Edinburgh in November
 

For some reason I have this compulsion to visit Edinburgh and I think I am going to go this November for 8 days over the Thanksgiving break. Can anyone tell me: <BR>1) Is the weather just going to be too horrible for words? <BR>2) What about the winter solstice? I've heard that at that time of year there is only a few hours of sunlight each day <BR>3) Is that too long to spend in Edinburgh proper? <BR>4) Can we get to the surrounding areas w/o renting a car? Will the Castles, etc. be open? <BR>5) How is the nightlife? Bars, rock clubs, etc? <BR>thanks!

We went the middle of December. It was cold but not horrible. The castle was open as was the tartan museum nearby. We didnt do the night life but from what I've heard it should be great! <BR>I can't remember when it gets dark but probably around 4.30? Edinburgh is a lovely place. Train links are good if you want to visit the surrounding areas.

Was in Edinburgh in November and sun started setting about 3:30pm. was lucky as it was sunny and not all that cold but often rainy at that time and miserable. easy to day trip to nearby places of interest. suggest Sterling for its castle - can take the train to within a short walk of the castle. Sterling also nice regional town. St. Andrews is a great day trip - take train to Luchars then shuttle buses take you five miles to St. Andrews - great seaside location, old ruined castle on coast and old stone buildings of the famous university - Prince William just started here - and of course the five golf courses that make St. Andrews world famous, including the Old Course, the "home" of golf. golf museums and shops. can also bus south to Melrose and the old abbeys near it. The tourist office atop Waverly station is extremely helpful with any questions you may have and also booking inexpensive accommodations on the spot or in advance. A popular thing to do is to take Ghost Walks with guides at night.

I was in Edinburgh for the Millennium and it was absolutely miserable. It was pitch dark by 3:15. I didn't enjoy myself at all and rued going. If I were you I would wait and see Edinburgh next spring or summer. I think it could make all the difference in the world.

Scotland, like most of Western Europe, is at a somewhat higher latitude than most of the US; Edinburgh is about as far north as Ketchikan, Alaska. So daylight becomes rather short in midwinter, compensated by long white nights in the summer. In November the days will be getting shorter, but probably not particularly different from most parts of the northern US. It may be rather gray and wet, but there can also be sunny days, when the low angle of the sun makes the city glow and the stone on the buildings come alive with golden texture - very striking. <BR> <BR>All the attractions are open, some with winter hours. Trips out of town can be rewarding, especially if you're open to seeing stormy shorelines or highland glens with lowering skies or even a trace of snow on top of the high peaks - it can be stunning. In town, the pubs, restaurants, and shops are full of life, with Christmas lights starting to appear and all the usual midwinter hoohah starting. I don't think a week is too long for Edinburgh itself. Be opportunistic and if the forecast is for a few dry days, hop a train or rent a car and toodle off into the countryside. You won't be disappointed.

We were in Edinburgh in September and even then noticed how far north we were and how different the weather was from London or York. That said, there are wonderful things to do indoors and great pubs. Our one day was cold and windy with a bit of rain, but we still enjoyed the castle, the Royal Mile walk and Holyrood House. The National Museum was good but we missed the special exhibition by a few days. One thing that we thought would be too touristy but turned out to be quite interesting was the Whiskey Museum near the castle--I think they call it the "Scotch Heritage Center." I would say 8 days is too much for Edinburgh alone. You can get the GNER train and go down as far as York for a daytrip. I've been to Stirling and liked it, but other than that I'm not too knowledgeable about the rest of Scotland. See if you can find some of Sheila Richie's post on this site--she has great advice for Scotland.