach the Palace of Holyroodhouse

By bus: Numbers 6 and 35 stop near the Palace.

Explore Edinburgh, Scotland:
Visit The St. Giles Cathedral

St. Giles Cathedral is a beautiful historic city church of Edinburgh. The cathedral has different beautiful designed stained glass windows.

The St. Giles Cathedral is a stunning piece of architecture sitting along the Royal Mile, so it is impossible to miss this out. It is worthwhile to have a quick stop and check it out.

How to get to St. Giles Cathedral:

St. Giles Cathedral is just a short walk from Waverley train station, Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street Gardens and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

By Bus, you can take bus numbers 35, 23, 27, 28, 41 and 42.

St. Giles Opening Hours:

St Giles’ is open to visitors all year except 25th after 11.30am service and 26th December and 1st and 2nd January.

During Summer (May to September):
Monday – Friday: 09:00am to 7:00pm
Saturday –  09:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday –  1:00pm to 5:00pm

During Winter (October to April):
Monday – Saturday: 09:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday – 1:00pm to 5:00pm

Explore Edinburgh, Scotland:
Visit The  Edinburgh Old Town

The Edinburgh Old Town is a medieval town that is well preserved. I love the medieval experience and its character. It was preserved in its original shape . You must definitely pay a visit for you to see and feel how the Scottish people lived several hundred years ago. It’s really an amazing place to explore.

There are several shops that sells souvenirs, bags, shirts and there are also several bars and restaurant along the Edinburgh Old Town.

Walking along this Old Town is a must to do in Edinburgh, Scotland. You can just spend 1 hour to stroll around the Edinburgh Old Town.

So far, Edinburgh is my favorite place because of its medieval architecture. It has it’s own character and the people are also friendly and nice.

To conclude, if you are planning to visit United Kingdom – Visit Edinburgh, Scotland.  Edinburgh, Scotland is a great place to include on your bucket lists.

I hope you enjoyed this post and if you have any questions on how to travel with Ease, just leave me a comment below.

Happy and Have a safe trip to Edinburgh, Scotland!

Your Travel Guide,
jeng cua