What’s on for Burns Night? – Edinburgh

Are you joining us in Edinburgh to mark the anniversary of Robert Burns’ birth on 25 January?

Burns Night is a wild annual tradition in Scotland.

Up and down the country there shall be gallons of Irn Bru, Drams o’ Whisky & Haggis, enjoyed by all.

 

Why do we hold a Burns Supper?

 

The tradition of a Burns supper originates back to 1801 where 9 of Robert Burns closest pals held a supper in his honour, marking 5 years of his death. During the supper they enjoyed a tasty dinner of haggis and read renditions of some of his best work. The night was such a resounding success they decided to hold the supper as an annual gathering, thus beginning the tradition we still enjoy to this day.

 

Why should you take part?

 

Great Food (tick), Great music (tick) and Great Company (tick). Plus there’s nothing quite like ending the night – surrounded by old friends & new, crossing their arms and joining hands singing Auld Lang Syne. Although alternatively some people opt to end the festivities dancing to Runrig’s Loch Lomond, the commonly accepted peoples’ national anthem.

 

Let’s set the scene…

 

Visit Scotland have kindly created a fantastic Scottish Spotify playlist, full to the brim of Scottish classics & amazing bands.  Listen to it here while you work your way through our suggestions.

 

What’s on in Edinburgh for Burns Night?

 

  • Celebrate Burns Night

17th– 26th January at the Ghillie Dhu, Edinburgh

See details & get your tickets here.

Immerse yourself in a celebration fit for Rabbie himself. Choose between joining friends for an informal 3 course burns meal in jovial Ghillie Dhu’s main bar or enjoy live traditional Scottish music during a delicious dinner. Then top it off with a reeling ceilidh where you can learn and perfect all the best Scotch social dances throughout the night.

 

  • The Burns and Beyond Festival

21st January – 9th February in Edinburgh

See festival highlights & tickets here. 

Steep yourself in rich Scottish culture and traditions at the Burns & Beyond Festival. Highlights include a family friendly ceilidh with the undisputed ‘king of the ceilidh’ Fergie Macdonald and a rich night of comedy and live music at the ‘Not So Traditional’ Burns Supper.

 

  • Enjoy a Brunch with Burns

24th & 25th January at The Scottish Story Telling Centre, Edinburgh

Get your tickets for the show here.

Perhaps you fancy a spot of theatre this burns day. The Scottish Story Telling Centre presents a Fringe-favourite, ‘Burns from Brunch’. Enjoy the company of Robert Burns as he wakes up in 2019 to share his poetry, songs and thoughts of a contemporary Scotland. This show is suitable for ages 14+ and is sure to brew some laughs.

 

  • Board the Yacht for a Burns to Remember

24th & 25th January at The Royal Yacht Britannia Burns Supper, Edinburgh

Book your place for the supper here.

If you fancy a spot of luxury- You can spend your Burns celebrations on the gorgeous Royal Yacht Britannia. Enjoy a red carpet welcome, drinks and canapé reception. Alongside a delicious 4-course meal, live traditional music, a whisky tasting and tour of The Royal Yacht Britannia.

 

Too excited to wait?

If you’re looking for something to fill the void while you wait for Burns Night, we’ve got you covered, find plenty suggestions of things to do on our social media & printed in your apartment!

 

Whatever you get up to this Burns Night, lets raise o’ dram for Rabbie!

 

If you have any questions do not hesitate to email or call, we would be happy to discuss suggestions and things to do with you.

What’s on for Hogmanay – Edinburgh

Staying with us?

Get your Hogmanay Sorted, Edinburgh Style!

Dèan gàirdeachas Nollaig agus Bliadhna Ùr còmhla rinn.

 

There’s so much happening in Edinburgh for New Year but with many options it can be a little overwhelming. In light of this, we’ve made a round up of our personal favourites!

