Edinburgh City Social Weekend

This Edinburgh social weekend with Large Outdoors combines historic exploration, festive markets, and the natural beauty of Scotland's capital, offering an unforgettable escape into the city's past and present.


Experience Type: Multi-Day Experience
Duration:
2 nights
Accommodation: Hotel
Group Size: Maximum 10
Level: Leisurely
Age: 18+
Dogs: No dogs, except trained assistance dogs

In a Nutshell: 

  • Historic Edinburgh Explored: Dive deep into the heart of Edinburgh with guided tours of the majestic Edinburgh Castle and the hidden underground streets of The Real Mary King’s Close, uncovering centuries of history.

  • Ideal Location: Stay in the comfort of twin rooms at the ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge, perfectly located on the Royal Mile, putting you minutes away from the city's historic landmarks, shops, and bars.

  • Festive Atmosphere: Experience the magical Edinburgh Christmas Market and the city's stunning Christmas decorations, offering a blend of tradition and festivity.

  • Natural Beauty and Leisure: Enjoy leisurely walks through Holyrood Park, ascend Arthur’s Seat for breathtaking city views, or indulge in the local shopping and culinary delights for a relaxed end to the weekend.

 
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History, Happy Days, and a Hotel Stay in Edinburgh!

Edinburgh, with its iconic Royal Mile, sets the perfect stage for a weekend of exploration and discovery. We'll be immersing ourselves in the city's rich history and vibrant culture, all from the comfort of twin hotel rooms at the ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge. This ideally situated hotel places us within minutes of Edinburgh's historic landmarks as well as its bustling shops and bars, ensuring a memorable stay.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Introduction

Upon arrival, you can check into the hotel from 3pm. If you're arriving by train, the hotel is conveniently located just a 6-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley station. At 6pm, your Large Outdoors host will welcome you in the hotel reception. We'll then venture out together for a drink and dinner at a local pub, offering a great opportunity to get acquainted and discuss the weekend's plans (please note, the cost of evening meals is not included).

Day 2: Castle, Streets, and Underground Exploration

The day begins with a hearty cooked breakfast, fueling us for an adventure to Edinburgh Castle, an ancient fortress and former residence of Mary Queen of Scots. Our guided tour will reveal the castle's rich history and significance. Following the castle visit, we'll continue with a guided tour of Edinburgh's historic streets, culminating in an underground journey through The Real Mary King’s Close—a network of 17th-century alleyways preserved just below the contemporary city.

Enjoying a walk to the top of Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh

The afternoon offers free time to enjoy Edinburgh's festive atmosphere, whether by shopping, visiting the famous Christmas Market, or admiring the city's Christmas decorations. In the early evening, we'll dine together at a local restaurant, with the option for some to visit a bar en route back to the hotel.

Day 3: Holyrood Park and Farewell

After a leisurely breakfast and hotel checkout, we'll explore Holyrood Park, ascending Calton Hill and Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views of the city. This ancient volcano offers a unique perspective of Edinburgh from 251 metres above sea level. For those preferring a final shopping spree, there's the option to skip the walk and head straight to Edinburgh’s shopping streets or the Christmas Market before regrouping for a snack or lunch as we bid farewell.

This social weekend in Edinburgh promises a blend of history, camaraderie, and exploration, making for an unforgettable Large Outdoors experience.

Good to Know

  • Meeting Time: Check-in is available from 3pm.
    Your Large Outdoors host will meet you in the bar at 6pm. Dinner will be booked at a local restaurant between 7pm-8pm so if you intend to arrive later than this, please ensure you have something to eat on the way.

    Meeting Location:
    ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile
    77 South Bridge
    Edinburgh
    EH1 1HN

    Parking: There are various long-stay parking options in Edinburgh city centre. Many are pre-bookable and we’d advise doing this well in advance as the car parks are always very busy.

    Public Transport: The hotel is a 6-minute walk (0.2 miles) from Edinburgh Waverley Train Station, with services to/from Inverness, Glasgow, Newcastle, York and London (amongst others).
    Edinburgh Bus Station also serves similar locations and is a 12-minute walk (0.6 miles) from the hotel.

    Finish Time: We aim to finish on the final day between 1pm and 3pm - the exact finish time may depend on the planned/chosen activity, group dynamic, weather conditions, whether the group chooses to grab a coffee or lunch together during/after, etc. If you’ve travelled via public transport, please ensure you book onward travel accordingly (i.e. an open return ticket), to allow for flexibility.

