November in Edinburgh, Fun Things to Do in Edinburgh in November

Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is a great place to visit any time of year. But November has its own special charm. The summer crowds are gone, the city gets ready for winter, and there's a cosy feeling in the air. Here are some special things you can do if you visit Edinburgh in November.

Watch a Rugby Match

November is rugby season in Scotland. If you like sports, watching a rugby match can be really exciting. Edinburgh's team plays at Murrayfield Stadium, which is the largest stadium in Scotland. Even if you don't understand all the rules, the atmosphere at a rugby game is amazing.

If there's not a big game happening, you can still visit the stadium for a tour. You'll learn about the history of Scottish rugby and see behind the scenes of this huge sports venue.

Explore Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is huge and sits on top of a hill in the middle of the city. It's been around for hundreds of years and has lots of interesting stories. In November, there aren't as many tourists, so you can take your time exploring. You can see the Scottish Crown Jewels, visit the Great Hall where kings and queens had fancy parties, and even see a giant old cannon called Mons Meg.

From the castle walls, you can see amazing views of the whole city. On a clear November day, you might even see all the way to the sea! The castle can be chilly in November, so make sure to wear a warm coat and maybe bring a hat and gloves too. Listen out of the 1 o'clock gun.

Walk Down the Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is a long street that goes from Edinburgh Castle all the way down to Holyrood Palace, where the Queen stays when she visits Scotland. Along this street, you'll find lots of old buildings, cool shops, and street performers.

In November, the Royal Mile isn't as crowded as it is in summer. This means you can take your time looking in shop windows, trying on kilts (traditional Scottish skirts for men), or tasting some Scottish shortbread cookies. If it gets cold, you can pop into one of the many cafes for a hot chocolate or some warm soup.

Visit the National Museum of Scotland

November weather can be rainy or cold, so it's good to have some indoor activities planned. The National Museum of Scotland is perfect for this. It's a huge museum with all sorts of exhibits. You can learn about Scottish history, see cool science displays, and even see Dolly the Sheep - the first cloned mammal in the world!

The museum is free to visit, which is great. You could spend a whole day here and not see everything. There's a rooftop terrace where you can see great views of the city, but in November it might be a bit chilly up there.

Go on a Spooky Ghost Tour

Edinburgh is known for its spooky history, and November's dark evenings are perfect for ghost tours. There are lots of different tours to choose from. Some take you through the old streets and tell you scary stories. Others go underground to the Edinburgh Vaults, dark rooms under the city where people used to live.

These tours can be a bit scary, but they're also fun and you learn a lot about Edinburgh's history. Just make sure to bring a flashlight and hold on tight to your friends!

Enjoy the Edinburgh Art Fair

If you like art, you're in luck! The Edinburgh Art Fair usually happens in November. It's a big event where artists from all over the world come to show their work. You can see all kinds of art, from paintings to sculptures. Even if you don't want to buy anything, it's fun to walk around and look at all the different artworks.

The Art Fair is usually held in the Edinburgh Corn Exchange, which is a bit outside the city center. But it's easy to get there by bus, and it's a great way to see a different part of Edinburgh.

Visit the Royal Botanic Garden

You might think a garden wouldn't be very interesting in November, but the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is beautiful all year round. In November, you can see the trees changing colours, with red and gold leaves everywhere. There are also big greenhouses called glasshouses where you can see plants from all over the world.

The garden has a special trail in November where you can learn about plants that are important in medicine. It's a big place, so you might want to bring a picnic lunch. Just remember to dress warmly!

Try Some Scottish Food

November is a great time to try some warm, comforting Scottish food. You could taste haggis, which is a traditional Scottish dish made from sheep organs (it tastes better than it sounds!). Or try some warm, filling soup like Cullen skink, which is made with smoked fish.

For dessert, you might want to try cranachan, which is like a Scottish trifle made with raspberries, cream, and oats. Many restaurants in Edinburgh serve these traditional dishes, and trying them is a fun way to experience Scottish culture.  Check The Haymarket Hotel blog for our favourite restaurants and The Haymarket Hotel tour desk for tickets and tour tickets.

Edinburgh in November might be chilly, but it's full of fun things to do. From exploring ancient castles to trying new foods, you'll never be bored. Just remember to bring warm clothes and be ready for some rain. With the right preparation, you'll have an amazing time in this beautiful, historic city. Enjoy your stay!