It doesn’t come as a surprise that a city so full of rich royal history, stunning architecture and culinary experiences is jam packed full of jaw dropping gala dinner venues. From the classics to the hidden gems, here are our top tried and tested venues.
If you’re looking for a venue filled with rich history, unrivalled scenery of Scotland’s dynamic capital city and full to the brim with Scottish charm, then you’ve come to the right place with Edinburgh Castle.
There are not many venues in the UK that can rival the drama and excitement of this historical venue. As you wander up Castle Hill and into the gates, you’ll feel transported back to the times of when soldiers, kings and queens (and even the odd pirate) walked in your very footsteps.
Entertainment
There’s no shortage of magic touches at this venue which are sure to make your guests feel like true royalty. We’re talking flaming torches and Piper’s welcome to entice guests to the spectacular evening that awaits them inside. To top it off you can arrange for guests to have a pre-dinner private viewing of the Scottish Crown Jewels.
Capacity
You can hire the castle exclusively for up to 250 – 800 guests.
Private dining spaces will fit around 100 – 120 guests.
The National Museum of Scotland is located right in the heart of the old town. As you would expect with a venue that houses some of the Scotland’s most treasured possessions, it’s pretty special. The architect who designed the museum also designed London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall, it's equally as impressive, in a very different way – but similarly the acoustics here are exceptional.
The event spaces available for hire feature vaulted ceilings and stone archways, a soaring glass atrium, sweeping staircases and immersive galleries.
For a smaller setting, the Roof Tops is a gem, with floor to ceiling windows and stunning views over the Old Town and Edinburgh Castle.
Entertainment
We love this venue because you can really make it as historic, or as modern as you like depending on your people.
The Explore gallery is a particular fave of ours, with lots of interactive games to entertain your guests whilst enjoying pre dinner drinks. Think flames and a piper at the doorway on arrival, and surprise performers peeping out from over the balcony.
Capacity
Grand Gallery - from 12 people to 1200
Roof Tops – up to 80 guests
Think Downton Abbey and then place it in spectacular grounds 40 minutes from Edinburgh Centre. The Hopetoun experience starts along the mile and ½ driveway, as you approach the house in all its grandeur suddenly appears…and that’s only the beginning folks. For extra impact what about lighting or projection mapping on the façade?
Spaces for hire for smaller intimate dinners look no further than the stunning State Apartments, designed for entertaining aristocrats. For larger groups the Adam Ballroom is beautiful complete with crystal chandeliers and ornate ceilings, a real breath taker on entry.
Entertainment
Give your guests the full Scottish experience with one of Hopetoun’s resident Pipers meeting them on arrival and piping them through to dinner, add some ceremony to the occasion with an address the haggis and then after dinner “Beat the Retreat”, performed by Pipe Bands in full ceremonial dress (this one is sure to give everyone goose bumps). The pièce de resistance, Hopetoun permits fireworks so you could have your own private display.
Capacity
For the Scottish Gala Evening – up to 300 guests
State Apartments – from 16 to 50 guests
To read all about our amazing events in Edinburgh follow the link to our case studies here.
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