Easter in Edinburgh? 10 'grown-up' ways to spend it.

The approach of the long Easter weekend divides us into two camps.

Those with kids to consider and those without.

Now don’t get me wrong. I’ve done my time in the former camp. Days out filled with child friendly activities - Easter egg hunts, zoo visits and cries of ‘Are we nearly there yet?’

Been there. Done that. Have the battle scars to prove it.

If you, like me, are now able to enjoy your Easter bank holiday weekend child free, you might be looking for some more adult orientated activities.

Traditionally Easter weekend is the perfect time to tackle all those DIY and home makeover projects. Yep, those tills are going to be ringing down at B&Q and your local garden centre.

Now in my business you’d think I’d be more than happy if you had a good snoop around the website here and made a few key purchases of some gorgeous cushions and throws to spruce up your home for spring but that’s not my goal here at all!

It's Easter weekend. You're child free, flexible and you fancy doing something, you're just not quite sure what. You could even let loose and have a night out on a Sunday!!! Imagine that!

We could share our ideas around. Provide a great resource for friends in the same boat? So to kick off the conversation here are my top ten suggestions for you if you're spending Easter weekend in Edinburgh - my beautiful home town. I'd love you to add your ideas too!


Start the day with a relaxed brunch

For a brunch with a difference try the breakfast menu at Dishoom 

Breakfast at an Indian restaurant? Are you mad!?

Yep, that was my initial reaction but don’t knock it till you’ve tried it. It’s the big ‘must do’ in Edinburgh right now.

Breakfast is served 8am - 11.45 weekdays and 9am - 11.45 at weekends.

Reservations are accepted for parties of six or more, otherwise it’s first come, first served and be warned - there may be a long queue!!

Be a culture vulture

Check out The Edinburgh Science Festival which runs right through Easter weekend.

Arguably the Edinburgh Science Festival has plenty to entertain kids too but there are many events specifically for adults only on subjects as diverse as ‘Our future Lives with Robots’ or ‘Miracle Brew’ - an exploration of all things beer with beer writer Pete Brown.

Go for a casual wander

With no-one tugging your sleeve and uttering 'But where are we going?' or the worst one 'My legs are tired - carry meeeeee!!' you're free to potter, browse, stop randomly for coffee (or drinks!!) and just generally explore. Try Victoria Street for gorgeous architecture or Bruntsfield for independent shops. Or try a walk along the Water of Leith through from Dean Village to Stockbridge.

Book a Spa Day

Need a little R&R this Easter weekend? Try One Spa Edinburgh. With it’s iconic rooftop hydro pool, thermal suite and full range of treatments, One Spa remains one of the ‘go-to’ spas in Edinburgh. They have some great March offers valid up to and including Good Friday. Located in the Edinburgh Sheraton Hotel you might want to combine a trip to One Spa with a visit to the hotel’s chic bar and restaurant - One Square. It’s right in the heart of the city too, so ideal to combine with any other activities you have planned. 

Afternoon Tea

For something really different try the Red Bus Bistro. Tour Edinburgh on a vintage 1966 Routemaster while enjoying Afternoon Tea - or try their Gin Tea Experience! A really fun, novel way to enjoy afternoon tea.

Whisky Tasting

How about a tour, a tasting or even a whole morning masterclass? Try The Scotch Whisky Experience. This five star visitor attraction is the place to learn all things whisky. If you’re an Edinburgh resident, Easter weekend is the perfect time to have a little ‘staycation’ and try out something like this - that thing you’ve been meaning to do in your own city for ages!

Take a Gin Tour

I do love a good gin and this is definitely one of my favourites. Those lovely folks at Pickering’s Gin (the award winning, hand-crafted gin famous for those fabulous gin baubles) still have availability for their tours over Easter weekend.

A ‘Grown-up’ Cinematic Experience

For a very ‘grown-up’ trip to the movies visit Edinburgh institution - The Dominion. The Cameron family have been running this unique cinema business in Edinburgh for almost 80 years. The gorgeous art deco building lends itself perfectly to the VIP service you'll receive throughout . No uncomfortable, traditional cinema seats here. It’s first class comfy sofas all the way. Drinks in proper glasses, snacks in china bowls, to enjoy at your seat. No plastic and cardboard here! It's definitely date night with a difference at the Dominion.

Sunday Roast

One of my favourite treats is to go out for a Sunday roast so why should Easter Sunday be any different? I really like Kyloe in Edinburgh. With their ‘all in’ price options for 2, 4 or 6 adults it makes for a really cost effective deal and the meal is to die for. Prices include your roast with all the trimmings and a traditional pud thrown in. Pared with some fabulous red wines make sure you leave the car at home!

Live Music

How about taking the opportunity to enjoy a drink with live music? No cbeebies ear worms here! Check out The Jazz Bar or The Voodoo Rooms. Both have Easter weekend events scheduled.  
So Easter weekend doesn't have to be all about visits to Ikea (Aargh!!!!) or buying a new shed - although I have some serious shed envy for the ones the lovely Cara sells at Gillies & Mackay. Those are some utterly jaw-droppingly gorgeous sheds! No, on an adult only, DIY free bank holiday weekend in Edinburgh, you get to kick back and chill out, without a single 'I'm sooo bored!' within earshot that you need to be answerable to. So what did I miss? What are your suggestions? I’d love to know in the comments below.

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Written by Lynn McMurray

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