Self-catering cottage holidays in Edinburgh Guide

Let us guide you on what Edinburgh in Scotland has to offer for self-catering cottage holidays.  Edinburgh is a fantastic location for a self catered city break and has much to offer holidaymakers for a weekend break or longer visit. 

View: Self catered apartments and accommodation in Edinburgh

A holiday in Edinburgh is enhanced by booking an attractive place to stay. A holiday rental of some kind can add much to your experience in the city. Not only is a self-catered accommodation good value but it is also a relaxing place to stay where you can just be yourself, have home comforts and not worry about outsiders, such as housekeeping staff, invading your personal space. Find one bedroom holiday accommodation in Edinburgh that sleeps two, or larger properties a little further out of the city.

Self-catering in accommodation in Edinburgh

• Your accommodation will have a fully functional kitchen with all the appliances that you need to store and prepare food. This can not only reduce costs on food and drink but also makes a holiday much better by having snack and drinks in your own holiday home, as and when you want them.
• Yes, you do have to stock your holiday kitchen on arrival but with a bit of good planning, that can be easily done and you can settle down to an enjoyable encounter with the city.  Local supermarkets offer delivery services so that you could arrange for a delivery to come soon after your own arrival.
• Families and people on special diets appreciate providing food for themselves in Edinburgh because they can be confident in anything they cook themselves. Book holiday accommodation with a dishwasher to make clearing up simple.
• Pet owners who like to take their dogs on holiday with them also prefer pet-friendly self-catered accommodation because they know that their dogs will be welcomed and they can book a cottage with a garden.

View self-catered holiday cottages that accept dogs near Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a fabulous city to visit in Scotland

Edinburgh is a city with a wealth of history and stunning architecture.  You will find a number of Edinburgh's attractions in the Old Town area.  This is the part of Edinburgh surrounding the castle and is an area officially recognised by UNESCO in terms of its heritage and historical significance.  Here you will find high on a hill, on castle rock, Edinburgh castle, surrounded by windy lanes and streets.  Edinburgh castle can be visited and is home to the Scottish crown jewels and many fascinating tales about Scottish history.  Guided tours are sometimes available and audio tours can be purchased.  The Crown Room tends to be the most popular part of the castle and there can be delays in entering this room.  Many want to catch a glimpse of the special crown and sword which date back to the 1400s and 1500s.  According to tradition, a gun is fired at 1pm except on Sundays and public holidays.

You may be fortunate enough to rent a holiday home that has views of the castle or at least Edinburgh's skyline. There are plenty of granite buildings that have been converted into smart apartments - some of which can be rented for short breaks.

You can enjoy visiting the Old Town near the castle which is UNESCO recognised.  Many of the buildings in the Old town date back to medieval times.  Kids and adults alike should love the Camera Obscura near Edinburgh castle.  Book a family-sized holiday home near Edinburgh and take your children to experience some of the magic that Edinburgh has to offer. And, if you want to keep the kids spick and span on holiday in Scotland, make sure that you rent a holiday cottage that has laundry facilities.

Holiday cottages Edinburgh that have a washing machine

Live like royalty in luxurious holiday accommodation in Edinburgh

Not too far from the old town is the Palace of Holyroodhouse which is the official residence of the queen in Scotland.  This palace is situated at the end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh and is used for official state events.  The Palace has a rich history and famously belonged to Mary Queen of Scots.

Book a holiday rental in the city centre and make the most of your time in Edinburgh.

The other UNESCO recognised area of Edinburgh is the Georgian new town area.  This area is very elegant and was originally built as an oasis for the rich in Edinburgh to escape the overcrowded Old town district of Edinburgh.  There is an interesting National Trust for Scotland Georgian House in this part of the city which can be visited.

Stay near Grassmarket for a lively holiday in Edinburgh

Grassmarket is a particular area in Edinburgh, again not too far from the old town which is recommended for eateries and boutique shopping.  it would be a great place to stay if you enjoy a vibrant and lively scene.

More things to do on holiday in Edinburgh
 

As with many cities nowadays, there is a hop on, hop off bus tour that sightseers in Edinburgh can take but really there isn't that much need unless you have mobility difficulties.  Edinburgh's city centre is relatively easy to get around and most people can happily walk around although it can be helpful at times to hop on a bus when your legs get tired.  There are plenty cafes, bars and green spaces in Edinburgh where you can take a break before doing some more exploring. Edinburgh isn't really a city where you want to take the car.  It's best to leave the car at home if staying in Edinburgh and instead use public transport.  

Book a holiday cottage near Edinburgh - within 30 miles

If you plan to tour Scotland by car and Edinburgh is just one of the points on your schedule, book a holiday cottage near but outside Edinburgh and use public transport to bring you into the city. Buses are frequent and you are more than likely to find that your fellow passengers are friendly and informative.

Edinburgh is very popular for bookings at New Year as many like to experience Hogmanay in Scotland where the Scots really like to party.  

Expect fireworks in Edinburgh on New Year's Eve.  Edinburgh is a great destination for a self catering break though all year round.
 

Don't forget about Leith - it might not all be sunshine but it's good for a day out

There are a great number of shops in Edinburgh ranging from boutique shopping around Edinburgh's new town and high street shopping along Edinburgh's Princes street.  There is a large shopping centre out at Leith which is by the seaside but it is quite a trek to get there - you would either have to grab a cab or take a bus and although there are a number of shops, the area is not at all picturesque.  However, the royal yacht Britannia is moored in the harbour and you could enjoy a tour and a scrumptious afternoon tea. The city also boasts a number of excellent restaurants and a number of bars.  

Various festivals and events take place in Edinburgh throughout the year including the Edinburgh Military tattoo which takes place in August and is a spectacular show usually held at Edinburgh castle. 

Book holiday accommodation for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival also takes place in August.  This means that accommodation in Edinburgh is very much in demand during August and it makes sense to book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Please view this holiday cottage near Edinburgh for bookings and more information about a self-catering accommodation for the Edinburgh Tattoo.

Please find additional self-catering cottages and other holiday accommodation in Scotland by using the menus on the left, or read more about the wonderful places that you could visit in Scotland

• Large house rentals near or in Edinburgh for self-catering holidays and short breaks
• Cottages and self-catering accommodation in Peebles - 22 mles south of Edinburgh with good access to the city.