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Other Activities in Edinburgh

Two people sit on the chairlift as they approach the top at the Midlothian Snowsports Centre.

Midlothian Snowsports Centre

Looking across from the Firth of Forth to Yachts sailing in front of the Forth Rail Bridge.

Sailing in the Firth of Forth

Looking across Edinburgh's Ice Rink in Princes Street Gardens

Edinburgh's Ice Rink in Princes Street Gardens

Two cyclists push their bicycles on the side of the Union Canal

Union Canal

If you’re looking for a spot of adventure on your trip, check out the diverse range of fantastic activities that are on offer throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians from climbing and skiing to paintballing and kitesurfing.

For something a bit different, why not tackle an indoor climbing wall? At Edinburgh International Climbing Arena, the world’s largest indoor climbing centre, you can try out climbing, boulder ascents, abseiling and an aerial assault course 100 ft (30 m) above the ground! There is also Alien Rock in Leith, the first indoor climbing centre in Scotland, with climbing surfaces to suit every skill level.

Set in the magnificent Pentland Hills Regional Park, Midlothian Snowsports Centre is home to the UK’s biggest artificial ski slope. You can be coached by knowledgeable instructors, or take the chairlift to the top and have a go for yourself.

In the centre of the city, Murrayfield Ice Rink holds public sessions and lessons, while over the festive period the largest outdoor ice rink in Britain opens in Princes Street Gardens, below Edinburgh Castle.

If you prefer motorsports to snowsports, why not take a spin around the track as you enjoy go karting at Raceland in East Lothian or Xtreme in Newbridge? Raceland has a 930 m outdoor track and an indoor tarmac track, as well as a paintball area. Edinburgh and the Lothians also has a wide selection of designated paintball centres, ideal for groups of all sizes. 

For more fun outdoors, why try something new on one of the region’s beaches with the Fife and Edinburgh Kitesurfing Club which arranges kitesurfing day trips. You can even take to the water and try a whole host of watersports including sailing and canoeing on the historic Union Canal, organised by the oldest club in Scotland, the Forth Canoe Club.

So to add a spot of adventure to your visit, try out one of the many adrenalin pumping activities that are available throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians.