Things to See & Do
The bright lights of Edinburgh, the beaches of East Lothian & gorgeous country spas are all just a short drive from Eastside. Head south to world class mountain biking, tree top adventures & botanic gardens. Explore the local food & drink, entertainment, and things-to-do tips below or in our journal.
To help you get the very best from the city we've gathered some of Edinburgh's best attractions from a local's perspective. It was tough to narrow it down but here are our top tips of things to see & do - with directions from Eastside.
Edinburgh Guide
Is your ideal holiday far from the hustle & bustle of city life? Perhaps you just fancy a change? Try touring the stunning countryside & coastline of the Lothians instead. We've plenty of ideas to keep you entertained & relaxed.
Coast & Countryside Guide
Delightful days out for the whole family with great ideas to keep all entertained!
Fun for Kids Guide
From golf to horse riding, fishing & surfing, there is so much to do around Edinburgh.
Activity days GuideFood & Drink
Lunch among the herbs | Secret Herb Garden
Paper Mill Lasswade
Supper with a view | Forth Floor Harvey Nichols
Timberyard
The Lookout by Gardener's Cottage
something special
(our top dining spots)
The Secret Herb Garden
Lunch & CakesWhile away a few hours with a cuppa & cake or do lunch in the garden (weather permitting). For cooler days hideaway in the character filled greenhouses with vintage furniture, comfy old leather sofas and wood burning fires. Also makes for a quirky venue for a larger gathering. The team have also opened The Old Curiosity (gin) Distillery using botanicals from the herb garden well worth a try!
Secret Herb Garden0131 445 5888
The Paper Mill
Pub GrubFor a good country pub with fantastic local beer selection (cocktails not bad either!) look no further. Overlooking the River Esk, with an outdoor terrace, it is well worth a quick drive to Lasswade for some super pub-grub outside the city.
The Paper Mill0131 663 1412
The Forth Floor at Harvey Nichols
Dine outWith views to Edinburgh Castle and sweeping panoramas over the Firth of Forth and Fife beyond, the brasserie is a must. With superb food and seasonal offers, it needn’t break the bank either!
Harvey Nichols0131 524 8350
Timberyard
Something differentHidden down a side street in South Edinburgh this quirky restaurant (set in an authentic old warehouse) crafts delicious dishes from local ingredients. They carefully source these from local artisan growers, breeders, producers & foragers, growing the herbs themselves in the Timberyard garden.
Timberyard0131 221 1222
The Lookout by Gardener's Cottage
Room with a viewThis restaurant is built on a cantilever so it hangs partially suspended over Calton Hill’s northwest slope, with floor to ceiling glass windows and panoramic views across Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth.
The Lookout0131 322 1246
The Bonnie Badger
Country escapeTom Kitchin's country pub set in the sleepy village of Gullane. The perfect place to return to after a blustery walk on the nearby beach.
Bonnie Badger01620 621 111
