Edinburgh self-catering holiday cottages

Holiday homes in and around Edinburgh 

Edinburgh is Scotland's capital city, known for its striking skyline, historic architecture, world-famous festivals and vibrant cultural scene. From its medieval closes and elegant Georgian streets to its museums, galleries and waterfront districts, there is plenty to discover whether you're visiting for a short break or a longer stay. With easy access to the coast, the Pentland Hills and the wider Lothians, Edinburgh also makes an excellent base for exploring beyond the city centre. 

Our Edinburgh cottages, apartments and self-catering holiday homes offer a range of options for couples, families and groups. Whether you're looking for a city-centre apartment, a holiday cottage on the outskirts of the city or a countryside retreat within easy reach of Edinburgh, you'll find a place to stay to suit every type of trip. 

Use our search filters to find the perfect holiday home in Edinburgh, whether you're looking for a dog-friendly cottage, a luxury escape, a holiday home with parking, or a coastal cottage near Edinburgh. 

What is Edinburgh famous for? 

Edinburgh is famous for its historic skyline, Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, which connects the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The city's Old and New Towns form a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while annual events such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Hogmanay celebrations attract visitors from around the world. 

The city is also recognised as the world's first UNESCO City of Literature and has strong connections to writers including Robert Louis Stevenson and Sir Walter Scott. Beyond its cultural attractions, visitors can climb Arthur's Seat for views across the city, explore the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, uncover the hidden vaults and underground streets beneath the Old Town on a guided ghost tour, or spend time discovering neighbourhoods such as Leith, home to the Royal Yacht Britannia and a thriving food scene. 

Where should I visit in Edinburgh? 

Edinburgh combines historic landmarks with world-class attractions, making it one of Scotland's most popular city break destinations. Visitors can wander through the atmospheric closes and cobbled streets of the Old Town, discover hundreds of animal species at Edinburgh Zoo, explore the city's fascinating underground vaults on a ghost tour, or spend an afternoon browsing the independent shops, cafés and restaurants of Stockbridge and Leith. 

For dining, popular neighbourhoods such as Leith, Bruntsfield and the city centre offer everything from cosy cafés to award-winning restaurants, while attractions including the Royal Yacht Britannia, National Museum of Scotland and Arthur's Seat provide plenty to fill a weekend break.  

Jessica McMonagle, Regional Marketing Manager at Cottages & Castles, recommends using Edinburgh's tram network to explore the city. "The tram is one of the easiest ways to get around Edinburgh, particularly if you're staying outside the city centre. It connects many of the city's most popular areas and helps visitors spend more time exploring and less time looking for parking. Adult single fares start from £2.40 and children's fares from £1.20, while dogs can travel free of charge, making it a convenient option for families and pet owners visiting the city. It's also a fun way to see different parts of Edinburgh, with routes linking the city centre, Leith and the waterfront, allowing you to take in more of the capital during your stay." 

Pet owners will also find plenty of dog-friendly holiday homes and cottages in and around Edinburgh, making it easy to bring the whole family along for the trip. Whether you're planning a festival break, a family holiday or a short city escape, Edinburgh offers plenty to discover throughout the year. For more inspiration, look at our guide to Edinburgh and start planning your stay.