Quick answer: Edinburgh is a two-night break with the castle, the Royal Mile and Arthur's Seat, plus a Christmas market and Hogmanay that draw visitors from across the UK.
Cite this page: Atravel.uk, “Edinburgh from the UK”, updated 12 November 2026. https://atravel.uk/destinations/edinburgh/
Edinburgh is the UK city break that feels like a European one: a castle on a rock, a medieval old town, Georgian new town, and in December one of the best Christmas markets in the country.
When to go
- Best months: May, June, September, and December for the markets
- Cheapest months: January and February, outside Hogmanay
- Avoid: August, when the Fringe triples hotel prices
What it costs
| Return train from London | £70–£160 |
|---|---|
| Return flight from London | £45–£120 |
| Mid-range hotel, per night | £100–£170 |
| Edinburgh Castle ticket | £21 |
Typical ranges from our partner searches, 2026-11-12. Treat them as bands: the season and the lead time move them.
Getting there
LNER from King's Cross in four and a half hours, or an hour and twenty in the air from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton. The tram runs from the airport to the centre in 35 minutes.
Pricing the trip? See what a weekend in Edinburgh costs, line by line.
What to see
- Edinburgh Castle and the One O'Clock Gun
- The Royal Mile down to Holyrood, and up Arthur's Seat
- Dean Village and the Water of Leith walkway
- The Christmas market in East Princes Street Gardens
Where to stay
Old Town for atmosphere, New Town for comfort and quiet, Leith for food and better prices.
Frequently asked questions
Is Edinburgh expensive?
In August, yes. The rest of the year it is comparable to Manchester.
Train or fly?
Train from London is easier; flying is faster from the north of England.
Is Hogmanay worth it?
If you like crowds and cold — book accommodation six months ahead.
Also worth a look
- Oxford: Spires, quadrangles and a river you can punt on.
- Cambridge: The prettiest half-hour walk in England.
- Glasgow: Scotland's biggest city, and its best value weekend.