Top 7 Exceptional Venues with Self-Catering in Edinburgh

The diversity of tourist attractions and activities in Edinburgh is only matched by the variety of accommodations the city has. Here are 7 of our top picks that can elevate your self-catering holidays in Edinburgh.

Nestled in Edinburgh’s West End, the Sand and Stone Escapes’ West End Muse is a lovingly renovated apartment within a converted 19th-century stable block. The apartment sleeps up to 4 guests in two well-appointed bedrooms. 

The well-equipped open-plan kitchen is integrated into the main living space, making it convenient for preparing meals while still being part of the social environment. The dining area easily fits six people, perfect if you plan to entertain a few guests during your stay.

The spacious living room features a sumptuous red velvet sofa, an original brick wall, a built-in flat-screen smart TV, and a stylish office nook. Combining comfort with flexibility, the West End Muse is one of the best self-catering flats in Edinburgh.

Glenlockhart Cottage is a beautifully renovated, self-catering retreat nestled in a tranquil area of Edinburgh. The cottage sleeps four guests in two luxurious bedrooms, each featuring sumptuous beds and wardrobe space.

The kitchen is designed for culinary enthusiasts, featuring a range cooker, integrated fridge-freezer, dishwasher, Belfast sink, and coffee machine. The dining area can seat six guests and has a wall-mounted 32” HD television, perfect for catching up with the morning news.

The room is cosy and inviting, with an open fire, soft furnishings, and a library with Scottish classics.  The large, secluded garden is perfect for leisurely breakfasts or evening drinks. It is also one of the few properties offering self-catering in Edinburgh, with parking for two or more cars in a private courtyard.

Located in West Lothian just outside Edinburgh, The Craigengar Lodge is a luxurious 5-bedroom property with self-catering near Edinburgh. Each bedroom has an ensuite bathroom and an additional shower room on the ground floor. 

The lodge stands out as a self-catering unit with a kitchen that has extensive black granite work surfaces, high-tech appliances, and plenty of cupboard space stocked with essentials for wining and dining up to 18 people. 

The dining area provides flexible seating arrangements, with the option of one long dining table or two individual tables and comfortable sofas for additional seating, making it perfect for large gatherings accommodating all guests. 

There are various indoor entertainment options, including board games, DVDs, and TVs, as well as an outdoor area with panoramic views of the countryside. With bespoke packages for birthday parties, hen and stag dos, corporate events, and the option of hiring a private chef, Craigengar is one of the best self-catering lodges near Edinburgh.

Observatory House offers a unique, tranquil, self-catering retreat on top of Calton Hill, just a short walk from the centre of Edinburgh. Renting the lower ground floor apartment along with the house increases the capacity to 3 bedrooms, accommodating eight guests.

The fully equipped kitchen on the eastern side of Observatory House offers a stunning view across Calton Hill to the National Monument. The ground floor features a second, smaller kitchenette, useful during larger parties. 

The dining area is designed to accommodate family gatherings or intimate dinners, with a dining table that seats 8 people. With a blend of functionality and elegance, the property’s self-catering features are a major selling point.

The living areas are designed for comfort and relaxation, with cosy sofas arranged to make the most of the stunning views and warm atmosphere. Combining comfortable living with proximity to the city, the observatory house is among the best of Edinburgh’s self-catering accommodations in the city centre.

Wintonhill Farmhouse is a Georgian house in East Lothian countryside, just a half-hour drive from Edinburgh city centre and airport. With stunning views of the Lammermuir and Pentland Hills, it is a picturesque venue with self-catering near Edinburgh. The property features 6 bedrooms, with a capacity of 16 guests, and 4 bathrooms with showers and baths.

The fully stocked kitchen includes a range cooker, oven, dishwasher, and utility area, providing everything needed for convenient meal preparation. The multiple spacious dining rooms can accommodate up to 18 people and are perfect for hosting big dinners and parties, making it ideal for a group event during your self-catering stay. 

Outside, you can enjoy a private garden, patio, BBQ area, and shared access to a walled orchard, where you can play football or practise golf swings. And guess what? The farmhouse lets you bring your furry friends along, making it one of the few cottages promoted as a dog-friendly self-catering in Edinburgh.

The Penthouse at Princess Street Suites is one of the most luxurious self-catering apartments in Edinburgh. It has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, with walk-in showers and hot tubs.

The kitchen offers modern amenities, ample counter space, and all utensils needed to prepare anything from a quick snack to a gourmet meal. The open-plan dining area includes a large table that can comfortably seat all 8 guests, making it ideal for family meals or social gatherings during your self-catering stay.

The expansive living room is perfect for relaxation, with large windows that flood the space with natural light. The private balcony offers a fantastic setting to admire the city’s skyline while savouring a glass of wine. What’s more? It is one of the few dog-friendly self-catering apartments in Edinburgh, ensuring you don’t have to leave your paw patrol behind.

If you are searching for a large property for a big get-together, The Gorton House and Cottages is your solution. Located in Midlothian, the property is one of the few 20-sleeper self-catering accommodations near Edinburgh. The combined capacity of the big house and the cottages can accommodate up to 33 guests. The main house features 5 spacious bedrooms, while the cottages provide an additional 10 bedrooms. 

The fully-equipped kitchens in the house and cottages offer a range of appliances and utensils. What makes this property unique is its flexibility and space, with various social and dining areas, including a large dining room in the main house that can be modified to seat up to 30 guests. This setup makes it ideal for self-catering stays, offering both convenience and the ability to host large gatherings.

Outdoor facilities include beautifully landscaped gardens, a tennis court, and a mini-golf course, with direct access to the scenic Roslin Glen nature reserve. Located just a 20-minute drive from Edinburgh city centre, the cottage is a fantastic self-catering accommodation near Edinburgh offering a blend of quiet countryside and access to city life.

Staying at one of these properties with self-catering in Edinburgh will allow you to experience comfort with the freedom and flexibility of creating your schedule and enjoying home-cooked meals. But would you want to invest your time in the kitchen while on vacation? 

Hiring a private chef who can come to your accommodation to prepare personalised meals can help make your vacation stress-free. These chefs will come to any venue of your choice and take care of everything from cooking to managing special requests and cleaning. 

Platforms like yhangry are successfully bridging the gap between customers and private chefs in the UK, offering a seamless private dining experience. With a few clicks, you can select from a large pool of private chefs in Edinburgh who can elevate your experience and create lasting memories.