Easter is almost here, exciting Edinburghers with the leisurely bliss that is the upcoming long weekend. It’s a time, to catch up on sleep, spend time with loved ones, get up to something exciting and, hopefully, do some Spring cleaning after all the festivities. So, we’ve summoned up a list of the best things to do in Edinburgh this Easter weekend to make up for the most memorable festivities yet.
1. Go see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical at the Edinburgh Playhouse
Edinburgh Playhouse has welcomed another smash-hit musical last week: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, where Gareth Snook plays Willy Wonka. The tour will show in Edinburgh until after Easter until April 15, giving theatre lovers the opportunity to catch it during the Easter bank holiday weekend. The musical shows a uniquely heart-warming story of a young golden ticket winner from a poor family, Charlie Bucket, and the mysterious misunderstood character Willy Wonka, transporting spectators into an imaginatively colourful universe of the infamous confectioner. Plus, the show is for everyone, where both grown ups and the younger spectators will laugh out loud.
2. Have a trip to the cinema and watch the Dungeons and Dragons or the Super Mario Bros movies
Let’s face it: sometimes we just want to sit in a dark room and enjoy an uninterrupted cinematic experience. With Easter bank holiday coming up, the extra time off is a great excuse to go to the cinema, especially on the days the sun is hiding. Cinema lovers can grab tickets for as little as £3.99 this weekend, and go see the new Dungeons and Dragons or Super Mario Bros movies. The tickets at discounted rates are only available online, and you can get them at Fever for any movie anytime at both Vue and Odeon cinemas.
3. Indulge in Mini Eggs milkshakes and Pistachio Mousse Eggs at the UK’s most instagrammable cafe
EL&N opened its doors in Edinburgh St James in December 2022 and is a true photo op hotspot. Covered in pink hues throughout, the café was deemed the ‘most instagrammable café in the world’. This Easter, the spot is offering a special menu, including Mini Eggs milkshakes that come in a chocolate Easter egg or the Pistachio Mousse Eggs with pistachio mousse with a raspberry compote, dipped in pistachio chocolate and crumbs. EL&N has also introduced a Mini Eggs cheesecake, as well as Hot Cross Bun Latte for guests to enjoy.
4. Go unicorn hunting on National Unicorn Day
Scotland has a truly unique national animal – the unicorn. They say unicorns aren’t real. However, what if I told you that the unicorn is very much real and thriving in Scotland? The mythical creature represents more to Scotland than initially meets the eye, and National Unicorn Day falls on the same day as Easter this year, on Sunday, April 9. To spot the majestic animals, Holyrood Palace is the perfect place to start, with a opulent unicorn greeting guests as soon as they arrive at the gated entrance. The Mercat Cross all around Scotland will all have a unicorn at its top as well, and Edinburgh is no exception: you can find it on The Royal Mile near St Gile’s Cathedral. The North gate of Iverlieth Park also boasts a unicorn atop a lion and a castle, and Edinburgh Castle proudly carries its national animal, with unicorns presented all throughout the military base.
5. Try out the new Spring menu at Tattu surrounded by cherry blossoms
When it comes to trendy restaurants in Edinburgh, Tattu inevitably comes to mind. The Chinese-inspired fine dining establishment has launched its brand new Spring and Summer menu, offering guests a refreshing palette and innovative flavours. Try the delicate Tuna Sashimi Flower, featuring Nori, sesame, and wasabi mayo or savour the aromatic Red Snapper Tom Yum, infused with lemongrass and kaffir lime. However, the Satay Beef Ribeye served with a papaya and tomato salad is set to be a firm favourite amongst guests. What is more, Tattu’s creative mixologists are also be serving a limited edition Ruby Rose cocktail, with cherry blossom Everleaf Mountain and yuzu, perfectly complemented by the effervescence of Laurent-Perrier Rosé.
6. Take your little ones to Conifox Adventure Park’s Easter festival
This Easter bank holiday weekend, families are invited to Conifox Adventure Park to meet the mischievous Easter Bunny, journey to Hoppity Hollow and visit the magical maze, hop to it in the Bouncy Burrow’s 14 inflatables or take part in the Easter-lympics. The spot is located at Kirkliston on the outskirts of Edinburgh, and the Easter Festival will run until April 10. Plus, both morning and afternoon sessions are available for the whole family no matter the age. All tickets also include access to the Adventure Park during the chosen session.
7. Indulge in a cracking Sunday Roast at this five-star hotel
One Square, The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa’s award-winning brasserie, has officially revealed its Easter Sunday Roast menu. On Easter Sunday, One Square will be serving up its carvery style Sunday Lunch with an abundant choice of starters, salads, meats and all the trimmings. Prices start from £45 per person (and £22.50 for children), and include all the Sunday favourites: from duck fat roast potatoes to homemade Yorkshire puddings and seasonal vegetables. The One Square Chefs are also expected to carve up cuts of lamb and other prime cuts including Orkney beef and marmalade glazed pork loin. Plus, every table will receive a handmade chocolate egg, with hidden prizes to be won across the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa. From free Sunday Lunch for two, to complementary Gin Tasting in the One Square Bar, or access to the extremely popular Escape at One Spa experience, everyone is expected to win something.