Looking for a gothic getaway? A city break that will have you climbing up to castles and exploring underground vaults one minute, then kicking back in a speakeasy or enjoying fireside folk music the next? With direct flights from London Southend Airport on Thursdays and Sundays from 29 October, 2026, Edinburgh is the easy choice for a long weekend, midweek break or festive escape.
Expect grand architecture, sweeping viewpoints, Christmas markets that take over the city centre and Hogmanay celebrations that attract visitors from around the world. Add one of the UK’s best food and pub scenes, and you’ll never be stuck for things to do.
Here’s your ultimate guide to Edinburgh, from where to stay to what to do, eat and drink while you’re there.
Book your flight to Edinburgh from London Southend Airport.
Flight times between London Southend (SEN) and Edinburgh (EDI):
| Day | Depart SEN | Arrive EDI | Depart EDI | Arrive SEN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday | 19:10 | 20:40 | 21:15 | 22:35 |
| Sunday | 19:00 | 20:30 | 21:00 | 22:20 |
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
Edinburgh is built for autumn and winter city breaks. From October to March, the city leans into everything it does best: cosy pubs, whisky bars, hidden underground vaults, candlelit restaurants, castle views and an unbeatable atmosphere.
November and December bring Christmas markets, festive lights and seasonal food stalls, while Hogmanay turns the city into one of the world’s biggest New Year celebrations. Six Nations rugby at Murrayfield adds another reason to visit in February and March, with match days bringing extra energy to pubs and restaurants across the city.
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Where should I stay in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh has no shortage of places to stay, whether you want a practical city-centre base, an elegant Georgian hotel or somewhere a little quieter.
- Holiday Inn Edinburgh: The best-value option on the list and a practical choice if you’re looking to keep costs down while staying within easy reach of the city. Book 3 nights from £231pp.
- Murrayfield Hotel & House: A characterful west Edinburgh stay close to Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, making it a particularly good option during the Six Nations. Book 3 nights from £283pp.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre: A central base within easy reach of Edinburgh Castle, the Grassmarket and many of the city’s biggest attractions. Book 3 nights from £286pp.
- Ten Hill Place Hotel: A polished hotel close to the Old Town and Southside, giving you easy access to sightseeing while staying just outside the busiest streets. Book 3 nights from £314pp.
- Voco Edinburgh Haymarket: A stylish city-centre base just west of Princes Street, putting Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town and the New Town within easy walking distance. Book 3 nights from £356pp.
What is there to do in Edinburgh?
The best approach to Edinburgh is simple: start with the big landmarks, then leave room to get lost.
- Explore Edinburgh Castle: Sitting high above the city on Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is Scotland’s most visited paid attraction. Inside, you’ll find royal history, military museums and some of the best views across the capital.
- Walk the Royal Mile: Running between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Mile is packed with historic buildings, traditional pubs, shops and hidden alleyways waiting to be explored.
- Go underground beneath the city: Edinburgh’s hidden vaults and underground passages reveal a very different side of the capital. Guided tours explore centuries of history, folklore and mystery beneath the streets above.
- Climb Arthur’s Seat: This extinct volcano sits within Holyrood Park and offers one of the best viewpoints in Scotland. The walk isn’t especially long, but the views across the city, coastline and countryside make it more than worth the effort.
- Experience Edinburgh’s Christmas Market: From November onwards, festive stalls, seasonal food, fairground rides and twinkling lights transform the city centre into one of the UK’s most popular Christmas destinations.
- Celebrate Hogmanay: Edinburgh’s New Year celebrations are famous around the world. If you’re visiting at the end of December, expect live music, fireworks and a city-wide party unlike anything else in the UK.
- Head to Leith: Once a busy port, Leith has become one of Edinburgh’s most exciting neighbourhoods, with waterfront restaurants, independent bars and a thriving food scene.
- Watch international rugby at Murrayfield: During the Six Nations, the city comes alive as thousands of supporters descend on Scotland’s national stadium for one of rugby’s biggest annual events.
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Must-try restaurants in Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s food scene mixes traditional Scottish ingredients with modern cooking, from cosy gastropubs and waterfront seafood restaurants to some of the country’s most celebrated dining rooms.
- The Witchery: Edinburgh’s most atmospheric dining room, set in a historic building just below the castle in the Old Town. Think candlelight, gothic interiors and classic Scottish cooking.
- The Scran & Scallie: A relaxed gastropub in Stockbridge from chef Tom Kitchin, serving elevated Scottish comfort food in a cosy setting.
- The Palmerston: A popular neighbourhood restaurant near Haymarket, known for seasonal menus, excellent baking and produce-led cooking.
- The Ship on the Shore: One of Leith’s best-known seafood restaurants, sitting right on the waterfront beside the Shore. Come for oysters, Scottish seafood platters and an excuse to spend an evening by the water.
- Timberyard: Hidden in a converted warehouse just south of the Old Town, Timberyard is one of Edinburgh’s standout modern restaurants, serving seasonal tasting menus built around Scottish produce.
Bars and pubs in Edinburgh
- The Bow Bar: A compact Old Town favourite on Victoria Street, known for its whisky, real ale and local character.
- Sandy Bell’s: A central folk music pub near the Meadows, where traditional Scottish music sessions regularly fill the room.
- Panda & Sons: Hidden behind the facade of an old-fashioned barbershop in the New Town, this award-winning cocktail bar is one of Edinburgh’s best-known drinking spots.
- The Devil’s Advocate: Tucked down a narrow close just off the Royal Mile in the Old Town, this atmospheric bar specialises in whisky and cocktails.
- Bramble: A basement cocktail bar in the New Town that helped put Edinburgh on the international cocktail map – and remains one of the city’s best nights out.
New routes for 2026
Top tips for your stay in Edinburgh
Remember these tips before you pack!
- Use the flight schedule to your advantage: Thursday and Sunday flights make Edinburgh ideal for long weekends and midweek breaks.
- Pack comfortable shoes: Edinburgh’s hills, cobbles and staircases have a habit of adding up.
- Book Hogmanay early: Hotels and events sell out quickly around New Year.
- Dress in layers: Scottish weather can change quickly, particularly on viewpoints like Arthur’s Seat.
- Book major attractions in advance: Edinburgh Castle and underground tours can be particularly busy during weekends and festive periods.
- Don’t skip Leith: Many visitors never make it beyond the Old Town, but Leith has some of the city’s best restaurants and bars.
- Bring valid photo ID: Edinburgh is in the UK, so there’s no need to worry about currency changes or language barriers. You’ll still need valid identification to fly, so check your airline’s latest ID requirements before travelling.
From castle views to cosy pubs, Edinburgh fits a lot into one very easy escape. So pack your bags, bring your appetite and leave room for one more stop on the Royal Mile.
Book your flight to Edinburgh from London Southend Airport.
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