 

Street Party

 

The party starts at 7:30pm on the 31st of December

Enjoy a complimentary Johnnie Walker cocktail as you celebrate the end of a year and bring in 2020, in an unforgettable fashion. Edinburgh celebrates Hogmanay under the stars with DJ’s, Bands and Street Performers from all over the world.

When the clock strikes midnight the sky shall be lit up by an incredible firework display and the sounds of world-famous Mark Ronson. This is not an event to be missed!

 

 

Ceilidh under the Castle

Celebrations Kick off at 8:30pm on the 31st of December

Start the New Year the Scottish way at the Ceilidh under the Castle. Whirl or jig, fling or be flung under the watchful eye of Edinburgh Castle.

Join hands with old friends and new to dance in the New Year with a full ceilidh band and plenty of local food and drink to keep you spinning all night.

This year’s jigs and reels will be brought to you by some smashing ceilidh bands, to be announced!

At midnight, welcome in 2020 with a breath-taking fireworks display, amidst the historic setting of the majestic Edinburgh Castle.

 

 

Mark Ronson in the Gardens

 

Make the most of Hogmanay with Mark on 31st of December at 9:00pm

Celebrate Hogmanay in spectacular style with Grammy and Oscar Award winner Mark Ronson!

Join one of the biggest names in the music industry at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay’s for the party of a lifetime. He’s worked with pop royalty, from Stevie Wonder to Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars and now Mark Ronson will play the best tunes to thousands of party-goers at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. At midnight, say goodbye to 2019 and welcome in 2020 to the ultimate party playlist and the best views of the fireworks over Edinburgh Castle!

A ticket for Concert in the Gardens will include a wristband for access to the Street Party.

 

Torchlight Procession

 

Happens the day before Hogmanay, 7:00pm on the 30th of December

Blaze through the city accompanied by pipers and drummers, fire and fanfare and forge a river of light through the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town.

 

A spectacular and unforgettable family-friendly event culminating in the historic Holyrood Park.

50p from every ticket bought goes to One City Trust, fighting inequality and exclusion in the City of Edinburgh

 

 

Bairns ‘Afore

 

31st of December on the 31st at 5:00pm

The Bairns’ ‘Afore makes for the our favourite family- friendly Hogmanay experience imaginable.

Join Dick and Dom, the comedy duo from the ‘telly, playing the best tunes to get you dancing and singing along. The event is all topped off by its very own spectacular fireworks, allowing the same excitement as the adult’s street party later on. It’s the best way to celebrate as a clan and still get the kids home to bed before the madness starts.

 

Our apartments are open planned and generously sized making hosting, gathering with family & friends and making memories easy.

 

If you like the sound of any of these, our apartments are within excellent walking distance to these events.

 

Get your event tickets here. 

 

Your go-to guide for the perfect Hen Night in Edinburgh

Bride Squad Assemble!

No matter what kind of Hen you are planning for, Edinburgh has it all. Once you’ve booked your apartment go ahead and relax while planning the ultimate hen night.
Read on to see some of our favourite Edinburgh Hen Party ideas;

 

 

For The ‘Yaaaas Queen’ Hen

Lip sync Battle at CC Blooms

If your hen has charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent then we suggest you lip sync for your life at one of our favourite bars in Edinburgh! Split into two teams and prove who is the most gag worthy. Your professional instructor will teach you a dance routine to Beyoncé, Queen, the Spice Girls or Lady Gaga. They’ll go through the moves step by step until both teams are ready to bust some moves in the Lip Sync Battle of the century! Release your inner diva as you go head to head in the ultimate battle of popstar power. *death drop*

 

 

For The ‘OMG I Love This Song’ Hen

Silent Disco Adventure

It’s your hen night, why wouldn’t you make a song and dance about it? Silent Adventures offer music and dancing lovers to join fun and unusual guided city tour of Edinburgh. You’ll hit the road and dance around the streets wearing a set of hi-tech headphones. Your tour guide shall have the whole group strutting their stuff and belting out the classics. Guaranteed laughs!

