Edinburgh
Whisky, stone and the home of golf. 15 places, chosen and checked for 2026.
Edinburgh is the gateway to the home of golf. St Andrews, Muirfield and Gleneagles are within reach, the whisky is the best in the world, and the dining has never been better.
The Balmoral
Edinburgh's grand railway hotel of 1902, whose clock tower is famously set three minutes fast so travellers never miss their train.
Gleneagles
The great Scottish country hotel, opened in 1924, with three golf courses, shooting, fishing and Restaurant Andrew Fairlie.
Gleneagles Townhouse
Gleneagles' city sibling, opened in 2023 in a former bank on St Andrew Square, with a rooftop bar and its own members' club.
The Kitchin
Tom Kitchin's restaurant in a former whisky warehouse on the Leith waterfront, built on his philosophy of 'from nature to plate' and the best of Scottish produce.
Restaurant Martin Wishart
One of Scotland's most respected fine-dining rooms, on the Shore in Leith, cooking classic French technique with Scottish produce.
Lyla
Stuart Ralston's seafood-led tasting menu in a Georgian townhouse on Royal Terrace.
Timberyard
A family-run restaurant in a converted warehouse below the Castle, devoted to Scottish produce and natural wines.
Restaurant Andrew Fairlie
Scotland's most celebrated restaurant, at Gleneagles, about an hour from Edinburgh. Head chef Stevie McLaughlin continues the late Andrew Fairlie's legacy.
The Old Course, St Andrews
The oldest and most famous course in the world, about ninety minutes from Edinburgh. Tee times are released in advance and by daily ballot.
Muirfield
Home of The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, founded in 1744, and one of the great Open Championship links, half an hour east of the city.
Gleneagles
Three championship courses in the Perthshire hills, including the PGA Centenary, host of the 2014 Ryder Cup.
