Summer in Edinburgh is absolutely brilliant. The days are long, the festival atmosphere is starting to build, and there is so much to see and do across the city. But if you are travelling up by car this June, you might be feeling a wee bit apprehensive about where to put it. Let’s face it, navigating the city centre traffic and hunting down a parking space that won’t cost the earth can take the shine off your well-earned break.

Leave the car and the worry behind

That is exactly why so many of our guests breathe a massive sigh of relief when they pull up at Ard-na-Said. We are incredibly lucky to have our own free car park right here at the guest house, alongside some free on-street parking spaces too. You can simply arrive, switch off the engine, and forget all about expensive parking meters, wardens, and confusing one-way systems for the rest of your stay.

Knowing your car is safely sorted means you can step straight into our 1876 Victorian villa and immediately start relaxing. Drop your bags, pop into our comfortable guest lounge, and perhaps enjoy a coffee from our Jura machine or a lovely biscuit from Shortbread House of Edinburgh before you even think about unpacking.

Getting into the city centre

Once you have settled into one of our seven individually decorated bedrooms, getting into the heart of Edinburgh could not be easier. We are located in the peaceful residential area of Newington on the south side of the city. This means we are just far enough away from the hustle and bustle to guarantee a quiet night’s sleep, but close enough to dive right into the action whenever you please.

You will find a bus stop just a short stroll from our front door, offering excellent and frequent connections straight into the city centre. The local buses are brilliant—they are a quick, inexpensive way to travel, dropping you right by the main attractions, theatres, and shops without the endless circling for a space in a cramped multi-storey car park.

If the summer weather is playing nice and you fancy stretching your legs, the Royal Mile is only about a mile and a half away. It is a lovely walk, especially if you choose to wander through Holyrood Park. Having Arthur’s Seat just a five-minute walk from our front door is a real treat. It offers miles of wide open green space and spectacular views over the city skyline before you even reach the historic Old Town. After a long day of walking the cobbled streets, it is a joy to return to your room, freshen up in your private shower room with our lovely Scottish Fine Soaps toiletries, and relax.

Everything you need on your doorstep

Of course, you do not always have to head into the centre for a great evening out. Newington is a fantastic, vibrant neighbourhood in its own right. After a busy day exploring, you might just want to wander down the road for a bite to eat. We are absolutely spoilt for choice with fantastic independent restaurants and relaxed pubs like The Salisbury Arms just a short walk away.

Whether you fancy a casual supper, authentic Italian at Matto, or something a bit more special at Rhubarb Restaurant at Prestonfield House just around the corner, it is all within easy walking distance. The best part? No designated driver required, so you can enjoy that extra glass of wine with your meal!

We love helping our guests make the most of their time in Scotland’s capital. Taking the stress out of parking is just the start of what we hope will be a wonderful, relaxing stay with us. If you are planning a summer city break and want the freedom of driving without the usual city centre headaches, we would absolutely love to welcome you to our family-run guest house. Have a look around our website to view our comfortable rooms and check our availability for your next trip to Edinburgh.

The Royal Commonwealth Pool with its 50m pool, diving pool and gym is a 5 minute walk away.

Ard Na Said is within walking distance of Edinburgh University and Pollock Halls of residence.

The Queens Hall is a 15 minute walk away or a 20 minute walk will take you to the Festival Theatre.

Apart from Edinburgh’s famous Princes Street shopping, Ard-Na-Said is ideally situated for Cameron Toll Shopping Centre and a short bus ride from Fort Kinnaird, a large outdoor retail park with over 70 shops.

Of course we now also have the brand new St James Quarter with new dining options, entertainment, and shops!

Ard-Na-Said (Gaelic for Arthur’s Seat) is a 5-minute walk from Holyrood Park. Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano is the highest point in the park sitting at 251m above sea level. Take a walk through the park and you will also discover Holyrood Palace, the Scottish Government Building, and Dynamic Earth. Each year in May the Edinburgh Marathon festival takes place in the park.

Don’t forget your golf shoes as Prestonfield Golf Club is just around the corner and open to non-members you can book on their website.