6 Things to do in Edinburgh This August – Without the Festivals

This time of year we’re usually in full gear as the festivals come to town and Edinburgh becomes a magical city where anything goes. Coronavirus has changed that, and created a particularly unique situation. A chance to visit Edinburgh in August paying less, without the usual fast paced, busy streets and oversubscribed city. So it looks a little different, but is once in a lifetime! 

The city is adapting well and is ready to welcome you. Here are a few things you can do if you visit Edinburgh this August. 

1. Visit the Neighbourhood Markets

Photo: @adventures_from_edinburgh

Join in with the locals by visiting Edinburgh’s markets. Firstly, the Neighbourgood Market in Stockbridge. Adapted for covid-19, Experience local brands and businesses as a number of Edinburgh legends like Edinburgh Gin, Bross Bagels and Mimi’s Bakehouse have joined the open air and fully contactless market. Secondly, a visit to Edinburgh’s city centre market located above Waverley Mall will treat you to some of the best independent street food and drinks vendors in town. Enjoy El Cartel, Fire & Dough and Linton & Co for a slightly elevated market feel. Both locations are open throughout August, for specific opening times please visit Stockbridge Neighbourgood Market and Waverley’s Neighbourhood Market.

2. Drive in Events

Photo: Facebook/EdinburghInternationalFilmFestival

What a perfect time for a revival of the drive in, with two separate drive in events coming to Edinburgh this August. The Edinburgh International Film Festival is bringing film filled weekends from August through to the end of the year. The events are taking place at Edinburgh Airport with tickets for their first event, 27-30 August available to buy now. The Parking Lot Social are hosting two weekends of live music, comedy, films, bingo, quizzes and silent discos in DaIkeith Country Park. Each night over the two weekends (12 to 16 and 19 to 23 August), 250 carloads will enjoy films, car-a-oke, bingo, silent disco, live bands, quizzes, comedy and food from local businesses all done in a safe, socially distant way. Fully refundable (if the event is cancelled for any reason) tickets can be purchased here.

3. Explore the City by Bike 

Cycling saw a big boom during lockdown and Edinburgh Council want to make sure this continues. By introducing several separated cycle lanes on the roads and closing roads, cyclists are more welcome than ever. There has never been a better time to explore the city on two wheels! Whether you are bringing your own bicycle or would like to hire on arrival, our blog 5 Places Every Cyclist in Edinburgh should know about will give you the details.

4. Take a day trip

Just a stones throw in any direction from Edinburgh you can find beautiful small towns. From beaches and croissants to legendary landmarks, our 9 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh will inspire you to take some time out of the city. All of our trips are an hour or less away from the city centre too!

5.Local attractions and culture

A visit to Edinburgh is not complete without a stop off at some of the biggest attractions. Many will be opening their doors again this month if not already. Edinburgh Castle reopens its doors from the 1st August, while Edinburgh Zoo and the Camera Obscura (offering 10% off until October) have been open since mid July. The National Museum of Scotland and the National Galleries are planning a phased manner of reopening in August so please check online before visiting.

6. Stay in and online events

Northumberland Street South East Lane – Sleeps 4

We do need to be mindful of our movements so after all of the activities above, why not take it easy for a day or two? Dickins homes are special, so take advantage of your new home from home. Order in from a local restaurant and have a relaxing evening in. Our 8 Best Edinburgh Restaurants offering takeaway blog will treat you to the best and help you support local businesses.

Many of the festivals that normally take place in Edinburgh during August are creating online events for you to enjoy from the comfort of home. The Edinburgh International Festival is teaming up with BBC Radio 3  to share the Queens’ Hall Series and The Ghost Lights, while the legendary Stand Comedy Club bring on demand comedy and streaming live laughs to your lounge. The Edinburgh Book Festival are going digital this year, presenting online from Saturday 15 to Monday 31 August with over 100 events to take part in.

Book yourself a little holiday this August and visit Edinburgh to see the city like never before. Support the Festivals we love so much by joining in online and see first hand how Edinburgh is adapting to the new normal.  We have a lovely collection of homes available to you to stay in this August here.