Travel & Stay
Getting to Edinburgh
We've chosen Scotland's capital as a convenient home base for our guests. Edinburgh has an international airport, and the fastest way to get to the city would be to fly straight there. But if you're finding that flights directly into Edinburgh are too expensive, then you can also find cheaper flights to London. From there, you can take the train from King's Cross Station to Scotland. That's what we did for our last visit to Edinburgh, and it worked like a charm!
​
INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT: To enter the United Kingdom, Americans must fill out an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). If you do not fill out this form, you will not be permitted to enter the country. It must be done within three months of your trip. The entire process takes five minutes and costs about $20. You can find the form HERE.
Getting To The Venue
Borthwick Castle
North Middleton
Gorebridge EH23 4QY
​
The castle is about a 40 minute drive outside of Edinburgh. So that no one is forced to rent a car or pay for an expensive Uber, we will be providing free transportation to and from the venue. The coach will depart from XXX HOTEL at XXX TIME. At the end of the night, the same coach will take everyone back to their hotels in the city.
​
If you miss the coach or feel strongly about driving yourself to the event, then you can drive or Uber. For your convenience, there is free parking on the premises.
​
One of the fun parts about getting married in a castle is that we've been able to find it on a lot of old maps!
Click the map to zoom in and see where Borthwick is (and where it's been for the past 600 years)
Where To Stay
For your convenience, we have reserved room blocks at two different hotels. By booking with these hotels, you will receive a XX discount on your rooms. To let them know that you're with our wedding party, you can book a room with them directly via the contact information listed below. And if you don't want to stay in either of these hotels, then no worries! Please go with whatever accommodation you prefer. Just be advised that that the coach for the wedding will be picking up and dropping off at these hotels, so you may not want to stay too far away.
Cafe Rouge - French Bistro
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. Let your users get to know you.
Fizz Contemporary Art Museum
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. Let your users get to know you.
The Royal Gardens
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. Let your users get to know you.
What To Do
Our suggestions for touring around Edinburgh!
Mary King's Close
Did you know that modern-day Edinburgh was essentially built on top of the city's old streets and buildings? To truly understand Edinburgh, you have to first understand the mysterious underground city beneath the cobblestone streets. Hop on down for a tour - and, if it's your cup of tea, then you can even take a haunted tour after dark.
Edinburgh Castle
Despite once holding the title for the most besieged place in all of Britain, today Edinburgh Castle is the jewel of the city. Tour one of the oldest fortified castles in Europe to learn all about its nearly thousand year old history. And don't forget to check out the Crown Jewels while you're there!
Calton Hill
Most travel guides will tell you that the best view of the city can be found on top of Arthur's Seat. But we disagree - Edinburgh actually looks best from Calton Hill, particularly at golden hour. And if you decide to climb up here, then you get the added bonus of seeing Nelson's Monument! It's a win-win.
Surgeon's Hall Museum
This one may be of interest to the doctors and nurses in the group. Best known for having the largest historic pathology collection in the UK, the Surgeon's Hall Museum is perfect for anyone who may be interested in medical history. A fair warning, though: if you have a sensitive stomach when it comes to seeing organs and skeletons, this particular spot may not be for you.
Greyfriars Kirkyard
Edinburgh has no shortage of beautiful cemeteries to explore, but Greyfriars is easily the most famous. It's best known for serving as the inspiration for the names of several Harry Potter characters, as well as for its violent ghost, the Mackenzie Poltergeist. If you want to check out other graveyards, then we can suggest St. Cuthbert's Kirkyard and the Old Calton Burial Ground.
National Galleries of Scotland
It may look imposing, but this gallery makes for a short and sweet museum visit. I (Alex) have been twice, and both times, I used it as a filler between other, longer sightseeing appointments. But that isn't to say that it isn't worth a visit at all. The museum has a beautiful collection, and it's well worth your time.
Dean Village
Dean Village is a former village that, at some point in history, was gradually absorbed into the city. Today, it has still retained its village-like appearance, making it a great spot for scenic photos.
The Waters of Leith
One of our absolute favorite things that we did during our last trip was to walk along the Waters of Leith. This 13 mile riverside trail is easily the most tranquil place in the entire city. If you find yourself getting overwhelmed by the crowds of tourists, or you feel the need to be in nature, then this is the place to go. We started our walk at the Village of Dean, but there are plenty of other entry points all over the city.
Topping & Company Booksellers
We couldn't make a list of places to visit in Edinburgh without including a bookshop. Our personal favorite is Topping & Company. The selection is fantastic, and it has a weirdly high number of books that have been signed by their authors. If you prefer used books, then you should check out Armchair Books instead!
National Portrait Gallery
Sure, the collection of portraits is cool. But the real reason to visit this museum is to see the main atrium. It is, hands down, the most beautiful room in the city.
St. Giles Cathedral
The most famous cathedral in Edinburgh, right there on the Royal Mile. Recently, it gained fame as the church where Queen Elizabeth's body was brought to lie in state after her death.
Ghost Tours
Edinburgh is an incredibly haunted city, and you wouldn't get the full effect if you didn't learn about all the ghouls and ghosts who are hanging around. We can't tell you which specific tour to go with, because everyone will want something different out of it. Our one piece of advice is to choose a tour that goes underground - it ups the creep-factor in a major way.
