Weekend breaks in Edinburgh

Edinburgh has something for everyone, whether you’re into history, culture, food or family fun. You can explore iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the historic buildings of Edinburgh University or enjoy the green space of Holyrood Park. For breathtaking views, head up Arthur’s Seat, and if you’re feeling brave, join one of the city’s famous ghost tours through its old streets. There’s no shortage of unique attractions either – whisky fans will love the Scotch Whisky Experience, while the Royal Yacht Britannia is a must-see for a glimpse into royal life. Museums and galleries are dotted throughout the city, with highlights including the National Museum of Scotland, the Museum of Childhood, Dynamic Earth and the National Museum of Flight. Families can also keep busy at Edinburgh Zoo, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions or even the spooky Edinburgh Dungeon. If you’re a foodie, Edinburgh won’t disappoint. From Michelin-starred dining to mouth-watering street food stalls, there’s a taste for every budget and appetite. Edinburgh is also a shopper’s dream, from big names on Princes Street to quirky finds in the Grassmarket or St James Quarter and Waverley Market. You also won’t want to miss the city’s Harry Potter walking tours, which explore the locations that inspired the books. Culture and entertainment are everywhere too. Art lovers can admire masterpieces at the Scottish National Gallery, while theatre-goers and music fans will enjoy live performances at iconic venues like Usher Hall and Queen’s Hall. And of course, the city comes alive with world-famous events – from the unforgettable Hogmanay celebrations to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the largest arts festival in the world. When the sun goes down, the fun continues – whether you’re visiting old town bars in Grassmarket and Cowgate or stylish new town spots on George Street, nights out in Edinburgh have plenty to please.

When you’re wondering what to do in Edinburgh city, impressive Edinburgh Castle is a great place to start. This historic Scottish landmark on Castle Rock – along with the Royal Palace, Gatehouse and National War Museum – is unmissable. The Writers’ Museum, Calton Hill and the Royal Mile are just a short walk away, and weekend breaks in Edinburgh wouldn’t be complete without climbing up to Arthur’s Seat!  

Getting about is simple thanks to the city’s reliable public transport. You can hop on trams or trains to cover longer distances or enjoy exploring the compact centre on foot. Cycling is another great option – and with bike-friendly hotels around the city, it’s easy to pedal from place to place.

When you’re looking for great value hotels in Scotland, we’ve got you covered! Book weekend breaks in Scotland at our Edinburgh City Centre (Lauriston Place) hotel, our hub Edinburgh Haymarket hotel, our hub Edinburgh Rose Street hotel, our hub Edinburgh Royal Mile hotel, our Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street) hotel, our Edinburgh City Centre Royal Mile hotel, our Edinburgh City Centre (York Place/St James Quarter) hotel, our Edinburgh East hotel, our Edinburgh Leith Waterfront hotel, our Edinburgh Park (Airport) hotel, our Edinburgh A1 (Newcraighall) hotel, our Edinburgh A7 (Dalkeith) hotel, our Edinburgh A1 (Musselburgh) hotel, our Edinburgh Airport (M9, Jct1) hotel, and our Edinburgh (South Queensferry) hotel.  

Our Falkirk hotels are just an hour’s drive away Edinburgh, and from there you’ll be in a great spot to visit other top attractions in Scotland like The Kelpies, Callendar House and Linlithgow Palace. Alternatively, why not book one of our hotels in Glasgow and enjoy Scottish city breaks near the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum? 

Whether you’re shopping on Princes Street, seeing the Stone of Destiny at Edinburgh Castle or climbing Holyrood Park to Arthur’s Seat, there’s plenty to keep you entertained on short breaks in Scotland. Best of all, our Edinburgh hotels and handy things to do in Edinburgh guide will help you get more out of your stay! Check out our Edinburgh City guide.

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Our standard check-in time is 3pm. For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

Checkout is by 12 noon on your departure date. If luggage storage is available, our teams will be happy to store any bags for you if you’d like to check out before 12pm.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

In 2020 we launched Premier Inn CleanProtect™, our rigorous, daily cleaning method that’s used throughout our UK & Ireland hotels. Developed in partnership with Diversey, a global leader in cleaning and hygiene products for the healthcare and hospitality industries, our promise seeks to give you extra peace of mind so you can always book and stay with confidence.

Check-in - minimising contact at reception and providing hand sanitiser in most public areas for peace of mind. 

Bed linen and towels - laundering all our linen and towels at over 60°C to thermally disinfect them, so you can enjoy a great night’s sleep. We’ve also placed spare pillows in a zip-up bag, for extra peace of mind.

Equipping our teams - providing our team members with all the equipment and sanitisers they need, as well as always operating in the safest way possible for our teams and guests.

A generous serving of safety - you can relax knowing that enhanced cleaning measures are in place throughout our restaurants. Tables are cleaned between visits and contactless payment is in place too, so you can dine safely and comfortably with us every time.

Clean on request - if you'd like your room cleaned during your stay with us, just let us know at reception and use the handy door hanger on the back of your door by 12pm each day.

Most Premier Inns have specially-adapted rooms allowing easier access for customers with disabilities. If there is no specially-adapted room available at the hotel of your choice, we will be happy to offer you alternative accommodation at a nearby Premier Inn. If you have difficulty walking, but do not need a specially-adapted room, please feel free to request a room near reception on the ground floor for easy access. 

If you'd like get in touch, you can reach out to our specialist team via email at pi.accessible@whitbread.com or call us on 0333 0919 817 between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday (calls charged at local rate).

Unfortunately, with the exception of trained assistance dogs, we don't allow pets to stay at our hotels.