Mystery Picnic in Edinburgh

For couples

Cobbled streets, hidden closes and time together

Edinburgh Old Town has a romance all of its own. Its steep streets, handsome stone buildings and castle standing high above the city create a setting that feels dramatic, mysterious and just a little otherworldly. There is a sense of anticipation as you wander, never quite knowing what will appear around the next corner, and with so much of the old city still around you it is easy to feel as though the past is only just out of reach. A Mystery Picnic adds to that feeling by turning your day together into one of exploration and discovery, anticipation and revelation, with a celebratory picnic feast at the end. Solve clues, collect your picnic treats from local food stops to share, and enjoy discovering the charm of Edinburgh Old Town together.

For friends & families

An Edinburgh day out with plenty to discover

Edinburgh Old Town works brilliantly for a Mystery Picnic with friends or family because there is always another lane, view or curious detail competing for attention while you work out the next clue. Its medieval street pattern survives in a multitude of narrow closes and wynds leading away from the main streets, with even older parts of Edinburgh hidden beneath sections of the city. It already feels like somewhere that rewards curiosity, before the riddles give you even more reason to look beyond the obvious.

Colourful, curving Victoria Street adds a little modern magic to all that history. Harry Potter fans often compare it with Diagon Alley, and the connection is easy to understand when J.K. Rowling wrote some of the early chapters of the series in cafés around Edinburgh Old Town. Nearby is Greyfriars Kirkyard, an old churchyard where you can find one of Edinburgh's best-loved non-Potter characters too. But can you find out who he is and discover his story? We're not going to tell you any more or we might spoil the fun. We will give you one clue though. His name begins with B.

There are many more stories, old and new, waiting to be discovered around this charming part of Edinburgh, and it is that mix of history, character and curiosity that makes it such a fun activity for groups and families. Children can take charge of spotting where to go next, friends can debate the answers to the clues, and everyone gets the little thrill of reaching each food stop and collecting another part of the mysterious picnic fare.

Why go premium?

For when you want the day to feel a little more special

The Premium Mystery Picnic adds extra treats and indulgences to the clue-solving food adventure. Edinburgh Old Town already feels like somewhere made for an occasion, with its castle skyline, atmospheric closes, colourful streets and independent food stops, so Premium fits naturally for an anniversary, birthday, celebration or a romantic day out when you want to add a little more to the experience.

And afterwards...

The picnic does not have to be the end of the day

Once the picnic is finished, Edinburgh Old Town gives you plenty of reasons to stay a little longer. Our pick would be Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, a wonderfully playful way to carry on the day with optical illusions, interactive exhibits and rooftop views across Edinburgh. You could also keep wandering the Royal Mile, step inside St Giles' Cathedral or visit the National Museum of Scotland. If you still have energy for more Edinburgh sightseeing, Edinburgh Castle crowns one end of the Royal Mile while the Palace of Holyroodhouse sits at the other, giving you plenty of ways to turn your Mystery Picnic into a full day out.