 

 

 

 

For The ‘Foodie’ Hen

6-course tasting Menu at Six by Nico


Much loved by locals ‘Six by Nico’ is a dining experience to remember. Each six weeks, Nico and his team will serve a brand new six-course tasting menu – each one themed upon a different place or memory. Some of our favourites have been their Wonka Menu and their Childhood Menu. Try their amazing tasting menu for only £28pp and if you feel like treating yourselves- add a cheeky wine pairing to your meal. The food is to die for and just a short walk away from our York Place apartments.

 

 

For The ‘Zen’ Hen

A spot of yoga

Downward Dog yourself into your happily ever after. Yoga is good for you, fact. Healthier weight, more flexible, better muscle tone and every girl looks good in yoga pants. The experienced Yoga teacher will come to your venue and tailor the 60 minute Edinburgh Yoga session to the needs of your group. You can even get bendy in your apartment as this instructor can either host your groups class their or in the great outdoors.

 

 

For The ‘Classy Yet Sassy’ Hen

Afternoon Tea with a buff butler in the buff

There’s nothing like an afternoon te-ase The Edinburgh naked chef afternoon tea is great for a laugh and an excellent way to unwind and relax with your friends in your apartment. Imagine this- a buff butler attending to your every need and providing a bit of eye candy too! Meanwhile the chef will be hard at work preparing your tasty treats. Best part yet; He’ll even clean your apartment kitchen up afterwards, leaving it just the way he found it. (Yes you read that right… A man that cleans!)

 


For The ‘Fan Of The Boozy Juice’ Hen

Cocktail Making at Vodka Revolution

Shake, Stir and Sip your way into your ‘I do’. With the support and wisdom of your own barman, try your hand at being a mixologist for the day and enjoy the fruits of your hard labour (Get cocktail-tipsy, c’mon you’ve earned it). Learn how to make the most iconic cocktails, play some boozy games, drink some handcrafted shots and toast to the start of your wild night of freedom.

 

 

For The ‘Arty Crafty’ Hen

Try a life drawing class (Giggles are to be expected)

Grab your charcoal sticks and have a go sketching a handsome male model, he’ll strip off and strike a pose for your group to draw until your heart is content. After you’ve finished your masterpieces, your model is free to have a drink with the group, and the bride will be given a Nude Life folder of everyone’s drawings as a keepsake.

 

For The ‘Thrill Seeking’ Hen

Get a scare at the Edinburgh Dungeons

The Edinburgh Dungeon is the ultimate underground journey through Edinburgh’s darkest history, using live actors, theatrical sets and thrilling rides. Bring alive significant turning points in Scottish history, as you and your bride squad walk plague-ridden streets of 1645, escape the murderous pair, Burke & Hare, and face trial in a 16th century judicial system. This is a hen do with suspense, surprise and physical thrill.

 

For The ‘You Can’t Cage Me’ Hen

Escape a Room in 60 minutes

Have you got the skill, guile and powers of deduction needed to escape before time runs out? You and your teammates will be locked inside a room and presented with a unique, immersive scenario to unravel, before trying to tackle a variety of hidden puzzles, mental tasks and code-breaking challenges in this fast-paced race against the clock. You’ll need teamwork, brainpower and nerves of steel as you attempt to solve a series of tricky clues and break out of your confines before your hour is up.

 

 

For The ‘First And Last One On The Dancefloor’ Hen

Boogie the night away in Edinburgh’s Biggest Nightclub

Head to Atik (formally and historically known as Cav) for the best night out in Edinburgh. The nightclub features sound and lighting effects, CO2 and confetti cannons; everything you need for a wild night. Atik is made up of three rooms so there’s something for everyone, the main dancefloor plays House, Chart and Anthems. The Curve lounge supplies you with the best of R&B and Hip Hop but head up to the Vinyl lounge for the cheesiest tunes from the 70s straight through to now. Dance until 3am before heading back to your apartment. 

