A monumental city that makes for a fantastic start to your campervan holiday.

If you want to kick off your Scottish campervan hire holiday in fashion, there's no better place to begin than the Scottish capital of Edinburgh. With ancient charm, historic buildings and an abundance of rich culture, Edinburgh is a must-see location when looking to explore Scotland. The winding, cobbled streets of Edinburgh's old-town hold an otherworldly feel, with both the old and new town of Edinburgh listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city of Edinburgh is fairly small, meaning you can cover all the cultural sites in just a few days before moving onward for the next part of your Scotland road trip. With the beautiful Pentland hills located on the outskirts of Edinburgh and a wealth of gorgeous beaches surrounding the area, you won't be short on options for the next part of your motorhome hire trip. 

As Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh is extremely well connected, with Edinburgh Waverley, the main train station in Edinburgh, providing regular links to London, the North of England as well as the rest of Scotland. Edinburgh airport is easily accessible to the city centre via tram, and sees flights from around the world leave and depart daily. With convenient transfers included in your campervan hire package, 

If you're looking for convenient campervan hire in Edinburgh, then look no further than Scottish Tourer's incredible selection of modern and comfortable campervans. 

comfortable campervan for hireside view of campervan for hire

 

Why hire a campervan in Edinburgh from Scottish Tourer? 


Scottish Tourer provides a dedicated transfer service direct from Edinburgh airport to help get your campervan holiday off to a smooth and seamless start. 

The Scottish Tourer depot is located in Perth, approximately 40-minutes from Edinburgh Airport. We run a fully insured shuttle service for our customers, meaning you can easily fly into Edinburgh and be ready to collect your campervan within the first hour of your arrival. We also offer direct campervan collection and returns from Edinburgh itself, as well as providing travel to and from your hotel. 

Scottish Tourer has made campervan hire in Edinburgh as simple and stress-free as possible, just let us know your preferred method of collection and we'll work with you to arrange the best solution for your campervan hire needs. 

To arrange your campervan hire Edinburgh, contact the Scottish Tourer team today. 


motorhome in front of sunset

 

Campervan Hire Edinburgh: Where to stay? 


One reason Edinburgh makes a great starting point for your campervan hire road trip is the host of local campsites in the surrounding areas. With the upgrading of the tram network and improved public transport in Edinburgh city centre, you can easily travel in and out of the city whilst staying in an idyllic campsite in your motorhome rental. 

Some great Edinburgh campsites include: 

  • Morton Hall Caravan and Camping Park. Located only 15 minutes from the centre of Edinburgh with excellent transport links. Reviews on TripAdvisor praise the park for its cleanliness, welcoming staff and friendly visitors. 
  • Drummohr Caravan Park and Camping. About 20 minutes from the city centre with top-class amenities for campervans. 
  • Slatebarns Camping and Caravan Site. Boasts a reliable bus link into Edinburgh city centre and great amenities for campervans. 
  • Linwater Caravan Park. The winner of the 2018 Best Caravan Park title. Linwater Caravan Park offers a clean and comfortable campervan base for sightseeing in Edinburgh.  

As Edinburgh is a busy capital city, opting to park and set up your campervan rental in an established caravan or camping park is recommended whilst you take the time to visit the city's main attractions. 

You may also find some independent spots in and around the Pentland hills or by Crammond beach on the outskirts of the city, but you would then need to leave your campervan unattended whilst travelling into the city centre. For this reason, most campervan drivers prefer to pitch up in a safe caravan park for greater peace of mind whilst hiring a campervan in Edinburgh. 

campsite locations in Edinburgh campervan hire

 

Campervan Rental Edinburgh: Top things to do 


Edinburgh is one of the most popular cities in the UK for good reason. It's unlike any other city in Europe and possesses an ancient, magical charm that is sure to captivate your imagination. 

