11 Best Date Ideas in Edinburgh to Whisk Your Date Away!
My husband really charmed his way into my life, and he did that by planning tons of fun dates for us. I have fond memories of taking long strolls around gardens, visiting museums, and even showing off our axe-throwing skills!
There’s no doubt that a great first date sets the tone for the rest you’ll plan in the future. So, if there’s someone you really want to impress, here are the best date ideas in Edinburgh that are sure to sweep your date off their feet!
Take a romantic stroll around the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
– Media from rbgedinburgh
Address: 20a Inverleith Row
Contact Details: +44 131 248 2909
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Admission Fee: Free
If you fancy a quiet stroll around lush gardens, a top date idea in my book is a stroll around the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. This 70-acre garden offers couples a peaceful place to enjoy the quiet that you won’t often find in a busy city.
One of my favourite spots here is the Inverleith House, an 18th-century historical building that currently houses botanical art and artefacts. A visit here will add a touch of learning to your date, which is never a bad thing if you love learning new things together.
Tips:
- Guided tours are available around the garden grounds if you and your date want one. It’s a good idea to book your guided tour at least two weeks in advance.
This will give you the best chance of securing your preferred time slot and ensure your group is accommodated as per the availability shown on the booking portal. Plus, it’s always better to plan ahead, especially during peak seasons when tours can fill up quickly!
- Another iconic attraction is The Glasshouses, but admission here is not for free. There’s an additional charge of £5.50 per adult to enter, but children under 16 can join for free!
Go on a hike up Arthur’s Seat for spectacular views
– Media from kittivaughan
Address: Holyrood Park
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Admission Fee: Free
If you’re looking for a memorable date, I’d recommend hiking up Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park. The climb may take a bit of effort—at just over 250 meters above sea level—but the stunning views from the top are absolutely worth it.
As you make your way up, you’ll pass through peaceful parkland, making it a great opportunity to chat and enjoy each other’s company. When you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with views of the city’s skyline and the remains of St. Anthony’s Chapel.
Tips:
- For a laid-back yet memorable date, pack a picnic basket and blanket, and spend the afternoon soaking up the sun while lounging on the grass.
As the day winds down, you’ll have the best seat in the city, enjoying delicious food and drinks with your special someone or friends. Trust me, it’s the perfect way to unwind and make lasting memories!
- If you’re looking to enjoy Arthur’s Seat without the steep climb, don’t worry; the walking trails are wheelchair and pram-friendly! You can start from St. Margaret’s Loch or the base of Holyrood Park, both of which are easy to navigate with a buggy or wheelchair.
Enact your fairytale romance at the Edinburgh Castle
– Media from edinburghcastle
Address: Castlehill
Contact Details: +44 131 225 9846
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
Admission Fee:
Adult: £19.50
Seniors: £15.50
Child: £11.40
I’m a huge sucker for romantic stories set in fairytales or castles. There’s nothing more romantic than having your cliche prince charming meet you at a castle.
Call me cheesy, but if your date is a big fan of fantasy books, you should definitely take them to Edinburgh Castle. You can go on tours around the castle grounds, learn about its history, and take dozens of photos together in this majestic castle.
Plus, there is something magically romantic about enjoying the sunset views from the castle’s vantage point.
Tips:
- If you’re in the area, don’t miss the One O’Clock Gun. It’s a tradition that’s been going strong since 1861!
And for those who love a good ghost story, be sure to ask about the eerie happenings around the castle grounds. It’s a fun way to add a bit of mystery to your visit!
- Treat your special someone to the Afternoon Tea Experience. It includes entry to the castle, followed by a charming tea session where you can relax and enjoy each other’s company. Don’t forget to book ahead. This is a date you won’t want to miss!
Test your chemistry and teamwork skills at Escape Hunt Edinburgh
– Media from escapehuntuk
Address: Units 3 & 4, Omni Centre
Contact Details: +44 131 225 5522
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Admission Fee:
£22 per person (for groups of 4 to 6 players)
£27 per person (for groups of 2 to 3 players)
If you’re looking for an exciting and interactive date idea, head to Escape Hunt Edinburgh for a thrilling escape room experience with your date.
There are four unique themes to choose from: you can explore the lost city of Atlantis, wander through Alice in Puzzleland, hunt for treasure with Blackbeard, or sharpen your skills in The Fourth Samurai.