  • We will have a number of rooms booked at the ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile for this weekend. This hotel is perfectly located for exploring the city centre on foot. Rooms offer en-suites with hairdryer, tea/coffee facilities, desk, Wi-Fi and LCD flat screen TV.

    Bedding and towels are provided - you just need to bring your own toiletries.

    Please note: there is another ibis hotel on the Royal Mile - so please ensure you make your way to the correct one for check-in!

    Accommodation Address:
    ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile
    77 South Bridge
    Edinburgh
    EH1 1HN

    Room Types:
    You can book one of the following options, subject to availability:
    Bed in a Shared Female Room
    Bed in a Shared Male Room
    Twin Room

    There are Shared Rooms, where you’ll be sharing a room - with two single beds - with one other participant (bathrooms are en-suite). Twin Rooms sleep up to two participants booking together, with two single beds (bathrooms are en-suite).

  • Included:

    • 2 nights’ hotel accommodation in twin rooms with breakfast.

    • A Large Outdoors host/guide to welcome you and deal with the logistics for your experience.

    • Guided walks and sightseeing on 2 days (Day 2 and Day 3).

    • Entry to and guided tour of Edinburgh Castle.

    • Entry to and guided tour of The Real Mary King’s Close.

    • A hearty cooked breakfast each morning, prepared by the accommodation.

    • Complimentary tea and coffee provided in your room at the accommodation, but please ensure you bring sufficient water bottles or carriers to fill up with tap water and take out with you.

    • Bedding and a towel - but don’t forget your own toiletries.

    • The chance to make new friends and meet like-minded people - Large Outdoors is all about making outdoor adventures sociable.

    • Pre-event support from the Large Outdoors team - give us a shout if there’s any advice or information you need and check out our Blog for useful articles too.

    Not Included:

    • Travel to and from the meeting location.

    • Dinner each evening - we’ll book a table at a local restaurant to enjoy dinner as a group and you can purchase whatever you fancy from the menu available.

    • Lunch each day - we’ll have plenty of opportunity to stop and grab snacks or lunch, so you can purchase whatever you fancy from what’s available.

    • Any extra (i.e. not mentioned above in ‘Included’) excursions or activities that you may partake in which incur a cost.

    • Alcoholic drinks - the accommodation has a licensed bar if you wish to purchase alcohol.

    • Any food, drinks or goods you choose to purchase at any shops, restaurant, pubs or cafés visited.

    • Travel/activity insurance - we recommend having insurance to cover, at a minimum: cancellation and curtailment; medical and emergency expenses (including repatriation); personal accident; injury and death.

  • Please see our Residential (Walking) Kit List.

    The compulsory items are selected for your safety, which is of paramount importance to us at Large Outdoors. Each participant should be carrying the items listed.

  • • What level of fitness is needed?
    This trip is graded as Leisurely. Click here to see Large Outdoors’ Experience Levels.

    • Can I attend on my own?
    Absolutely. The majority of our participants are solo travellers and adventurers. Plenty of fun, laughter and numerous long-term friendships (and a few marriages!) have begun on Large Outdoors experiences since 2008, so there’s no need to feel worried about your first experience, or indeed trying a new type of outdoor activity, with us.

    • I am currently on a specific diet / have an allergy - can you cater for me?
    Unfortunately, we are generally unable to cater for a wide variety of diets or food preferences due to the nature and cost of our catered trips and/or the use of shared kitchens. However, we can offer vegetarian, vegan, and/or provide meals with gluten free ingredients - these options can be selected when booking. Please see our FAQs for more information about dietary options.
    This particular experience offers a little more flexibility catering wise, as evening meals are taken at local restaurants, so please contact us if you’d like to check whether it is suitable for your dietary needs.

    • What transport is provided during this trip?
    We do not provide any transport for this experience.

    • Can I bring my dog?
    Dogs are not allowed on this trip, except for trained assistance dogs. If you wish to bring your trained assistance dog on an experience, please let us know in advance of booking so we can discuss the itinerary and any activity/equipment/accommodation, and of course additional safety requirements or considerations that may be necessary.

 Book your Edinburgh City Social Weekend

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This map is provided for guidance regarding the general location. For detailed meeting information, please refer to the 'Meeting Time & Location' section.