Only a train ride away from London, picturesque in every way, filled to the brim with activities, great food and drink venues on every corner and rich in architecture and culture, what's not to love about Edinburgh?
Whether you're planning a girls' weekend away (which is exactly what H! Fashion's Orion and Lauren did), looking for a romantic getaway, or simply looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the busy London streets, the Scottish captial is perfect for all.
Some might argue that 48 hours isn't enough, especially for first-time visitors, but if you're strategic enough, we've rounded up all the very best places to wine, dine, sleep and recharge to ensure your short-but-sweet visit is as indulgent as can be.
WHERE TO STAY:
The Edinburgh Grand
Once the National Bank of Scotland HQ, this historic landmark blends refined elegance with rich Scottish heritage to create what can only be described as a luxury stay, fit for a princess. Made up of 50 spacious suites with fully equipped kitchens, living and dining areas, and original heritage features, the hotel oozes boutique prowess, with every inch sprinkled with grandeur and modern comfort.
Designed to feel like a home away from home, each room is equipped with everything you need to live like royalty. Sitting pretty on St Andrew’s Square and located just minutes from the train station, The Edinburgh Grand is perfect for those travelling from London and around the UK, as you can drop your bags and head out into the city in under 15 minutes.
“We stayed in the two-bedroom suite, which was absolutely perfect for a girls' weekend for four,” says Lauren. “Comprised of two luxurious bedrooms, each with its own bathroom (both featuring baths!), robes, slippers, and everything else needed for a relaxing stay, a fully equipped kitchen and the most incredible living and dining area, it was honestly hard to leave the suite and explore the city. I’ve never stayed anywhere with such grand ceilings and beautifully considered interiors that are contemporary, yet stay true to the building's heritage - from the elegant furnishings to the thoughtful finishing touches.”
WHERE TO WINE AND DINE:
Divino Enoteca Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar
Cosy, cute and walls filled with wine bottles? It’s a yes from us. An ode to the essence of Italy, Divino is a dinner destination like no other, which invites you to put your phone on ‘do not disturb’ and enjoy the company of your fellow pasta-loving counterparts. Focusing on seasonal, fresh, genuine Italian cuisine using local produce, every inch of the menu is a flavour symphony waiting to be enjoyed.
The Tagliatelle Al Ragu is utterly mouthwatering, the Bruschetta Con Pomodorini is packed with some of the sweetest Isle of Wight cherry tomatoes your taste buds will ever experience, and the beef cheek in braised Merlot and herbs is something you’ll never forget. Let's not forget to mention that the in-house sommelier is on hand to ensure each dish is perfectly paired with an Italian wine to elevate.
WHERE TO WELLNESS:
Spa at The Edinburgh Grand
There's nothing more euphoric than rolling out of a plush king-sized bed, fitted with crisp white sheets, slipping into a fluffy robe, matching slippers and heading down to a luxury spa experience to relax, rejuvenate and unwind. The newly opened Spa at The Edinburgh Grand is a luxury treatment-led retreat located in the heart of the hotel, dedicated to expert facials and restorative body rituals that deliver visible results without pools or thermal experiences.
The spa’s treatment menu has been developed in partnership with Skeyndor, the Spanish skincare brand renowned for its science-led innovations and clinical expertise. The approach brings advanced, clinically backed facial and body therapies to Edinburgh, elevating the spa experience to the standard of leading aesthetic clinics. If you simply can’t bring yourself to even think about leaving the oasis of your hotel room, fear not, they also offer an in-suite massage service, bringing wellness right to your door.
WHERE TO COCKTAIL:
Brunswick Bookclub
© marc millarIf you’re someone who likes to sit outside in the sunshine with a book in one hand and a specially crafted cocktail in the other, then the Brunswick Bookclub is for you. Located in the idyllic heart of Leith, the cocktail and gastro pub is home to both a food and drink menu dedicated to using the best produce Scotland has to offer.
© marc millar,marc millar photography
Whatever punny-named cocktail you decide on, rest assured, you won't be disappointed. From the Oliver Twister to the Wether-ing Heights, this sipping stop is a must-visit for all who enjoy a tipple with a view of the bustling city streets.
WHERE TO LUNCH:
Landy's Fish and Chips
A heavy helping of fish and chips is one of life's simplest pleasures, and that’s exactly what Landy’s excels at - all wrapped up in an Instagram-worthy striped interior. Keeping things classic but with a Scottish twist, the Landy’s menu is full to the brim of mouth-watering delights, ready to ignite your taste buds and fill your belly.
The Iron Bru wings are not to be missed, while the Proper Fish and Chips is their pride and joy, featuring flaky fish, battered to crispy perfection, served golden with piping hot chips.
WHERE TO AFTERNOON TEA:
The Register Club
Located on the 4th floor of The Edinburgh Grand, the Register Club is the hotel’s signature lounge and bar, offering breakfast, an all-day menu, evening cocktails and perhaps most importantly, afternoon tea. The menu is creatively Scottish and locally sourced, served within a stylish, heritage-inspired setting.
Indulge in a long list of herbal teas while tasting a selection of indulgent bites. From peppered roast beef sandwiches and a selection of homemade scones, all served with clotted cream, strawberry jam & salted butter, to Belhaven smoked haddock bonbons and a dainty local haggis & pork mince pie.
