Travel

Hotel

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

We have a block of rooms available at the Virgin Hotel Edinburgh. Please use promo code EspeciallyForYou when booking online for a 20% discount, if you want to stay at this location.

Discount Code - EspeciallyForYou

Hotel

Dakota Hotel Edinburgh

We have a block of rooms at the Dakota Hotel, Queensferry, which is very close to the venue but further outside of central Edinburgh. Simply call 0131 319 3690 or email reservations@edb.dakotahotels.co.uk, and quote the 'Haynes/Lippe Wedding Party' for preferential rates for the Friday and Saturday evenings of the wedding weekend.

Discount Code - Haynes/Lippe Wedding Party

Travel Note

Alternative Accommodation in Edinburgh

While we have arranged blocks of rooms at the hotels above, there is absolutely no obligation to stay there. Please feel free to stay wherever you choose to make the most of your time in Edinburgh. Please note, however, that we will arrange for transport from the Virgin hotel to the venue on the wedding day; so unless arranging your own travel to the venue, you will need to be here by 12.30pm on the day.

Travel Note

Do I need a visa to enter the UK?

As of January 8th 2025, the UK requires all visitors without a visa to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This is the UK equivalent to of the United States' ESTA. It means you can enter the country as a tourist, without needing a visa. It is not a visa, but a process to authorize your travel to the UK. It will cost ~$20. It is done either online or via the app, both routes are available in the link below. Everyone entering the UK will need their own ETA, completed individually. You should receive an outcome via email within three business days, but answers can come within hours or even minutes.

Travel Note

Getting to Edinburgh from the USA

United and Delta/Virgin Atlantic fly to Edinburgh international airport directly Glasgow is an option for those wanting to spend some time on the West coast of Scotland Flights to Manchester or Liverpool are a viable option for those wanting to drive up through England and take in the Lake District or Yorkshire (where Mike is from and home to Beatrix Potter and Downton Abbey). Please note that there is no TSA pre-check at any UK airport so please prepare to pack accordingly - all liquids in carry on must be in small containers and fit within the small plastic bags provided.

Travel Note

Getting to Edinburgh from the airport

Taxis are available from Edinburgh airport. Trans Link is a bus service which goes into the city center and is approximately $8 per person. There is also a Tram service which goes directly into the city center. There are also several car rental outlets for those wanting to explore Edinburgh's surroundings.

Travel Note

What to expect in Edinburgh

Scotland has a reputation for inclement weather and Edinburgh is no exception. It's best to come prepared for light showers as well as seasonal sunshine. Edinburgh is very hilly so take google directions and walk times with a pinch of salt. Comfortable footwear for exploring is also a must. American Express isn't as widely accepted in the UK, and surcharges are more commonplace. Tipping is not expected in the UK by default. There is usually a minimum tip for restaurant reservations above a certain size, which will appear on the bill. Feel free to tip at your own discretion! Look both ways when crossing the street - Edinburgh is a bustling capital city with traffic to match.

Travel Note

Some Scottish Terminology!

"Aye" means "yes" "Wee" means "small" "Neeps and tatties" are parsnips and potatoes A "deep fried Mars bar" is exactly what you think and better than you can possibly imagine "Porridge" is oatmeal and can traditionally be served cold in Scotland, so ensure you specify it’s hot just in case! It's also not uncommon for a measure of scotch to be served over the porridge... "Boot" means "trunk" "Bonnet" means "hood" "Torch" means "flashlight"

Travel Note

Driving in the UK/Scotland

If you're looking to make a vacation of your trip to Edinburgh, then renting a car is a very sensible choice. Car rentals are a 5-10 min walk from airport terminal and there's no shuttle so grab a trolley for your luggage. Ensure you specify an automatic transmission on the reservation - stick-shifts are much more common in the UK Be sure to drive on the left. At roundabouts, give way to the right, to traffic on the roundabout and be sure to observe lane discipline while on them. Larger ones are usually well marked but smaller ones can be less clear. On the smaller roads in Scotland, it's common to stop at a wider part and let others go by - be sure to keep this in mind when on smaller roads and of course, wave. Be wary of changing speed limits; these can be anywhere from 20mph to 60mph. 70mph limit is the default on dual carriage ways. Be wary of blind corners and summits and scan the terrain ahead to see if a vehicle is approaching. These can include farm traffic (tractors, livestock trucks or milk tankers) so the typical priority rules might default to who’s biggest. Download navigation and important information before setting off - cell reception can be patchy even in densely populated areas The roads and cars in the UK are typically much smaller in the UK, so when traveling long distances, allow for extra time on account of the slower roads and to take frequent stops to take in the scenery. If you're driving in Edinburgh itself, you may find yourself in a Low Emission Zone (LEZ). Be sure to check you're paying this fee, otherwise you may be fined.