Welcome to The Haymarket Hotel Edinburgh: Your Gateway to Scottish Adventure
Imagine stepping out of a cosy hotel into the heart of one of the world's most beautiful cities. That's what you get when you stay at the Haymarket Hotel, located at 1-11 Coates Gardens in Edinburgh, Scotland. This charming family-run hotel isn't just a place to sleep – it's your ticket to an unforgettable Scottish adventure!
A Perfect Location
The UNESCO World Heritage-protected Haymarket Hotel sits in a great spot in Edinburgh. It's very close to Haymarket Station, one of the city's main train stations, on the bus and tram route to the airport and just a two-minute walk to the stop. This means you can easily get to other parts of Scotland for day trips. Want to see the famous Loch Ness monster? Just hop on a train!
See more about the history of our Georgian buildings here.
You don't have to go far to find exciting things to do. Being in the city's West End, The Haymarket Hotel is a short walk from many of Edinburgh's top attractions. Let's explore some of them!
Castles and History
Just a 20-minute walk from the hotel, you'll find Edinburgh Castle. This amazing fortress sits on top of a hill and looks over the whole city. It's over 900 years old! Inside, you can see the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny, used in crowning Scottish monarchs.
Explore the Royal Mile, rich in history. Take our walking tour to see all the highlights.
If you love spooky stories, take a ghost tour of Edinburgh's underground vaults. These dark, creepy tunnels have lots of scary tales to tell. Don't worry – your tour guide will keep you safe from the ghosts!
Nature and Views
Need a break from the city? Head to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. It's a beautiful place with lots of plants from all over the world. You can even see some rare Scottish plants here. It's like taking a trip around the world in one garden!
For a real treat, climb Arthur's Seat. This extinct volcano gives you amazing views of Edinburgh. On a clear day, you can see for miles! It's a bit of a hike, but the view at the top is worth it.
Scottish Culture
No trip to Edinburgh is complete without experiencing some Scottish culture. Visit the National Museum of Scotland to learn about Scotland's history and see cool exhibits. From dinosaurs to space rockets, this museum has it all!
Want to hear some traditional Scottish music? Check out Sandy Bell's, a famous folk music pub near the hotel. You might hear bagpipes, fiddles, and Scottish songs. It's a great place to feel the spirit of Scotland!
Take a stroll on Rose Street, built in 1770, and challenge yourself to the Rose Street pub crawl. Visit all 12 pubs along the street and stop for a wee dram (small drink) in each.
Delicious Food
Scotland has some tasty traditional foods you should try. Near the Haymarket Hotel, you'll find lots of great restaurants, cafes, bars and traditional pubs. Have a look at our blog for our favourite picks. Don't forget to try haggis, Scotland's national dish. It might sound strange, but many visitors end up loving it!
Shopping Paradise
If you love shopping, take a 15 walk to from The Haymarket Hotel to Princes Street. It's one of the main shopping streets in Edinburgh, with lots of stores and great views of the castle.
For Harry Potter fans, Edinburgh is a magical place. J.K. Rowling wrote much of the Harry Potter series here. Visit the Elephant House café, where she often wrote, or take a Potter-themed tour to see places that inspired the books.
For a unique experience, head to Cockburn Street. This charming, curvy street is packed with independent shops and boutiques. You'll find everything from vintage clothes to quirky gifts here. It's like a treasure hunt where every shop is a new discovery!
Want to shop till you drop? Then the St James Quarter is the place for you. This brand-new shopping centre is huge – it has over 80 stores! You'll find famous brands, a food hall, and even a luxury hotel inside. It's like a small city dedicated to shopping.
Here are some must-visit spots for shoppers:
Victoria Street: This colourful street inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter. It's full of magical shops selling wands, jokes, and Scottish gifts.
Royal Mile: Look for Scottish souvenirs like kilts, whisky, and shortbread on this historic street.
Grassmarket: This area has lots of vintage and second-hand shops. You might find a unique Scottish treasure to take home!
George Street: For fancy shops and designer brands, this elegant street is the place to go.
William Street : boutique stores, cafes and pubs
Remember to leave some space in your suitcase for all the cool stuff you'll buy!
Festivals Galore
If you visit in August, you're in for a treat! Edinburgh hosts the world's largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The whole city becomes a stage, with thousands of shows happening all over. From comedy to drama to music, there's something for everyone.
Your Scottish Home Away From Home
After a day of exploring, the Haymarket Hotel is the perfect place to rest. Grab a dram (drink) at Logans Bar and rest your feet, or relax in your warm and cosy room, thinking about all the amazing things you've seen and done. And the best part? Tomorrow, you get to wake up to a full cooked breakfast and do it all again!
Edinburgh is a city full of surprises, and the Haymarket Hotel puts you right in the middle of the action. Whether you want to explore history, enjoy nature, taste delicious food, or experience Scottish culture, it's all just a short walk or train ride away. Visit The Haymarket Hotel blog for more ideas of things to see and do, and our tour desk to book tickets and tours.
So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready for an unforgettable trip to Edinburgh. The Haymarket Hotel and the wonders of Scotland are waiting for you! We look forward to welcoming you and hope you enjoy your stay!
