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Edinburgh Getaway Itinerary: 15‑17 October 2025

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Edinburgh Airport and take the Airlink 100 bus to Travelodge Edinburgh Airport. After check‑in, freshen up and enjoy a quick coffee at the hotel lounge.

Afternoon: Head to the historic Royal Mile for a leisurely stroll, soaking in the medieval atmosphere and popping into the famous The Elephant House (the “Harry Potter” café) for a snack. Continue to the National Museum of Scotland where interactive exhibits keep everyone entertained.

Evening: Dine at a local all‑you‑can‑eat buffet such as Mongolia House Buffet, which offers a wide variety of Chinese dishes suitable for a group of six. After dinner, enjoy a relaxed walk back to the hotel via the nearby Edinburgh Airport Viewpoint for night‑time city lights.

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Day 2: Wildlife, Shopping & Local Flavours

Morning: Take the tram to Edinburgh Zoo, where you can watch pandas, penguins, and the famous “Friends of the Zoo” shows. Allocate a few hours to explore the animal enclosures and the interactive children’s zone.

Afternoon: Travel by train to Livingston Shopping Mall for a shopping break; the mall offers a mix of high‑street brands and Scottish souvenirs. After shopping, stop at the Happy Lamb Hot Pot restaurant (call ahead to confirm availability for your party of six) for a warming, communal meal.

Evening: Return to Edinburgh and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Grassmarket area, where you can enjoy street performances and a selection of pubs. Finish the night with a casual dinner at The Kebab House, which offers a family‑style buffet option.

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Day 3: Castles, Views & Departure

Morning: Check out of the hotel, store luggage at the reception, and head to Edinburgh Castle for a concise 2‑hour tour that covers the Crown Jewels and the historic Great Hall. Afterwards, take a short hike up Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views of the city.

Afternoon: Enjoy a light lunch at The Witchery by the Castle (pre‑booked set menu) before retrieving your bags. If time permits, wander through the picturesque Dean Village for a final taste of Edinburgh’s charm.

Evening: Depart for Edinburgh Airport using the Airlink 100 bus, arriving with plenty of time for your flight.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Edinburgh Zoo – 3 hours – £20 per adult, £15 per child (≈ £120 for 6)
  • Livingston Shopping Mall – 2 hours – free entry (shopping budget optional)
  • Mongolia House Buffet (all‑you‑can‑eat) – 1.5 hours – £25 per person (≈ £150 for 6)
  • Happy Lamb Hot Pot – 1.5 hours – £30 per person (≈ £180 for 6)
  • The Elephant House (Harry Potter café) – 1 hour – £5 per person for coffee/snack (≈ £30 for 6)
  • Edinburgh Castle – 2 hours – £19.50 adult, £11.50 child (≈ £101 for 6)
  • Arthur’s Seat hike – 2 hours – free
  • National Museum of Scotland – 1.5 hours – free
  • Public transport (tram, bus, train) – 2 days – £5 per person per day (≈ £60 for 6)
  • Evening dinner at The Witchery (set menu) – 1.5 hours – £35 per person (≈ £210 for 6)
  • Total Estimated Cost£851

Tips

If you’d like to extend your stay, consider adding a day trip to Rosslyn Chapel and the Scottish Borders for stunning architecture and countryside scenery. To shorten the itinerary, you can skip the Livingston Mall visit and replace the evening buffet with a quick bite at a local pub, allowing more time for exploring the Old Town or relaxing before your departure.

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