Edinburgh in November is a runner's dream — crisp air, dramatic scenery, and one of Europe's most beautiful cities as your backdrop. The Edinburgh Marathon takes you through the heart of Scotland's capital, past centuries-old landmarks, along the coast, and into the kind of atmosphere that only Edinburgh can deliver. Whether you're chasing a PB or soaking in the experience, this guide covers everything you need to plan your trip.
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The Event
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | Edinburgh Marathon 2026 |
| Date | November 15, 2026 |
| Venue | Holyrood Park, Edinburgh |
| Address | Queen's Drive, Holyrood Park, Edinburgh EH8 8HG |
| Airport | Edinburgh Airport (EDI) |
November in Edinburgh is cold and often wet. Expect temperatures of 3–8°C (37–46°F) with frequent rain and wind. Layers are essential — pack a lightweight waterproof jacket for race day and warm clothing for spectating. Daylight is limited, with sunrise around 7:30am and sunset around 4:00pm.
The Venue: Holyrood Park
Holyrood Park is a sprawling royal park right in the centre of Edinburgh, dominated by the extinct volcano Arthur's Seat. It's one of the most iconic race start/finish locations in the UK, with the ruined Holyrood Abbey and the Scottish Parliament building just steps away.
What's nearby:
- Scottish Parliament Building — the striking modern parliament sits at the foot of the Royal Mile, a 2-minute walk from the start area
- Palace of Holyroodhouse — the official Scottish residence of the King, directly adjacent to the park
- Arthur's Seat — the 251m volcanic peak offers panoramic views of Edinburgh (save it for after the race)
- Dynamic Earth — an interactive science centre exploring the story of our planet, ideal for families
Important tip: Holyrood Park roads close to traffic on race morning. If you're driving, arrive very early or use public transport. The park can be exposed to wind, so bring warm throwaway layers for the start.
Where to Stay
The best areas to stay are the Old Town (closest to the start/finish at Holyrood Park and packed with character) and the New Town (elegant Georgian streets with excellent restaurants and transport links). Both are within easy walking distance of the race venue. Leith, Edinburgh's port district to the north, offers more affordable options and a great food scene.
The Balmoral Hotel — Luxury Pick
One of Edinburgh's most famous hotels, The Balmoral sits on Princes Street with views of Edinburgh Castle. It's about a 20-minute walk to Holyrood Park or a quick bus ride. The rooms are beautifully appointed, and the spa is perfect for post-race recovery. Expect to pay from £250–400 per night.
Motel One Edinburgh-Royal — Mid-Range Pick
Located on Market Street in the heart of the Old Town, Motel One offers stylish, modern rooms at a fraction of the luxury hotel price. Holyrood Park is a 15-minute walk downhill. Clean, well-designed, and consistently good value. Rooms from around £90–140 per night.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh — Runner-Friendly Pick
On the Royal Mile itself, the Radisson Blu is perfectly positioned between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Park. The pool and fitness centre are great for a pre-race shakeout. Just a 10-minute walk to the start. Rooms from around £130–200 per night.
Getting There
From Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
Edinburgh Airport is located about 13km (8 miles) west of the city centre. Getting into town is straightforward.
| Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airlink 100 Bus | 30 min | £4.50 single / £7.50 return | Runs every 10 min, drops you on Princes Street |
| Tram | 35 min | £7.50 single / £9.50 return | Runs every 7–10 min to York Place in the New Town |
| Taxi | 20–30 min | £25–35 | Fixed price available from airport taxi rank |
Public Transport
Edinburgh has an excellent bus network run by Lothian Buses, plus a tram line connecting the airport to the city centre.
| Ticket | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single bus fare | £2.00 | Exact change or contactless |
| Day ticket (bus) | £4.80 | Unlimited bus travel for one day |
| Day ticket (bus + tram) | £11.00 | Covers all Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams |
| Ridacard (weekly) | £22.00 | Unlimited bus travel for 7 days |
Where to Eat
Old Town / Royal Mile — Tourist-heavy but with genuine gems tucked down the narrow closes. Head to Grassmarket for a mix of traditional pubs and modern eateries. The area around Victoria Street is particularly good.
Leith — Edinburgh's food destination. The waterfront area around The Shore has an outstanding concentration of restaurants, from Michelin-starred dining to casual bistros, at prices well below the Old Town.
Local dishes to try:
- Cullen Skink — a thick, creamy soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions. Perfect for warming up after a November race
- Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties — Scotland's national dish of spiced offal pudding with mashed turnip and potato. Try it at Macsween or The Dogs
- Scotch Pie — a double-crust meat pie, traditionally filled with mutton. Grab one from a bakery for a quick, cheap lunch
- Cranachan — a dessert of whipped cream, oats, raspberries, and whisky. Light, boozy, and distinctly Scottish
- Full Scottish Breakfast — similar to a full English but with square sausage, tattie scones, and black pudding. Essential race-morning fuel
Budget tips: Look for pre-theatre menus (often available before 6pm) for significant savings at higher-end restaurants. The many bakeries along the Royal Mile sell excellent pies and rolls for £2–4. For post-race refuelling, Nandos and Wagamama in the St James Quarter offer reliable, carb-heavy meals.
Essential Edinburgh Tips
- Currency: British Pound Sterling (£). Scottish banknotes look different from English ones but are legal tender throughout the UK
- Cash vs. card: Card and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere, including market stalls and small cafes. You rarely need cash
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated. 10% at sit-down restaurants is standard. No need to tip in pubs or cafes
- Language: English, though you'll hear plenty of Scots dialect. Everyone speaks English
- Weather: November is one of the coldest and wettest months. Pack waterproof layers, a warm hat, and gloves for spectating. Wind chill near the coast can be brutal
- Safety: Edinburgh is very safe for visitors. The usual city precautions apply — watch your belongings in crowded tourist areas around the Royal Mile
What to See
Edinburgh Castle — Perched atop Castle Rock, this iconic fortress dominates the city skyline. Book tickets in advance (£19.50 adults) and allow 2–3 hours. The views from the ramparts are spectacular.
Arthur's Seat — The 251-metre extinct volcano in Holyrood Park offers one of the best urban hikes in Europe. The climb takes about 45 minutes from the base. Skip this the day before the race.
The Royal Mile — The ancient thoroughfare connecting Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. A mile of history, whisky shops, street performers, and hidden closes (narrow alleyways) worth exploring.
National Museum of Scotland — A world-class museum on Chambers Street with free admission. The rooftop terrace offers excellent views of the castle. Perfect for a rainy day.
Calton Hill — A short climb from Princes Street to a hilltop with the unfinished National Monument (Edinburgh's "Disgrace"), the Nelson Monument, and panoramic views across the city to the Firth of Forth.
The Scotch Whisky Experience — Located at the top of the Royal Mile near the castle. The guided tour takes you through the whisky-making process, and the tasting room has one of the largest collections of Scotch whisky in the world. Tours from £19.
Quick Reference
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Race date | November 15, 2026 |
| Start location | Holyrood Park |
| Nearest airport | Edinburgh Airport (EDI), 13km west |
| Airport transfer | Airlink 100 bus, 30 min, £4.50 |
| Currency | British Pound (£) |
| Language | English |
| Time zone | GMT (UTC+0) in November |
| Average November temp | 3–8°C (37–46°F) |
| Emergency number | 999 (or 112) |
| Race website | edinburghmarathon.com |
This guide will be updated as more event details are confirmed. Last updated: May 2026.