 

 

For The ‘Wait Don’t Drink It Yet, I Need A Pic For Instagram’ Hen

Drinking cocktails at Edinburgh’s secret bar

Just off from Edinburgh’s biggest shopping street lies a hidden secret bar. Go down some steps, chit-chat with a Tarot reader and next thing you know you’ve transported to a 1950s New Orleans vintage funfair. Build a bespoke cocktail using a claw crane machine or having a boozy ice cream at the mini. No, this isn’t the beginning of a very strange dream – it’s a hoot. We promise you’ll never forget the day you went . Make sure when you and the bride squad pee in groups (as us ladies do) to read the wallpaper, it’ll make the bathroom queue ‘50 shades’ more fun

 

 

For The ‘Major Sweet Tooth’ Hen

Chocolate Making Workshop

How about trying something a bit different? If your hen dreams in chocolate then a chocolate workshop at Scottish restaurant, The Cellar Door is the perfect answer. Start your workshop with an exciting introduction to chocolate making. You’ll have the opportunity to mould, shape, decorate and munch your way through the finest Belgium chocolate and slabs of freshly made chocolate ganache. Get creative and win a prize for the best creation and take (all that’s left of) your chocolates home in a swanky gift box.

 

 

For The ‘Sporty’ Hen

Zorb Football and Bubbly

Zorb Football is a chaotic and hilarious twist on football, as you strap yourselves into your giant inflatable bubbles, step onto the pitch, then bounce, barge and bump your way through a pulsating five-a-side match. A referee will be on hand to run through the rules and keep things in order, while subs will be rotated every few minutes to ensure everybody gets plenty of game time. If you book through events management company Chilli Sauce you’ll get a bottle of bubbly.

 

We hope you all have a fantastic time in Edinburgh with your bride squad whatever you get up to!

Don’t forget to follow our Instagram and Facebook on @destinationedinburgh to stay up to date with our other tips and recommendations!

To get in touch with us about your apartment or stay in Edinburgh give us a call on 0131 556 3840 have a look on our website 

Top 10 Tips for Your Stay in Edinburgh

No one knows Edinburgh quite like the locals do, so take it from us, we’ve got the best tips for making the most of your stay in the capital.

 

Go high for the best views

Whilst the view of Edinburgh from the castle is great, a view with the castle in it is even better.  For the more energetic among you, a climb up Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park will undoubtedly give you spectacular views.  Alternatively a climb up Calton Hill will give you brilliant views of the castle along Princes Street.  If you’re not feeling quite so energetic then make your way to the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street and head to the rooftop garden where you can almost reach out and touch the castle!

 

Breathe in the fresh air in one of the many city centre parks and gardens

Edinburgh is the UK’s greenest city so make the most of the wonderful parks on offer.  Not to be missed are the Princes Street Gardens.  Sitting in the old moat of the castle, the gardens offer an escape from busy Princes Street as well as a spectacular view of the castle.  The gardens even feature their own bear!

@destinationedinburgh

Watch out for the One O’Clock Gun

Keep your wits about you if you’re anywhere near the castle at 1pm Monday to Saturday.  In a tradition spanning over 150 years, a canon is fired to mark 1pm, frightening many unsuspecting tourists.  Originally fired to alert docked ships in Leith and on the Firth of Forth of the time, it’s now just a lovely attraction to the castle.

 

Planning in advance is key

To make the most of your time in the city, our best advice is to plan ahead.  If checking off the top tourist attractions is your priority then buying a Royal Edinburgh ticket in advance is a must.  Included in the ticket is entry to the Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Yacht Britannia, Palace of Holyrood House and Edinburgh Bus Tours.  We can sort one out for you, just let our team know and we’ll have the tickets ready for you on arrival.

 

Be prepared for glorious sunshine, thunderous rain and then more sunshine …

Scotland is typically known for its weather, not exactly the warmest of places but it is known for surprising its residents with all seasons in one day.  So be prepared and follow our advice: bring your rain jacket or buy yourself a poncho!