Some of the top attractions Scottish Tourer recommends for a first-time visit to Edinburgh is: 

  • Visit Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh Castle cannot be missed as it quite literally stands in the middle of the city centre, Tours are available, but simply taking a stroll up to the castle entrance is a fun activity by itself. 
  • Arthur's Seat. An extinct volcano that sits on the outer edge of the city centre, Arthur's Seat has some of the very best views of Edinburgh. Easily accessible by foot and not an overly difficult climb, Arthur's Seat is a must-do for anyone visiting Edinburgh. 
  • Walk around the Old Town. A stroll through Edinburgh's old town is one of the best ways to discover the history of the city. With hidden closes and cobbled streets down every turn, you'll be blown away by the charm of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
  • Real Mary King's Close. Discover the historic, hidden streets that are found under the current city. With gruesome, real-life stories from the 17th Century streets of Edinburgh, Mary King's Close is a gateway into Edinburgh's ancient past. Be aware that the tight spaces and narrow alleyways can be claustrophobic for some, but this is truly a unique experience that shouldn't be missed. 
  • Calton Hill. Another incredible view-point of Edinburgh, Calton Hill gives a wonderful vantage point of Princes Street and further afield. With an observatory tower and a host of historic monuments also found on top, Calton Hill is a popular photography spot that is easily accessible from the city centre. 
  • National Museum of Scotland. One of the best museums in the whole of Scotland without a doubt. Full of Scottish heritage, interactive exhibits and incredible, life-sized dinosaur and animal reconstructions, the National Museum is a perfect spot for a fun day out with the whole family. 

Along with these top-rated spots, Scottish Tourer has put together an extensive list of popular activities that can be done if you choose to hire a campervan in Edinburgh. Read on for more information. 

   Edinbugh Royal Mile

 

Shopping 

With multiple large shopping centres, high-street shops and specialist boutiques you won't be lacking for places to spend your cash in Edinburgh. Walk along Princes Street for a wide selection of designer brands, or venture into the old-town and up The Royal Mile for Scottish souvenirs and individual boutiques. 

With the farmers’ markets in the summer and German-themed Christmas stalls in the winter, Edinburgh has everything you could wish for when it comes to shopping. 
                                      

Food and Drink 

If you're on a budget, dining in style or out for a celebration meal, there are plenty of food options in Edinburgh to suit all types of tastes. Michelin star restaurants and friendly cafes can be found throughout the city, with a mixture of chain and independent restaurants found throughout the city. 

Traditional pubs are around every corner in Edinburgh, with the Grassmarket area offering some of the best, quaint boozers you'll ever set foot in. If you visit Edinburgh in the summer months you'll be met with a wealth of outdoor seating and hidden beer gardens, providing excellent resting spots as you march around the city by foot. 

Don't forget to sample some of Scotland's finest alcoholic drinks by taking a gin or whisky tour. There are lots on offer and all are of high quality and standard. Do some shopping around until you find the right tour that fits your pallet.

beautiful Edinburgh architecture from Victoria street

 

Architecture 

For those interested in architecture, a walk along the Edinburgh Royal Mile should be an essential bullet point on your must-do list. Start at Edinburgh Castle, found at the top of the Royal Mile, and walk straight down the cobbled stones to the Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the Queen when she's in Edinburgh. Take in the ornate buildings on either side of the Mile as you walk and you'll be amazed at what you see. 

Along the way, you'll see the modern Scottish parliament and what seems to be a never-ending collection of alleys and lanes for you to explore. You'll also spot a host of churches and historic buildings, each one with architecture more impressive than the last. 

We recommend stopping off at St Giles Cathedral. Free to enter and incredibly impressive, this 12th Century Parish Church is one of the oldest buildings in Edinburgh and is still in immaculate condition. 

Edinburgh castle in summer

Edinburgh Fringe 

In the summer, Edinburgh is home to The International Fringe Festival, which is one of the largest arts and culture festivals in the world. 

Held over three weeks every August, thousands of performers come to Edinburgh to entertain. You'll find amateurs, up and comers and established professionals alike, with performers coming in all sorts of styles, including authors, musicians, comedians, singers, circus acts, dancers, actors, public speakers and more. 

