The Best Edinburgh Shore Excursions
Edinburgh is one of Scotland’s most captivating cruise destinations with three main points of arrival for cruise passengers; Leith, Newhaven and South Queensferry. The city offers fantastic transport links from the cruise ports into the city where there are countless fascinating attractions and activities to explore. Read on to discover the best shore excursions in Edinburgh and make the most of your time ashore.
The Royal Yacht Britannia
Conveniently located near the Leith and Newhaven cruise ports, The Royal Yacht Britannia, Queen Elizabeth II’s former floating palace, is a fantastic choice for a day ashore. Explore the five decks with a free audio guide, available in over 30 languages, including a children’s English version, BSL/ASL tablets, and Braille script. The tour route is also highly accessible with lifts and ramps throughout. Make sure to stop by the Royal Deck Tearoom during your visit to try their selection of delicious soups, sandwiches, scones and cakes.
To learn how to travel to Britannia from your cruise port, read our blog post How to get to The Royal Yacht Britannia.
Edinburgh Castle
Perched on Castle Rock, overlooking the city, Edinburgh Castle is one of the most iconic landmarks, and a must-see attraction for history buffs. Visit the Crown Room to admire Britain’s oldest Crown Jewels, step inside St Margaret’s Chapel, the castle’s oldest building dating back to around 1130, explore the vaults to uncover what life was like for prisoners of war and pirates. Don’t miss the famous one o’clock gun, which can be heard throughout the whole city.
The Scotch Whisky Experience
Located at the top of the historic Royal Mile, close to Edinburgh Castle, The Scotch Whisky Experience is a must-visit for whisky lovers or those looking to learn about Scotland’s national drink. Add this tour to your day ashore for an engaging experience featuring interactive exhibits that tell the story of whisky production, the chance to sample drams from Scotland’s diverse regions, a ride through a virtual distillery, and view one of the world’s largest whisky collections.
National Museum of Scotland
As one of Edinburgh’s most popular attractions, the National Museum of Scotland is home to a vast collection showing items from Scottish history, world cultures, science and innovation and the natural world. See the famous Dolly the Sheep, the first mammal cloned from an adult cell, marvel at the mesmerizing Millennium Clock Tower, uncover the mystery of the Arthur’s Seat Coffins, and snap a photo with the impressive Tyrannosaurus rex. The museum’s stunning architecture, combined with its interactive exhibits, makes it the perfect land adventure away from your cruise.
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Spend your time on land strolling through the beautiful Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. It is a peaceful escape from the busy city centre. Explore 70 acres of gardens filled with interesting and exotic plants from all around the world. Wander through the Rock Garden, Woodland Garden, Chinese Hillside and the gorgeous Rhododendron Collection.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
As the official Scottish residence of the British monarch, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is a great option for a day ashore, offering royal enthusiasts a fascinating glimpse into regal life. Highlights include Mary, Queen of Scots’ former chamber, the stunning State Apartments, the Great Gallery adorned with portraits of Scotland’s monarchs, and a stroll through the beautiful gardens to see the ruins of Holyrood Abbey. Do visit the King’s Gallery too which hosts temporary exhibitions showing decorative arts, paintings and photographs from the Royal Collection.
The Royal Yacht Britannia
Conveniently located near the Leith and Newhaven cruise ports, The Royal Yacht Britannia, Queen Elizabeth II’s former floating palace, is a fantastic choice for a day ashore. Explore the five decks with a free audio guide, available in over 30 languages, including a children’s English version, BSL/ASL tablets, and Braille script. The tour route is also highly accessible with lifts and ramps throughout. Make sure to stop by the Royal Deck Tearoom during your visit to try their selection of delicious soups, sandwiches, scones and cakes.
To learn how to travel to Britannia from your cruise port, read our blog post How to get to The Royal Yacht Britannia.
Edinburgh Castle
Perched on Castle Rock, overlooking the city, Edinburgh Castle is one of the most iconic landmarks, and a must-see attraction for history buffs. Visit the Crown Room to admire Britain’s oldest Crown Jewels, step inside St Margaret’s Chapel, the castle’s oldest building dating back to around 1130, explore the vaults to uncover what life was like for prisoners of war and pirates. Don’t miss the famous one o’clock gun, which can be heard throughout the whole city.
The Scotch Whisky Experience
Located at the top of the historic Royal Mile, close to Edinburgh Castle, The Scotch Whisky Experience is a must-visit for whisky lovers or those looking to learn about Scotland’s national drink. Add this tour to your day ashore for an engaging experience featuring interactive exhibits that tell the story of whisky production, the chance to sample drams from Scotland’s diverse regions, a ride through a virtual distillery, and view one of the world’s largest whisky collections.
National Museum of Scotland
As one of Edinburgh’s most popular attractions, the National Museum of Scotland is home to a vast collection showing items from Scottish history, world cultures, science and innovation and the natural world. See the famous Dolly the Sheep, the first mammal cloned from an adult cell, marvel at the mesmerizing Millennium Clock Tower, uncover the mystery of the Arthur’s Seat Coffins, and snap a photo with the impressive Tyrannosaurus rex. The museum’s stunning architecture, combined with its interactive exhibits, makes it the perfect land adventure away from your cruise.
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Spend your time on land strolling through the beautiful Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. It is a peaceful escape from the busy city centre. Explore 70 acres of gardens filled with interesting and exotic plants from all around the world. Wander through the Rock Garden, Woodland Garden, Chinese Hillside and the gorgeous Rhododendron Collection.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
As the official Scottish residence of the British monarch, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is a great option for a day ashore, offering royal enthusiasts a fascinating glimpse into regal life. Highlights include Mary, Queen of Scots’ former chamber, the stunning State Apartments, the Great Gallery adorned with portraits of Scotland’s monarchs, and a stroll through the beautiful gardens to see the ruins of Holyrood Abbey. Do visit the King’s Gallery too which hosts temporary exhibitions showing decorative arts, paintings and photographs from the Royal Collection.
Venture outside of the city centre
If you have extra time ashore or Edinburgh is your final destination, why not venture outside of the city centre? The 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel in Midlothian is known for its stunning Gothic architecture and intricate stone carvings. Its rich history and intriguing legends have long been associated with the Knights Templar and the Holy Grail. For some sea air, take a journey to the East Lothian town of North Berwick. At the Scottish Seabird Center learn about the coastal wildlife, take a boat cruise on the Firth of Forth to see Bass Rock and its gannet colony, or hike up North Berwick Law, an ancient volcanic hill, for amazing views over the water and beyond.
Image copyright:
Marc Millar
Helen Pugh
National Museum of Scotland
Kate Bielinski
Sandy Young
If you have extra time ashore or Edinburgh is your final destination, why not venture outside of the city centre? The 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel in Midlothian is known for its stunning Gothic architecture and intricate stone carvings. Its rich history and intriguing legends have long been associated with the Knights Templar and the Holy Grail. For some sea air, take a journey to the East Lothian town of North Berwick. At the Scottish Seabird Center learn about the coastal wildlife, take a boat cruise on the Firth of Forth to see Bass Rock and its gannet colony, or hike up North Berwick Law, an ancient volcanic hill, for amazing views over the water and beyond.
Image copyright:
Marc Millar
Helen Pugh
National Museum of Scotland
Kate Bielinski
Sandy Young
