Edinburgh is an excellent city to visit all year round, featuring beautiful historic architecture, a brilliant food scene and picturesque winding streets. It’s considered one of the UK’s most popular tourist destinations and one of Europe’s liveliest cities, with endless things to see and do.
One of Edinburgh’s top spots is Murrayfield, home to Edinburgh Zoo and Murrayfield Stadium. Some of the best places in and near Murrayfield are:
Fancy a staycation in Edinburgh this autumn? Read on for our complete guide to this vibrant Scottish city.
Searching for hotels near Murrayfield? Our Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Murrayfield is a great base for exploring the rest of Edinburgh, only a 20-minute drive from the city centre. Enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep in one of the hotel’s 111 spacious guestrooms, and tuck into a delicious breakfast in the modern restaurant. Whether you’re planning a couples’ getaway or a family staycation, our Leonardo Hotels offer the ideal home away from home in Edinburgh Murrayfield.
Opening times: 10:00 – 18:00 daily
Location: Five-minute drive or half an hour walk from Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Murrayfield
Only a short drive from Murrayfield, Edinburgh Zoo offers a fun family day out. This zoo is a great place to learn more about wildlife, home to over 1,000 endangered animals from across the globe, including giant pandas, drill monkeys, and Grevy’s zebras. Children will love the keeper experiences, which offer the chance to see what it’s like to work at the zoo.
Find out more about ticket prices here.
Opening times: Guided tours are available at 11:00 and 14:30 Monday to Saturday
Location: 12-minute drive from Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Murrayfield
Home of the Scottish Rugby Union, Murrayfield Stadium is the largest rugby venue in Scotland and dates back to 1925. Although it’s primarily used for rugby matches, the stadium has also hosted American football games and music concerts.
Looking for things to do in Murrayfield? Book a guided tour of Murrayfield Stadium and visit key areas such as the TV Studio and the Bill McLaren Press Gallery, hearing stories from Scottish rugby history as you go along. Find out more about guided tours here.
Opening times: 09:30 – 18:00 daily
Location: 19-minute drive from Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Murrayfield
Learn more about Edinburgh’s rich history at Edinburgh Castle, one of Europe’s oldest fortified places. This incredible structure has had many uses over the years, including a prison, military garrison, and royal residence. There’s lots to explore here, from the castle’s Great Hall originally built for King James IV, to St Margaret’s Chapel built around 1130.
Join a guided tour, which lasts from one hour to three hours, and get even more out of your visit to Edinburgh Castle. Find out more about ticket prices here.
Opening times: 09:00 – 22:00 daily
Location: 23-minute drive from Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Murrayfield
Edinburgh is home to a web of underground vaults, which were formed in the arches of the city’s 18th-century South Bridge. These arches became enclosed by buildings on either side, creating a collection of chambers up to four storeys deep. The chambers were most notably used as storage areas and workshops, and to house taverns during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Today, visitors can book a guided tour to explore the Blair Street Underground Vaults. There’s also the option to book a fun ghost tour to gain an insight into Edinburgh’s ghostly history.
Opening times: 10:00 – 17:00 daily
Location: 22-minute drive from Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Murrayfield
The National Museum of Scotland is a must-visit place during a trip to Edinburgh. What’s more, it’s also the UK’s most popular attraction outside of London! The museum’s world-class collections will help you delve deeper into the history of Scotland and learn more about cultures across the world. From Science and Technology galleries to Natural World galleries, there’s plenty to explore here.
There are also family-friendly galleries filled with interactive activities for little ones to enjoy. Entry into the museum is totally free, meaning you can stay as long as you like. There’s also a café to enjoy hot drinks and snacks during your visit.
Location: Holyrood Park is a 24-minute drive from Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Murrayfield
Venture out of the bustling city for an afternoon and head to Holyrood Park. Here you’ll find Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano which constitutes the highest peak of a group of hills. Hike up to Arthur’s Seat and enjoy incredible panoramic views of the city below when you reach it.
There are several walking routes through Holyrood Park, which are suitable for both adults and children. Along the way, you’ll come across other top attractions such as St Anthony’s Chapel and Duddingston Loch. Visiting Arthur’s Seat is a great way to experience the beauty of the Scottish wilderness.
Opening times: 10:00 – 18:00 Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 17:00 on Saturdays and 13:00 – 17:00 on Sundays
Location: 19-minute drive from Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Murrayfield
Situated on Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, St Giles’ Cathedral is a magnificent medieval church that dates back to the 12th century. The building boasts remarkable Gothic architecture, with wonderful details such as the Thistle Chapel.
St Giles’ Cathedral has an interesting history and is one of the most significant medieval parish church buildings in Scotland. It’s well worth visiting while you’re in Edinburgh. Join a guided tour and learn about the cathedral’s development through past wars and reformations. Tours operate daily at 10:30 and 14:30 and last around 45 minutes.
Looking for more UK holiday inspiration? Browse our complete staycation page today.
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