With so many fun options, it’s the perfect way to challenge yourselves and work together. Plus, it’s guaranteed to spark some laughs and memorable moments!
Tips:
- Be sure to check their social media regularly! They often post deals, especially for off-peak times or last-minute bookings. It’s a fantastic way to grab a great escape experience at a discounted price.
- Looking for booze to cap the night off? Don’t go looking elsewhere. They sell alcoholic beverages here as soon as the clock strikes 7:00 pm!
- Score better deals on tickets if you bring friends with you on a double date. The more, the merrier!
Learn all there is about pottery making at the Edinburgh Pottery Studio
– Media from edinburgh_pottery_studio
Address: Unit 9, Peffer Business Centre, N Peffer Pl
Contact Details: +44 131 661 6079
Operating Hours:
Monday and Wednesday, 10:30 am to 9:00 pm
Tuesday, 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday, 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Admission Fee: Starts at £160 per person for 4 hours
For a creative and hands-on date idea, the Edinburgh Pottery Studio is a must-visit. It’s a cosy and welcoming spot where you and your partner can dive into the world of pottery together—even if it’s your first time!
The studio offers wheel-throwing classes for all skill levels. You can opt for a quick, fun crash course to get your hands messy with clay or go for a longer session to learn the art of shaping pottery on the wheel and by hand with your date.
Tips:
- Beginner crash courses are only held on Saturdays, and they’re super popular. Spots usually fill up about a week in advance.
To secure your place, make sure to book as soon as the next session is announced. Don’t miss out on the chance to get hands-on with clay! Check out all the details here.
- Note that for private 2:1 classes, the studio offers three types: wheel, pottery painting, and hand building. Feel free to book the other alternative couples’ classes here!
Challenge them to a round of axe throwing at Game of Throwing
– Media from gameofthrowing
Address: B S M Ltd, 26-28 Morrison St
Contact Details: +44 755 736 2664
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday, 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Saturday, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Sunday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Admission Fee: Around £54 to £102 for 6 players
For an adventurous and unconventional date, Game of Throwing hits the bullseye! My partner and I decided to give it a try, and it was a date night like no other.
We started with the traditional targets, and while I may have been a bit rusty at first (read: wildly off-target), the competitive banter kept us laughing the entire time.
Then we moved to the interactive lanes, where hitting the light-up targets added a whole new level of fun and excitement. The lanes are perfect for two, but we’re already planning a double date next time since each lane fits up to six.
Tips:
- While tickets are sometimes available at the venue, they often sell out online, especially on busy weekends. To avoid disappointment, it’s best to book ahead.
Keep in mind that reservations require full payment upfront, so plan accordingly to secure your spot.
- For safety reasons, only paying participants are allowed inside the axe-throwing venue—no spectators. This rule ensures everyone stays out of harm’s way (because no one wants an axe mishap!). If you’re eager to watch, you’ll need to book a slot and join in on the fun.
Treat them to a fancy afternoon tea experience at Prestonfield House
– Media from prestonfieldhouseedinburgh
Address: Priestfield Rd
Contact Details: +441312257800
Operating Hours:
Monday to Thursday, 12:00 pm to 6:45 pm
Friday and Saturday, 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Sunday, 12:00 pm to 6:45 pm
Admission Fee: Around £60 to £75 per person
Prestonfield House easily takes the crown as one of the swankiest spots in the city for an indulgent afternoon tea. Treat your date to a lavish spread of scones, tarts, sandwiches, and more, all served with a side of timeless elegance.
Set in the hotel’s historic tea rooms, complete with crackling log fires and sumptuous décor, it’s the perfect setting for a romantic escape. And if you’re celebrating something special, why not upgrade to a champagne tea for that extra sparkle?
Tips:
- Aside from their classic afternoon tea menu, they also offer gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and dairy-free options if you have dietary preferences.
While you can easily check out their menus here, it’s still best to give the hotel a call and request their special menus ahead of your visit.
Some items may require prior notice, so make sure to give them a call or make a note when making your reservation.
- The best time to book a tea session here is on a weekday, except Fridays. This is when crowds are fewer and the tea sessions run longer compared to weekends. You can spend as much time as you want here if you book between Monday to Thursday!