 

Go off the beaten track

Some of the best places and sights in Edinburgh are further away from the hustle and bustle of Princes Street and the old town.  We’d recommend a walk along the Water of Leith, where you can take photos of Dean Village, then wander along to Stockbridge Market for lunch, or continue further down to Leith for a fantastic selection of award-winning restaurants including The Kitchin.

 

Get your bearings and map it out

Edinburgh is a very pedestrian friendly city but it can be easy to get lost.  Make yourself familiar with where your apartment is and the bus routes nearby so that you will always find your way home.  All out apartments have maps available for guests so make sure to take one with you when you go exploring.

 

Jump on a Lothian bus

Edinburgh has a fantastic bus network spanning the city so definitely make use of them when exploring the capital.  It’s just £1.70 for an adult flat fayre and £4 for a day ticket which gives you unlimited access all day.  Keep in mind that the buses don’t give change, and if you’re staying for longer it might be worthwhile downloading the app (the minimum top up for the app is £10).  Check out timetables and routes here

 

Do as the locals do and eat brunch

There is no shortage of delightful places to have brunch in the city, take advantage of Southpour, next door to our Southside apartments and receive 20% off when you show your apartment key or a Destination Edinburgh Apartments business card.

 

Stay with Destination Edinburgh Apartments

If you weren’t convinced already, then get booked in with us to explore Edinburgh, see the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and stay in our sister apartments with Destination Edinburgh Apartments in either our Rodney Street, Southside or York Place apartments.  All are self-catering apartments, they give you the freedom to make your stay your own.  Our Rodney Street apartments come with a free parking space and the views from our York Place apartments are not to be missed.  AND if you book directly with us then you’ll receive a free gift!  We look forward to welcoming you soon.

 

Coming to Edinburgh and not sure what do?

Why not check out the . Located only a a few metres from the Castle Esplanade, this is definitely one of Edinburgh’s most underrated tourist attraction. Lots of visual trickery + a great view of Edinburgh from the top!

If you are looking for a weekend break – we have availability throughout November and December. Book direct and receive best price guaranteed and free gift on arrival!

Royal Mile Light Show Held Over Festive Period

Throughout the Festive Period, The Royal Mile in Edinburgh will be transformed into a spectacular light show that will utilise 60,000 lights.

The show which will run from the 30th November – 24th December is sponsored by Virgin Money and Scotland’s Winter Festivals. The event will show twice daily at 6.30pm and 8.30pm. For more information click on this link Royal Mile Light Show

Things to do in Edinburgh

Coming to Edinburgh but not sure what to do? I’d recommend you check out this article: https://ow.ly/RgUXf . Washing your face with the dew from Arthur’s Seat is a must!

Edinburgh as original inspiration for Game of Thrones

Who would have thought Edinburgh was the original inspiration for Game of Thrones. For those of you that have yet to visit Edinburgh this interactive map will give you a perspective of where the various landmarks are situated. Simply click on the link below:

Game of Thrones Edinburgh

Edinburgh Hogmanay Packages Now on Sale!

Our sister group Destination Edinburgh is now selling packages for this year’s Edinburgh Hogmanay Street Party. There is a variety of hotels on offer as part of these packages so why not browse through our selection by clicking on the link below

Destination Edinburgh Hogmanay Packages

Savour Edinburgh

Looking for a quick weekend away in Edinburgh? Love food?

SAVOUR

Foodies delight as Edinburgh’s top wine merchants, chefs and food and drink producers come together for an afternoon of tasty exploration at Edinburgh’s Summerhall. Following on from 2014’s sell out eent, Savour Festival welcomes a mix of artisan producers, local restaurants, craft beers, puddings purveyors, gins, mixologists and wine sellers.

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If you’re staying at our apartments already over this weekend why not check out this great event here. Just a short walk from our Southside Apartments.

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Yum!