Things to do in Inveresk

Activities, attractions and tours

Photo by Jock Watson
Photo by Jock Watson
Photo by Jock Watson
Photo by Jock Watson
Photo "Inveresk" by Tom Bishop (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Tom Bishop (CC BY-SA)
Photo "Inveresk" by candyschwartz (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by candyschwartz (CC BY)
Photo "Inveresk" by Derek Harper (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Derek Harper (CC BY-SA)
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Top places to visit

1. Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle, the oldest building in the city, sits high on a craggy volcanic rock just near the city center. During its history, which spans almost a thousand years, the stronghold has witnessed sieges, served as a military base and provided refuge for Scottish monarchs.
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Edinburgh Castle which includes heritage elements and château or palace

2. Royal Mile

Go for a sightseeing trip along the Royal Mile, a series of streets that forms the main artery of Edinburgh’s Old Town, the oldest part of the city. This ancient cobblestone route stretches from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It has been used by pedestrians for hundreds of years, and houses some of the city’s most fascinating old buildings.
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Royal Mile which includes a house, heritage architecture and street scenes

3. University of Edinburgh

Explore the campuses of the University of Edinburgh and soak up the academic atmosphere in its museums and galleries. Sights such as the quad of the Georgian Old College and the Gothic towers of New College on the Mound are iconic parts of the cityscape.
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University of Edinburgh showing heritage architecture and heritage elements

4. Edinburgh Zoo

Escape to the Edinburgh Zoo for a few hours of animal-based adventures. Spread over an 82-acre (33-hectare) site, the zoo has a collection of more than 1,000 animals representing almost 200 species.
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Edinburgh Zoo showing land animals and zoo animals

5. Princes Street Gardens

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the grounds of Princes Street Gardens, the city’s most famous open space. For hundreds of years the area was known as Nor’ Loch, but after a long draining process, the gardens were created in the 1820s.
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Princes Street Gardens featuring a statue or sculpture and a fountain

What to do in Inveresk

Popular places to visit

Edinburgh Castle which includes heritage elements and château or palace

Edinburgh Castle

Fortress, palace and repository of the crown jewels, this landmark overlooking the city has played a crucial role in Scottish history.

Edinburgh Castle
Royal Mile which includes a house, heritage architecture and street scenes

Royal Mile

Explore this area in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town to find ancient buildings, historic relics, shops, museums and range of dining options.

Royal Mile
Princes Street

Princes Street

During your trip to Edinburgh, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Princes Street. Experience the entertainment choices and lively festivals in this walkable area.

Princes Street
University of Edinburgh showing heritage architecture and heritage elements

University of Edinburgh

The campus of Edinburgh's venerable educational institution is spread seamlessly around the architecture of the city and opens to the public during year-round events.

University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh Zoo showing land animals and zoo animals

Edinburgh Zoo

See rare and endangered species and learn about the efforts to conserve them at Edinburgh’s largest wildlife attraction.

Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre

Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre

Enjoy a performance at Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, a theatre with a story to tell in Edinburgh. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene and entertainment choices.

Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre
George Street

George Street

During your trip to Edinburgh, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at George Street. Visit the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this walkable area.

George Street
Grassmarket

Grassmarket

During your visit to Edinburgh, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Grassmarket. Visit the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this family-friendly area.

Grassmarket
Princes Street Gardens featuring a statue or sculpture and a fountain

Princes Street Gardens

Spend time in this attractive green space that separates Edinburgh’s Old Town from its 18th-century New Town.

Princes Street Gardens
Photo by Jock Watson

Musselburgh

Edinburgh

Edinburgh

Frequently asked questions

Is Inveresk worth visiting?
Whether you plan to enjoy the local charm and cultural highlights or sample unique foods and venture into nature, there are plenty of things to do in Inveresk.
How do I spend a day in Inveresk?
After you've visited popular attractions like Fisherrow Sands and Musselburgh Racecourse, spend the rest of your day discovering Inveresk's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Inveresk?
Fisherrow Sands is one of the top tourist attractions in Inveresk and should be high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Inveresk?
If you just want to see the most popular attractions, three days is plenty of time for a holiday in Inveresk. Stay for seven to ten days for the chance to truly experience the local vibe, tour nearby hotspots and explore some hidden gems.
Is Inveresk a walkable city?
If discovering on foot sounds like your type of getaway, Inveresk is a great destination. Find top attractions, such as Fisherrow Sands, within walking distance of downtown. You can also enjoy a stroll through Newcraighall, a vibrant neighbourhood located about 3 kilometres from downtown.
What are some activities to do in Inveresk with kids?
If you're looking for sights and activities for all of your group, check out these awesome ideas for what to do in Inveresk with kids.

What to do in Inveresk for adults?
Adults of all ages will find lots of things to do in Inveresk. Whether you're into history, art, outdoor adventures or just love exploring new places, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Inveresk?
One of the best ways to learn about free things to do in Inveresk is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on vibrant neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can visit without reaching for your wallet. Fisherrow Sands is one sight that doesn't have an admission fee.