Marvel at art and artefacts at the National Museum of Scotland
– Media from nationalmuseumsscotland
Address: Chambers St
Contact Details: +44 300 123 6789
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Admission Fee: Free
Museum dates are a classic date idea for couples who love art, history, or learning new things together. I personally am a fan of museums, so if there’s one that I absolutely recommend for your first date, it’s the National Museum of Scotland.
This place takes you from the mysteries of ancient Egypt to the famous Dolly the Sheep. Talk about a conversation starter! With so much to explore, you and your date might just lose track of time diving into Scotland’s fascinating past and beyond.
Tips:
- For a more immersive experience, download the Smartify app before your visit. The museum offers free audio tours through it.
Simply scan the QR code when you arrive to explore the exhibits at your own pace. You can even listen ahead of time and get a sneak peek into the collections before setting foot inside!
- If you find yourself coming back to the museum often, a membership is well worth it. You’ll get early access to select exhibitions, discounts on events, and even perks at the café and gift shop. It’s a great way to make the most of every visit while saving a few quid along the way!
Go on a spooky tour around Edinburgh’s historic Old Town
– Media from cityofthedeadtours
Address: Bobby’s Bothy, 26 Candlemaker Row
Contact Details: +44 131 225 9044
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Admission Fee: Starts from £22 per person for 2 hours
City of the Dead Tours is an award-winning tour operator that specialises in haunted tours around the city’s most iconic landmarks. If you and your date enjoy horror movies or exploring Old Town’s secrets, this is a date idea just for you.
There are a total of four tours available, depending on how long you want to go on it or how in-depth you want to explore the haunted past of the city. My favourite, however, is the Double Dead Tour, as it includes a visit to the underground vaults!
Tips:
- This tour isn’t for the faint-hearted! The operators take mental well-being seriously, so if you’re easily spooked, have a heart condition, or don’t do well with gruesome stories, it’s best to sit this one out. The vaults have a dark history, and you’ll be diving deep into some chilling tales. Consider yourself warned!
- Book your spots in advance. Tours here have limited slots! The operators keep group sizes small to make the experience more immersive (and a little less claustrophobic). Planning ahead means you won’t miss out on this eerie adventure underground!
Walk around the gardens of Lauriston Castle
– Media from thisisedinburgh
Address: 2 Cramond Rd S
Contact Details: +44 131 336 2060
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 am to 7:30 pm
Admission Fee:
Adult: £10 per person
Senior and Child: £8 per person
Family Ticket: £27 per group of 5
Lauriston Castle and Gardens became one of my favourite date spots after an afternoon spent there with my partner. There’s something magical about stepping into this 16th-century hidden gem, away from the city’s rush, where time seems to slow down.
We started with a guided tour inside the castle, soaking in its Edwardian charm and fascinating stories. But the real highlight was wandering through the Woodland Walk, then the Japanese garden where we sat for a while and just enjoyed the moment.
Tips:
- If you’re feeling peckish, swing by Mimi’s Bakehouse for a cosy bite. This charming café and bistro has been a local go-to since 2020, serving up hearty brunch plates alongside a great selection of teas and coffees.
They don’t take reservations, so if you’re planning a mid-afternoon date, aim to arrive before the tea-time rush (2:00 to 4:00 PM) to snag a good spot.
- If you’re planning to go on a guided tour, they’re available from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm, Saturdays and Sundays only. Since they keep things intimate with small group sizes, it’s a good idea to book your spot in advance. You can reserve your place for the tour here.
Spend the weekend sleeping under the stars at The Secret Hideaway
– Media from hannahscranz
Address: Glencorse House, Penicuik
Contact Details: +44 196 867 6406
Check In: 3:00 pm
Check Out: 11:00 am
Admission Fees: Starting from £350 per glamping cabin
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle with a bit of charm, The Secret Hideaway is where I’d recommend heading for a wee getaway. Glamping here is the height of comfort, offering cosy pods tucked at the foot of the Pentland Hills.
The views are so stunning that you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a quiet morning with a cup of tea (or something stronger, no judgment) while soaking in the tranquil surroundings.
Tips:
- If you’re staying here, take advantage of the exclusive access to the private loch and its peaceful grounds. It’s a fantastic spot for a relaxing stroll. Plus, there’s a handy little parking area near the lodges, so you can just drive up and settle in without any fuss.
- Make the most of the beautiful outdoors during your stay! The glamping spot offers access to woodland walking and cycling trails, so why not explore together? If you’re up for a little adventure, just ask the staff for directions.