Campervan hire in Edinburgh

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Go on a city break and discover Edinburgh by renting a campervan

If you are thinking about a city break, why not visit the dynamic, popular city of Edinburgh. Edinburgh has something for everyone from tradition and culture, to breathtaking scenery and a vibrant nightlife. The New Town offers a lively atmosphere, fantastic museums and Edinburgh’s shopping scene where you will find many individual boutiques helping to ensure the survival of Scottish textile traditions such as tweed and cashmere.

The Old Town is characterised by quaint Scottish pubs nestled in the many narrow winding streets. It is also home to many of the historic buildings starting with Edinburgh Castle which houses St Margaret’s Chapel. The chapel was built in 1130 for private use by Scotland’s royal family before being used as a gunpowder store in the 1500s. Taking a short stroll down the Royal Mile you will also find St Giles Cathedral which dates back to 1124.

Edinburgh is also very close to the beautiful Scottish scenery. A short walk from Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is Holyrood Royal Park with its rich cultural heritage. You may want to walk up to Arthur’s Seat for a fabulous view of the city or visit Holyrood Palace which is adjacent to the park and open all year round.

Our top tips on renting a campervan for a city break in Edinburgh

The busiest period for renting a campervan is from May until September so booking in advance is recommended.

Some of Edinburgh’s best sights

In Edinburgh there is lots to do and see and below we have put together some of the sights to visit:

Edinburgh Castle

• Edinburgh Castle was built on an extinct volcano called Castle Rock and it is the landmark of the Scottish capital.

• The oldest surviving building, St Margaret's Chapel, was built in the 12th century.

• Booking your tickets in advance online is advised.

Palace of Holyrood House and Holyrood Abbey

• The centre of Scottish history and remains the official residence of the monarchy in Scotland.

• Visit the historic apartments of Mary Queen of Scots and the state apartments famous for their fine tapestries and furnishings.

• The Great Gallery houses portraits of the many Scottish kings, whilst the Queen’s Gallery, which opened in 2002, has varied changing exhibitions.

Calton Hill and the Scottish National Monument

• For a stunning, panoramic view of Edinburgh make your way up to Calton Hill.

• Calton Hill is marked as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is also famous for its collection of historic monuments, including the very striking National Monument, which was inspired by the Parthenon in Athens.

The Sheep Heid Inn

• Reported to be the oldest pub in Scotland, dating back to 1360.

• The pub serves traditional Scottish cuisine. It also has traditional décor and what is said to be the oldest surviving skittle in Scotland.

Events and festivals in Edinburgh

Royal Highland Show (June or July): one of Scotland's biggest agricultural festivals. Highlights include the food court competitions for best local produce such as cheese, bread and ice-cream etc. Handmade goods and custom artwork are available to see and buy, and the weekend rounds off with traditional ceilidh band performances.

Scottish Real Ale Festival (3 days in July): with live music and pipe bands this is the biggest beer festival in Scotland. They showcase hundreds of real ales from the many breweries in Scotland, some of the best beers in the UK and from around the world.

Edinburgh International Festival (August): considered the world's largest annual, cultural festival, with a celebration of music, theatre, opera and dance performances across the city.

Edinburgh Military Tattoo (August): the show features an entertaining mix of Bagpipers, Marching Bands, amazing military displays and mock battles with soldiers descending from the castle ramparts.

Edinburgh Fringe Festival (September): a celebration of art and culture, established in 1947 as an alternative to the Edinburgh International Festival with exhibitions and events categorised into sections such as theatre, comedy and dance.

Campsites in Edinburgh

Questions and Answers

The most frequently asked questions about a camper holiday in Edinburgh

• Where is the best place to park a campervan whilst visiting Edinburgh?

  There are no restrictions on parking a campervan in Edinburgh, but the city centre can be quite busy. The average rate for parking is around £4.90 an hour but the city also offers various Park and Ride services, which many people prefer to use.

• How much do campsites in Scotland cost?

  There are numerous campsites near Edinburgh to suit every budget and itinerary. Prices can vary depending on the location and facilities with average charges ranging from £10.00 to £30.00 per night.

• Can you go wild camping in Scotland?

  Thanks to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 wild camping in Scotland is permitted. It is an exciting experience for many but there are things to keep in mind such as do not camp near historic buildings or people’s homes without permission. Do not camp in enclosed fields and always take your litter with you. Looking at the Scottish Outdoor Access Code before going wild camping in Scotland is highly recommended. The code provides both helpful information and advice.

• How many days should I plan on staying in Edinburgh?

  We would recommend staying in Edinburgh for around 2 – 3 days. This will give you sufficient time to explore the city, museums and shopping scene. Renting a campervan also gives you the flexibility of exploring the surrounding area, such as Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

• Are there any tourist passes for museums and bus tours?

  The Edinburgh City Pass comes with a free guide book and is available to buy for 1, 2 or 3 days, with prices starting at £45.00 per adult. The pass gives you access to the Hop-on Hop-off City Bus Tour and other attractions including The Edinburgh Dungeon and Vault Tours. The Royal Edinburgh ticket can also be purchased at a cost of £59 per adult which provides access to Edinburgh Castle, The Palace of Holyrood, Royal Yacht Britannia and 3 Edinburgh bus tours.