EDINBURGH COUPLES GIFT GUIDE

One of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Edinburgh is the perfect destination for a romantic break. With a turreted skyline, a craggy, clifftop castle, and a sprawling Medieval Old Town, it’s a picture postcard setting for lovers. 

From taking windswept walks on Arthur’s Seat and immersing yourselves in history at Edinburgh Castle to snuggling down in candle-lit pubs on the Royal Mile and looking for monsters in the lochs, the Scottish capital may not be Rome or Paris, but has plenty to offer for adventurous couples. 

What’s more, ‘Auld Reekie’ boasts everything from world-class hotels to cosy B&Bs, and a range of eateries from Michelin-starred to homely local joints, so there’s something here for every couple, whatever your budget.  

Set Sail on this Edinburgh Sparkling Boat Cruise for Two and Enjoy Some Sightseeing

This Forth Bridge Sparkling Cruise takes you on a scenic journey through some of Edinburgh's best landmarks! Set sail and enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbly alongside your loved one on this 2 hour 30 minute boat trip. Sightsee some of Edinburgh's most notable landmarks from a unique perspective and enjoy love music on board as you travel the scenic route of the river Forth. Chose between sitting back and relaxing with your complimentary glass of bubbles, or head to the bar on board ship and try some exciting cocktails. The Sparkling Boat Cruise for Two in Edinburgh is the perfect way to spend a summer evening, and makes a unique experience gift for the fizz fan in your life. 

Enjoy a full day of Wine Tasting along with a 3 Course Lunch

Experience the world of wine in 5 hours, as you are treated to a selection of 15 different wines to try, alongside a delicious 3 course gourmet lunch. A loved one receiving this gift should be very appreciative of this unforgettable day they will have. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, or just want to experience the wine world for fun, you and your partner will be sure to come back as almost professional wine taster! You can wash down the delicious 3 course gourmet lunch with a matching wine. Whilst carefully sipping the variety of white and red wines, you will also gain some knowledge of the history behind them. 

Enjoy half a day of paintballing with 100 paintballs per person

This paintballing experience in Edinburgh is a must do. Get suited and booted in the safety kit and goggles before setting off and getting your adrenaline running. This experience can be gifted for a birthday or anniversary, or simply gifted just to treat your other half. The experience uses rapid-fire semi-automatic paintball guns, meaning shots can be fired rapidly whilst taking part in the thrilling selection of games for 3 hours. Supervision will be available throughout the session to help people new to this experience get the hang of things. Whether you are celebrating something, or just want to get out, paintballing is a thrilling and perfect way to spend your day.

Dine out on history with a visit to Edinburgh Castle and a 3-course meal

Home to kings and queens for centuries, this mighty fortress and defender of the nation is an Edinburgh ‘must-see’. Perched atop rugged Castle Rock, it dominates the city skyline, and is a Scottish icon. Stroll up the cobbled streets of the Royal Mile, snapping envy-inducing selfies with the Castle as your backdrop before exploring the fortress at your own pace. From the blood-red Great Hall and the historic St Margaret's Chapel to the immersive ‘Fight for the Castle’ exhibition and the dazzling Scottish crown jewels, there’s so much to see and do. After immersing yourself in history and taking in the commanding views over the city, enjoy a romantic 3-course meal from a set table d'hote menu at Gusto Italian.

Create your own perfume and signature scent in this Platinum Perfume Experience.

Give a loved one the chance to learn to create their own perfume and signature scent in this remarkable perfume making course. It would make a perfect wedding, anniversary or birthday gift. You can enjoy a glass of fizz upon arrival before getting stuck into the scents! Unwind by choosing between 21 different notes to blend together to create the signature scent. This experience lasts for 1.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to choose and create your scent, before taking home 20ml of your masterpiece! Treat your loved one, and they'll be sure to enjoy this magical experience.

Pick up a memento of your trip with some classic Edinburgh souvenirs

From snow-globes and fridge magnets to novelty tea-towels, souvenirs are an important part of any travel experience. Treasured possessions that evoke happy times, the souvenir says, ‘I was there’. Keep the memory of your couples’ trip to Edinburgh alive with a selection of quality souvenirs from the one-and-only Edinburgh Castle or bring back a gift for a loved one. The collection includes classic tartan accessories to make you look like a true Scot, delicious local whiskeys and gins, keyrings, card games, soft toys and more. 

Take part in a thrilling Ghost Tour for Two

This 1.15 hour eerie bus trip around Edinburgh will give you chills, as you will hear tales of the city whilst seeing the scariest sights. Hop on the funeral bus and be taken around the city, passing by creepy corners and streets, whilst the conductor tells the secrets of Edinburgh. As well as being horrified, you will also have a laugh, as the professional actors provide you with some scary but fun entertainment. If you can handle horror, go ahead and book this experience to enjoy with your partner, and you can hold on tight to them if the ghosts are too much for you!

Go full Brit with afternoon tea on a vintage Routemaster bus

More than 180 years after the Duchess of Bedford began serving a meal of tea and light bites between lunch and dinner, setting a trend that would become a national tradition, afternoon tea still enjoys a very special place in Britain’s heart. From cucumber finger sandwiches and scones with jam and cream to pretty pastries, and lashings of tea, it’s a quintessentially British experience. This unique experience takes the Britishness to the next level as you soak up Edinburgh’s highlights from a vintage Routemaster bus. Tuck into a selection of petit fours, mini quiches, Scottish smoked salmon blinis, mini-Victoria sponges and more, along with a glass of prosecco and unlimited tea and coffee, as your guide talks you through the rich history of Scotland’s capital. 

Visit two of Scotland’s finest distilleries

The Scots know that nothing warms the spirit like a ‘wee dram’. With a long history of smuggling, secret exports and distilling monks, whiskey is as integral to the national identity as bagpipes and kilts. Learn all about this fine drink’s rich heritage and sample some top-notch malt and single blended whiskeys on a full day tour of some of the region’s best distilleries. Sip 12 and 18-year-old whiskies at Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery, in Kinross, alongside a delicious selection of local chocolates, before heading to Deanston Distillery, a former cotton mill on the River Teith, for a few more glasses of the ‘water of life’. Round off with a stop at the imposing Doune Castle, one of the most intact medieval castles in Scotland. Slàinte mhath!

 Explore the Trossachs with a day trip to Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle

Head out of the city with your loved one and take in the romance of the Scottish landscape with an unforgettable day trip to the Trossachs. A special place of sparkling lochs, wooded glens, and braes, it’s sometimes called ‘The Highlands in Miniature’ and it’s easy to see why. Explore the stunning shores of Loch Lomond, and Loch Leven, a picturesque lake with a wealth of birdlife. Take in the scenic Trossachs National Park and hear tales of notorious outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor, and visit medieval Doune Castle before following in the footsteps of William Wallace to Stirling Castle, childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots, and a symbol of Scottish independence. Sitting high on a volcanic rock, its location rivals even Edinburgh Castle’s. Take a selfie or two together with the magnificent castle in the background and marvel at the rich history of this incredible country.  

Thanks for reading

These are just some of the awesome experiences that you can enjoy in Edinburgh as a couple. If you’re still looking for something to do with your partner on your next vacation in the Scottish capital, or for a present for another couple in your life, check out our full range of Edinburgh experience gifts here.