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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 04 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Lucy Gillmore

There’s a touch of fairground ride to this whisky-themed attraction, as you clamber into a barrel for a Disneyland-style journey through a mock distillery. You’ll experience the whisky-making process and pick up some fascinating snippets of history along the way, plus there’s a nosing and tasting, as well as a glimpse of the largest Scotch whisky collection in the world. If you can’t make it to a distillery, this is the next best thing.

If you’re not up for a full tutored tour, the whisky sommelier in downstairs bar ‘Amber’ will find your perfect dram from over 380 whisky varieties. They can also advise on a Scottish cheese or tapas accompaniment.

While you’re there

The excellent Amber restaurant serves traditional Scottish cuisine, with seasonal menus showcasing the country’s abundant natural larder – combine a tour with lunch or dinner.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price from: £17
Minimum age: 18
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The attraction is in the shadow of the castle, at the top of the Royal Mile.

There’s a range of tours to choose from, starting with the hour-long Silver Tour (pegged as perfect for families and first-timers) and culminating in the Morning Masterclass for real enthusiasts. Places are limited, so book ahead online.

The Taste of Scotland option includes dinner in the Amber restaurant, with bite-size Scottish starters and a dram with dessert.

When to do it

Tours run all year round, seven days a week.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

The Scotch Whisky Experience Guided Whisky Tour - An Introduction to Whisky

The Scotch Whisky Experience Guided Whisky Tour - An Introduction to Whisky

Edinburgh

This 50-minute guided tour, ideal for whisky novices and families, is the perfect introduction to the world of whisky. Discover the whisky m...

£21 | Rating 4.67 / 5 [835 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

The Witchery by the Castle

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0 miles]

A flamboyant, historic bijoux bolthole in the shadow of the castle, its sumptuous suites the most romantic in Edinburgh. For lovers and history lovers who want to step back in time.

Official star rating:

Cheval Old Town Chambers

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.3 miles]

Chic, contemporary design and a family and pet-friendly ethos come as standard in these luxury apartments in Edinburgh’s medieval Old Town.

Official star rating:

Market Street Hotel

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.5 miles]

A cool, central upside-down design hotel with a rooftop terrace and champagne lounge. Perfect for those who love cool design and champagne sundowners.

Official star rating:

The Balmoral Hotel

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.6 miles]

The grand dame of Edinburgh’s hotel scene, this luxurious landmark hotel is still the epitome of elegance.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Edinburgh

Edinburgh Region, United Kingdom (UK)

Capital treats abound, from mighty castles and royal palaces to gourmet restaurants and arguably the world’s best performing arts festival.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.3 miles]

Edinburgh’s impressive hilltop castle, with bags of history and a bird’s-eye view over the capital.

Best for ages: 4+ | £1,750

National Museum of Scotland

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.4 miles]

Scotland’s history, culture, art and design, science and technology – under one state-of-the-art roof. Special exhibits include the story of Mary Queen of Scots and Dolly the sheep.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Camera Obscura - two people inside a mirrored room
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Camera Obscura

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0 miles]

The city’s oldest purpose-built tourist attraction, at the top of the Royal Mile, is topped with a periscope that transfers images of Edinburgh’s skyline onto a table-top.

Best for ages: 4+ | £16 | Around 1 hour 45 min

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Writers’ Museum
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Writers’ Museum

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.2 miles]

This hidden gem in the medieval Old Town is a treasure trove of artifacts and manuscripts belonging to three of Scotland’s most famous writers; Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns and Robert Louis Stevenson.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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A photograph displaying medals awarded to Sean Bell in the National War Museum at Edinburgh with museum goes in the background
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National War Museum

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.4 miles]

Housed inside Edinburgh Castle, this free museum gives an insight into the Scots’ warring relationship with the English, the difference between Highland and Lowland soldiers and an overview of 300 years of military history.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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