Top reasons to visit Leith
- Picturesque Leith Waterfront: Enjoy leisurely strolls along the scenic waterfront, complete with delightful dining options.
- Rich Maritime History: Immerse yourself in Leith's historical charm, exploring its fascinating maritime heritage.
- Cultural Experiences: Engage with local theatres, museums, and vibrant shopping areas that reflect Leith's artistic spirit.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Discover a wide range of attractions suitable for families, ensuring fun for all ages.
- Diverse Accommodation: Choose from a variety of welcoming hotels and guesthouses catering to all types of travellers.
Find great hotels near Leith
Discover the charm of Leith with an array of accommodation options tailored to every traveller. From welcoming hotels to cosy guesthouses, Leith offers pet-friendly and LGBTQIA-friendly establishments, perfect for both business and leisure stays. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Edinburgh while enjoying top-notch services and facilities designed to ensure a memorable visit.
- Apex Grassmarket Hotel: Nestled in the vibrant Grassmarket area, the Apex Grassmarket Hotel is a 4-star accommodation that combines modern luxury with eco-friendly practices. Rated 9.0 out of 10 by guests, this hotel is ideal for business travellers seeking a sustainable stay. Enjoy stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, spacious rooms, and an on-site restaurant that serves delicious, locally sourced cuisine. The eco-certification signifies its commitment to sustainability, making it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious visitors.
- ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile: With a guest rating of 8.4 out of 10, the ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile is a 3-star property that wonderfully marries comfort with pet-friendly amenities. Situated a mere 3km from Leith, it boasts modern, well-appointed rooms and an inviting atmosphere. This eco-certified hotel welcomes pets, ensuring that your furry friends can accompany you on your travels. Guests appreciate its central location, making it easy to explore the iconic Royal Mile and beyond.
- Apex Waterloo Place Hotel: The Apex Waterloo Place Hotel stands out as a 4-star establishment with a remarkable guest rating of 9.2 out of 10. Located conveniently close to Leith, this hotel is particularly suited for families and business travellers alike. With eco-certification and a range of child-friendly amenities, including meals tailored for younger guests, it ensures a comfortable stay for all. The hotel's spacious rooms and excellent facilities make it a superb base for exploring Edinburgh's rich history and culture.
Where to stay near Leith
Leith, a vibrant neighbourhood in Edinburgh, offers a delightful blend of historical charm and modern culture. Nestled at the edge of Scotland’s breathtaking capital, it’s an idyllic location for families and culture enthusiasts alike. Wander through its friendly streets, explore the rich maritime history, and enjoy the local culinary scene. Nearby attractions further enhance your experience, ensuring a memorable stay filled with warmth and discovery in this unique part of the city.
- Edinburgh: A vibrant metropolis, Edinburgh is the heart of Scotland and a hub for culture, history, and education. Located conveniently near Leith, this city welcomes travellers year-round, with peak visits occurring from July to September. Here, you can indulge in a variety of experiences, from exploring historic streets to enjoying theatre performances. Don’t miss iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, where history comes alive. The city's shopping areas, ranging from high street brands to unique boutiques, make for an exciting day out.
- Old Town Edinburgh: Situated 3km from Leith, Old Town Edinburgh is steeped in history and charm. This area attracts visitors throughout the year, with peak times in April and from June to July. Known for its atmospheric cobbled streets and medieval architecture, Old Town offers a captivating city-themed experience. Explore its many shops, theatres, and historic sites, including the famous St Giles' Cathedral. The neighbourhood also hosts various events and conferences, making it a lively place to visit.
- Edinburgh City Centre: Also located 3km from Leith, Edinburgh City Centre is a bustling hub where culture and commerce meet. The area sees a consistent influx of visitors, particularly from July to September. Here, you can enjoy a plethora of shopping options, from large shopping centres to quaint local stores. The vibrant theatre scene ensures there’s always something on, while significant landmarks add to the allure. Take time to wander through historic sites and streets that echo the city’s rich heritage.
Things to do near Leith
Shopping
In Leith, you can visit Ocean Terminal, a shopping centre featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, and a cinema. For a more local experience, explore the Leith Market, where you can discover unique crafts and artisanal products from local vendors.
Recreation
Experience tranquillity at the Leith Yoga Studio, where you can join sessions focused on mindfulness and relaxation. Afterwards, stroll along the Water of Leith Walkway, immersing yourself in nature while enjoying scenic views of the river and wildlife.
Indulge in a soothing treatment at The Spa at The Crowne Plaza, featuring a range of therapies designed to rejuvenate the body and mind. Complement your visit with a leisurely walk to the nearby Shore, where you can enjoy waterfront dining and vibrant local culture.
Adventure
At Knockhill Racing Circuit, 27km from Leith, immerse yourself in the thrill of motor racing. Experience high-speed action with various driving experiences, from go-karting to supercar driving, all set against the backdrop of stunning Scottish landscapes.
Nightlife
Visit The Shore for a lively atmosphere, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and a variety of drinks. For a unique experience, head to the Biscuit Factory, where you can sample craft cocktails and enjoy live DJ sets in a vibrant setting.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Leith
To save money during your visit to Leith, plan your trip between January and March for lower accommodation rates. Booking a month in advance often yields the best deals, especially on Tuesdays, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Consider using Expedia to find last-minute hotel deals and explore their package options to bundle flights and activities. Additionally, take advantage of free activities in the area and use public transport to navigate Leith efficiently, which can help keep your expenses down while enjoying your stay.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Leith are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
- The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Leith about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Leith is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Leith is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, including your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To uncover the best prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking in Leith with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in and around Leith
Leith is perfect for family and culture-themed holidays, offering a blend of city experiences and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore local attractions such as the vibrant streets, museums, and galleries. A must-see is the picturesque Leith Waterfront, which provides a delightful setting for leisurely strolls and dining. Whether you're seeking cultural insights or a lively city atmosphere, Leith has something for everyone.
- Festival Theatre: Experience the enchanting world of opera at the Festival Theatre, located 3km from Leith. Known for its romantic atmosphere and rich cultural offerings, this venue is a hub of entertainment, showcasing a variety of performances that captivate audiences.
- Castlehill: Stroll along Castlehill, a vibrant street 3km away from Leith. This area exudes a lively city vibe, perfect for exploring local shops and cafes, and soaking in the unique character of Edinburgh.
- Edinburgh Port: Discover the adventurous side of Leith at Edinburgh Port, a picturesque marina nestled within the area. Enjoy outdoor activities, scenic views, and the refreshing beach vibe that makes this spot a delightful escape.
Best time to go to Leith
The best time to visit Leith can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Leith falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Leith falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Leith
Flying into Leith, EDInburgh, is convenient with Edinburgh Airport (EDI) situated 13km away. Notable hotels nearby iNCLude Crescent House and Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, both approximately 11km from EDI, and the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, just 10km away. For longer journeys, GLAsgow International Airport (GLA) is 80km away, with luxurious options like JA Mar Hall Scotland and Kimpton Blythswood Hotel & Spa located 4 and 11km from GLA, respectively. Lastly, Newcastle International Airport (NCL) is 138km away, with Delta Hotels by Marriott and Copthorne Hotel Newcastle both 10km from NCL, providing comfortable accommodations for your stay in the region.