Make Edinburgh Part of Your Open Experience

The Open returns to the Old Course at St Andrews in July 2027, and as you can imagine, accommodation nearby is already incredibly limited. Staying in Edinburgh shouldn’t be seen as settling for second best.

Scotland’s capital gives you excellent access to St Andrews while also turning your visit into a complete Scottish getaway. You’ll have history, culture, brilliant food, plenty of whisky and even more world-class golf right on your doorstep.

St Andrews might be the star of the show, but Edinburgh is a pretty good place to call home for the week.

Close Enough for The Open, With More to Enjoy

Trains from Edinburgh Waverley to Leuchars, the nearest station to St Andrews, take just over an hour. From there, it is around 15 minutes by taxi or bus into the town.

You can also hire a car or arrange a private return transfer for a more comfortable, door-to-door journey. We would recommend organising travel in advance during Championship week, allowing you to relax and enjoy the day without worrying about the logistics.

Edinburgh Airport also makes the city a convenient base for guests travelling. You can check into one hotel for your full trip, unpack once and enjoy the rest of the holiday without moving between different locations.

Edinburgh Is Much More Than Somewhere to Sleep

There is a lot more to Edinburgh than its castle, although the castle is worth seeing.

You can walk along the Royal Mile, explore the streets of the Old Town, visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse or take in the views from Calton Hill and Arthur’s Seat.

There is also the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith, the independent shops and cafés of Stockbridge and plenty of excellent restaurants, bars and traditional pubs throughout the city.

And, of course, no trip to Scotland would be complete without at least one whisky tasting. Whether you already know your single malts or couldn’t tell your Speyside from your Islay, there are plenty of experiences to enjoy.

Add Another Round to the Trip

Watching the world’s best golfers is one thing. Getting out for a round of your own makes the trip even better.

Just outside Edinburgh, East Lothian is known as Scotland’s Golf Coast. It is home to an incredible collection of links courses, including North Berwick, Gullane and Dunbar.

It gives you the chance to experience proper Scottish links golf without travelling too far from your Edinburgh hotel. Tee times will be extremely popular during The Open, so this is one part of the trip we would recommend arranging early.

A round of golf, a whisky afterwards and The Open still to come. Not a bad way to spend a week.

A Six-Night Edinburgh and Open Itinerary

Day One: Welcome to Edinburgh

Arrive at Edinburgh Airport and make the short journey into the city centre.

After checking into your hotel, the first evening is kept nice and relaxed. You will have time to settle in following the flight before heading out for dinner or taking a gentle walk through the Old Town.

There is no need to pack too much into the first day. The real fun starts tomorrow.

Day Two: Explore Scotland’s Capital

Start your first full day with a visit to Edinburgh Castle before making your way down the Royal Mile.

Spend the afternoon exploring the city’s historic closes, independent shops and traditional pubs. You could also add a private whisky tasting or visit The Scotch Whisky Experience to learn a little more about Scotland’s national drink.

Finish the day with dinner in the city. From relaxed Scottish favourites to premium dining experiences, Edinburgh has plenty to choose from.

Day Three: Play Scotland’s Golf Coast

Now it is your turn to get out on the course.

Travel into East Lothian for a round of links golf at North Berwick, Gullane, Dunbar or another of the region’s excellent courses.

You’ll experience coastal views, and some of the best golf Scotland has to offer. After the round, return to Edinburgh for a relaxed evening and a well-earned drink.

Day Four: Your First Day at The Open

Travel from Edinburgh to St Andrews for your first day at The 155th Open Championship.

Watch the world’s leading golfers take on the Old Course and experience the atmosphere of golf’s original Championship at the Home of Golf.

With your return transport arranged in advance, all you need to think about is the action on the course. At the end of the day, return to Edinburgh and enjoy the comfort of your hotel.

Day Five: See More of Edinburgh

After a full day at The Open, enjoy a slightly slower morning before seeing another side of Edinburgh.

You could visit the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith, explore the shops and cafés of Stockbridge or take in the panoramic views from Calton Hill. If you fancy stretching your legs, Arthur’s Seat offers one of the best views across the city.

The evening is yours to enjoy, whether that means a traditional Scottish meal, cocktails in the New Town or live music in one of Edinburgh’s many bars.

Day Six: Return to St Andrews

Head back to St Andrews for your second day at The Open.

Attending on two separate days gives you the chance to see more of the course, follow different groups and experience another chapter of the Championship.

After another unforgettable day at the Old Course, return to Edinburgh for one final evening together. Hopefully, there will be plenty to talk about over dinner.

Day Seven: Depart Edinburgh

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before travelling back to Edinburgh Airport for your return flight to the United States.

After six nights, two days at The Open, a round of Scottish golf and time exploring Edinburgh, you’ll be heading home with much more than memories of the Championship.

Make The Open Part of a Bigger Experience

The Open will undoubtedly be the centrepiece of the trip, but it doesn’t have to be the only highlight.

Staying in Edinburgh gives you the best of both worlds. Access to the Home of Golf and the chance to experience one of Europe’s most beautiful and exciting cities.

From accommodation and transfers to Open hospitality, additional rounds of golf and memorable Scottish experiences, Headline Events can help bring the full trip together.

The golf is taken care of. The whisky is waiting. All that’s left to do is book it.

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