Beyond the beer garden: Here’s how to make the most of Edinburgh (without the hangover)

There’s nothing more jarring than the transition from the era of perpetual exam stress to the freedom of summer. Many of us have already spent a ridiculous amount of time agonising over applications to secure internships, placements or international programs, while others have sent the dreaded email to their boss saying “yes, I am available for more shifts”.

Whether you were successful or not in finding something to fill the void of summer, you may still be looking for ideas to fill the odd days, making memories with your friends.

Be a tourist

My first recommendation for you, is to embrace your inner tourist and explore Edinburgh through a new lens this summer. Check out that tourist spot you’ve always walked past, but never ventured into. Or go out and take pictures in front of the castle (you Edi uni lot don’t need to go inside – I know about your superstition). 

I wonder how many photos of this exact angle of Dean Village exists?

We all know too well about the influx of tourists in the summer every year because of the amazing festivals, but how often do we take the chance to enjoy them for ourselves? Yes, that includes the Fringe, but also all the smaller festivals leading up to it:

• Meadows Festival (7-8th June)
• Hidden Doors Festival (11th-15th June)
• Royal Highland Show (19th-22nd June)
  Edinburgh Pride (21st June)
• Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival (11th-20th July)
• Of course, the Edinburgh Fringe (1st-25th August)

Go on some day trips

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Once you’ve exhausted all the touristing to be done in Edinburgh, why not head out on a day trip. Now I know, I feel like all anyone has been talking about lately is doing a day trip. And I too was wishing people would stop going on about it. And then I gave it a go.

My flatmate and I went to Dunkeld, just an hour out of the city, and yet it felt so much further from city life. After exploring The Hermitage (a beautiful nature reserve), we grabbed some lunch and explored the town, and were still home in time for dinner.

Dora the Explorer coming through…

A few on my list for this summer are North Berwick (a beautiful seaside town), Falkirk (I just want to see the kelpies), and Loch Lomond (perfect for camping or hiking the West Highland Way).

Enjoy the sun, and stay active

It’s easy for time to get away from us when from here, September is barely visible on the horizon. But the only way you will truly have a chance to make memories is by making the most of every day.

See the sun as often as you can, and keep active too. Kill two birds with one stone by going on hikes, walking along Portobello beach, or exploring the botanical gardens.

For slightly more intense activities, why not check out one of the rock climbing venues, try out a new dance class, or even check out Lost Shore surf resort.

The resort is a little outside the city, and I can’t say I have checked it out for myself, but nothing quite screams summer like catching some waves. Albeit in a wetsuit because while we can pretend we’re in Australia, the North Sea will quickly remind you that we are not x

The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down

Not drinking doesn’t mean you need to be wrapped up in bed by nine. It’s very possible to keep the fun going, without the pints flowing. But the key to having sober fun is having something to do.

So why not host a board games night. And if you have a console in the flat – or even just a TV/laptop with YouTube – a Just Dance night. Go crazy, have a crafts night.

In all seriousness, these nights in create some of the best memories. Of course, going out is definitely still an option, just find somewhere with things to do. I would’ve recommended Tron: Pool table, karaoke, boxing machine, but who knows how much longer we have with it. Oh well, it will live on in our hearts.

My flatmates and I had a mocktail night a few months ago. The theme was to make a drink themed on an ex, we have all seen it on TikTok, but actually doing it was so much fun.

On a side note, Bucket of Doom is such a great card game…