With both free and paid shows available, there truly is something for everyone at The Edinburgh Fringe. No wonder Edinburgh has been touted as Europe's festival capital! 
 

The Kids 

The kids will not be bored either on a campervan hire trip to Edinburgh. Visit Dynamic Earth or Edinburgh Castle for a fun day of learning. Alternatively, there's Edinburgh Zoo and Butterfly World for those who like animals, and camera obscura or the dungeons for those wanting something a little different. 

After you've spent a few days exploring Edinburgh, you will be ready to start your adventure into the Scottish Highlands. Scottish Tourer has a range of helpful campervan guides and blog articles available to help you explore Scotland in style. 

Check out our West Coast Route for Children guide if you're planning a family campervan hire in Edinburgh. 

                                            Edinburgh Skyline

 

Where to go after Edinburgh? 


Campervan Hire Edinburgh provides an easy access point to travel around the stunning landscapes of Scotland, including the northern regions of Scotland that are becoming increasingly popular. 

With rugged mountain ranges, beautiful, untouched beaches, wild camping locations, and crystal-clear lochs, a road trip from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands offers a truly special experience that won't be forgotten in a hurry. 

You could also choose to head east and explore the kingdom of Fife. Filled with quaint fishing villages and stunning coastal towns, hiring a campervan in Fife is a great way to travel Scotland.  
 

Scottish Tourer's Campervan Hire Packages 


To help our customers get the very best out of their campervan hire in Scotland, Scottish Tourer suggests our one-week tour package to fully enjoy the great outdoors of Scotland. 

We’ve broken down the top sights included in this wonderful tour below. 
 

Journey to Oban 

The route begins with the journey from Edinburgh (or Perth) to the Ferry Port of Oban, situated on Scotland's east coast. Along the way, you can visit the historic city of Stirling and the famous Loch Lomond national park. 

After taking in Stirling Castle and the stunning surrounding scenery, you'll take the ferry from Oban to the Isle of Mull, a wildlife paradise, filled with sea life such as whales, dolphins, and otters. The island is a great place to cycle or walk while exploring the deserted bays and lowland hills.  
 

Isle of Skye 

The next stop on the route is the famous Isle of Skye, another island full of rich culture and history. Skye has some of the most visited natural sites in Scotland, and is also home to the Talisker Distillery, which has one of the best whisky tours we've ever been on! If you wish to spoil yourselves while on Skye, then head to The Three Chimneys, the only Michelin star restaurant on the Scottish Islands. 

Glenfiddich viaduct also known as the Harry Potter Bridge

 

Fort William & Harry Potter Bridge

From here you will take the ferry from Armadale on Skye back to the mainland to Mallaig. On the way to Fort William, you can stop at the Glenfinnan Viaduct, also referred to as the Harry Potter bridge. From here you may be able to see the famous Flying Scotsman steam train, which travels across the viaduct daily in true historic fashion. 

You'll also be able to spot the stunning scenery of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK. Feel free to take a day out to hike this monster mountain if that is something you'd be interested in. 

From Fort William, take the A82 road to Dalwhinnie, which meanders its way around Loch Laggan. You can enjoy a visit to the Dalwhinnie Distillery for an insight into whisky-making and stop in at the House of Bruar near Blair Atholl, known for selling the very best in clothing produce from Scotland. 

Drive a little further south to Blair Atholl and visit one of the most well-preserved castles in Scotland. This castle is home to the only private army in Europe, the Atholl Highlanders, and has one of the largest displays of guns in the country. 
 

Back to Perth 

From there head back on the A9 towards Edinburgh and stop in at the City of Perth for some shopping while you enjoy the Tay River, which flows through the town. Choose to end your journey here at our main depot, our travel onward to Edinburgh to finish your road trip with a few days in the Scottish capital. 
 

Get in touch 


To inquire further about campervan hire in Edinburgh, please get in touch with our team today. We can advise you on the best motorhome hire for you, can assist you in planning your route so you feel best equipped to fully explore Scotland. 

For a fantastic time this summer, book your campervan rental today.