Scotland’s capital offers the perfect blend of old and new – making it one of the most beautiful destinations in the UK. Not only is it a picturesque city, it has also been voted Britain’s best city to visit for five years in a row. It kept its place in the top spot of the Telegraph’s Top 20 Travel Destinations due to the ‘sweeping elegance of the Georgian New Town’ and the ‘history-soaked medieval tenements, vennels and wynds of the Old Town.’
With those credentials, you probably don’t need any further convincing that Edinburgh is the right city to host your next event. So now you just need to decide where? You’ve got the unique city, so how about an unusual venue? Here are some of the best:
Edinburgh Zoo
Your guests will include lions, monkeys, penguins, pandas, koalas and tigers when you host your event at Edinburgh Zoo. The zoo, which is set in parkland, is home to more than 1000 animals. Your event can take place at the 18th century Mansion House or the Budongo Lecture Theatre, in the chimpanzee venue. Whether you are hosting a corporate event or function or a wedding, this is a special venue that you and your guests will remember for a long time.
Winton Castle
Where better to impress your guests than a castle? Situated half an hour from the city centre and about 40 minutes from the airport, this venue is well worth making the journey for. Book car hire from Edinburgh airport and head to the East Lothian countryside, taking in the breathtaking landscape out of the window as you go. When you arrive you’ll quickly see why its strapline is: ‘Intimacy on a Grand Scale’. This venue is perfect for private and corporate events, conferences and meetings as well as activity days and gala dinners. There is also accommodation available should you need it.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is a guaranteed showstopper. It’s the most famous landmark in Scotland and is situated on Castle Rock with incredible views across the city. Your guests will feel like kings and queens when they arrive at your event in this memorable location. The Queen Anne Building and the Jacobite Room are both available for evening events while the Gatehouse Suite is available during the day. If you have more than 800 people attending you can even hire the whole castle. Evening events can include a private tour of the Scottish Crown Jewel and Stone of Destiny.
The Real Mary King’s Close
If you are looking for something really unusual then why not explore a slice of hidden history? The Real Mary King’s Close is below the Royal Mile in the Old Town. You can invite 120 guests to take a tour of these streets that date back to the 1600s and have now been frozen in time to offer a glimpse of days gone by. The tour will be lead by a former resident of the Close. It’s an atmospheric venue for corporate events and parties that will give your guests a taste of historic Edinburgh.
The Caves
The historic Caves can be found beneath Edinburgh’s 18th Century South Bridge. The rooms and vaults, which were once used as the French Cavalry stables and ‘Whiskey Row’ storage, were lost for more than 100 years. Since being discovered they have become a unique function space, perfect for a wide range of events including private dining and functions.
They all sound great, don’t they? You now just have the tricky job of choosing just one.