Where to Eat
The best spots for refueling as you enjoy the city
Dishoom
This restaurant is home to some of the best Indian food we've ever had. They don't take dinner reservations, so prepare to settle in for a long wait - but, trust us, it is well worth your time. Everything from this restaurant is absolutely stellar. Our personal recommendations are the Goan Monkfish Curry, the Black Daal, and the Dishoom House Chaat.
Lannan
This bakery isn't in a touristy part of town, but it's still flooded with visitors. Lannan is one of the most well-regarded bakeries in the city, and its morning crowds reflect that. Plan to get in line bright and early if you want to snag one of their divine pastries. Take note that their menu changes on a daily basis, so there's no telling what will be waiting there for you!
Le Bistrot
This cozy little French spot is a little bit hidden, tucked away behind the door of the French Institute, but it's still easily accessible from the Royal Mile. After our own visit, we can say with certainty that everything is wonderful - but, that being said, we highly recommend the lamb shank, the pan-fried duck breast, and the gambas.
Timberyard
This Michelin-starred restaurant is on every local's must-visit list, and it's for good reason. Located in a warehouse dating back to the 19th century, they serve an ever-changing menu of farm-to-table creations. Timberyard would be a great place for a nice dinner with a larger group, considering that they have a private room you can reserve. But it'd also be the perfect date night spot for anyone who wants to have a nice dinner with their partner while they're in town.
Greenwoods
A classic brunch/lunch destination that will hit the spot every time. Come for everything from eggs to pancakes to a chicken parm sandwich. It might be a good spot to hit up the morning after the wedding!
Cafe St HonorÄ—
A small French restaurant in Edinburgh's New Town with a rotating seasonal menu. All ingredients are sourced from local suppliers, meaning that they always have the freshest Scottish produce on hand. This cozy, romantic spot is perfect for a date or a dinner with a small group of friends. When we asked locals what their favorite restaurant was, this was one of their top answers.
Makars Mash
If you're a meat-and-potatoes person, then this is the spot for you. They serve a range of Scottish comfort food, but their real specialty is mashed potatoes - of all types and flavors - covered in a variety of meats and gravies. It's basically any red-blooded American's (or Scotsman's) dream.
I.J. Mellis
As I (Alex) am addicted to cheese, I just couldn't NOT list this spot. I.J. Mellis is one of the best cheesemongers in the city. I don't know why you'd be buying cheese on your vacation. I truly don't. But I know that I would. And, in fact, I probably will. So, it's going on the list.
Chez Jules
This hole-in-the-wall French Bistro is small but extremely well-regarded. They have all the French classics that you could want, and they sweeten the pot with some fantastic lunch deals that can get you a full plate for less than £20. If you want a good meal on a budget, then this is the lunch spot for you.
Banh Mi Brothers
A casual Vietnamese sandwich shop just below the castle that's perfect for a quick lunch bite while you're out and about on the town. And if you've never had Banh Mi before - consider giving it a go. You'll thank yourself later! Just note that this spot is only open on weekdays.
Tipo
Tipo is a casual Italian restaurant with a small, delicious selection of pastas. The real star of the show, though, is their £28 three-course lunch menu, which is one of the better deals in downtown Edinburgh. You can walk away from Tipo with a full stomach and a full wallet.
The Spence
If you want to have High Tea while you're in Scotland, then this is the spot for you. The Spence serves tea every weekday afternoon, as well as a selection of desserts. They also have lunch and dinner, so if you want to eat somewhere a bit more glitzy, then this would be a great choice.
Where to Drink
The best spots for libations and overall merriment
Panda & Sons
Panda & Sons is a speakeasy-style bar that's become famous for its innovative cocktails and sub-zero mixology techniques. If you decide to check it out, we highly recommend sitting at the bar. Watching the bartenders work their magic provided all the entertainment we needed for the evening.
Dragonfly
As I (Alex) am addicted to cheese, I just couldn't NOT list this spot. I.J. Mellis is one of the best cheesemongers in the city. I don't know why you'd be buying cheese on your vacation. I truly don't. But I know that I would. And, in fact, I probably will. So, it's going on the list.
The Guilford Arms
You can't throw a stone without hitting a pub in Edinburgh. Truly - you're spoiled for choice. But we'll help you narrow it down a bit! Our top suggestions are the Guilford Arms, the Jolly Judge, the Jingling Geordie, Oxford Bar, the Bow Bar, and the Cloisters. And, if you want a bar with live music, then you can check out Ghillie Dhu, the Royal Oak, or Sandy Bells.
Panda & Sons
Panda & Sons is a speakeasy-style bar that's become famous for its innovative cocktails and sub-zero mixology techniques. If you decide to check it out, we highly recommend sitting at the bar. Watching the bartenders work their magic provided all the entertainment we needed for the evening.
Dragonfly
As I (Alex) am addicted to cheese, I just couldn't NOT list this spot. I.J. Mellis is one of the best cheesemongers in the city. I don't know why you'd be buying cheese on your vacation. I truly don't. But I know that I would. And, in fact, I probably will. So, it's going on the list.
The Guilford Arms
You can't throw a stone without hitting a pub in Edinburgh. Truly - you're spoiled for choice. But we'll help you narrow it down a bit! Our top suggestions are the Guilford Arms, the Jolly Judge, the Jingling Geordie, Oxford Bar, the Bow Bar, and the Cloisters. And, if you want a bar with live music, then you can check out Ghillie Dhu, the Royal Oak, or Sandy Bells.