Edinburgh Music School Tours
Edinburgh is a great destination for music groups, particularly choirs, with wonderful opportunities to perform in various historical sites. As one of the UK’s most beautiful cities, there is plenty to see and do here, with the medieval maze of the Old Town and the ever-popular Royal Mile ready to explore. Whether you’re looking for fascinating museums, enchanting history and heritage, or dramatic cultural landmarks, you’ll find it all in Edinburgh.
We can also incorporate concerts and excursions in the surrounding towns of Central Scotland, if you wish to travel outside the capital, perhaps even incorporating a day in Glasgow for a multi-city tour!
Prices start from £305pp
Price includes
- 2 night's B&B accommodation
- Executive coach transport from & to school & throughout your stay
- Organisation & publicity of 2 concerts
- Group travel insurance
- Generous free place ratio of 1 in 8
Price shown is based on 40 paying passengers departing from selected departure points and is subject to availability.
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Top performance venues
Canongate Kirk, Edinburgh
This historic church is Edinburgh's Old Town offers an wonderful 'cathedral style' acoustic for choirs and smaller instrumental ensembles.
Image: © Kim Traynor / commons.wikimedia.org / cc-by-sa/2.0
Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh
The famous Canongate Kirk, located in Edinburgh's historic centre, was Scotland's first Post-Reformation church. As well as their Thursday lunchtime recital series, they host evening concerts for smaller choirs and ensembles.
Image: © Carlos Delgado / commons.wikimedia.org / cc-by-sa/2.0
St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh
As the High Kirk of Edinburgh, St Giles' Cathedral is a magnificent church venue that plays host to a range of musical events.
St Andrew’s & St George’s Church, Edinburgh
Afternoon and evening concerts can be arranged in this spacious church, situated in Edinburgh's New Town, for a donation towards the church.
Image: © AlistairW / commons.wikimedia.org / cc-by-sa/4.0
Ross Bandstand, Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh
Image: © Paul Gillett / geograph.org / cc-by-sa/2.0
Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh
Groups may directly arrange to perform at this iconic and historic location, which overlooks the City of Edinburgh
St Andrew’s Church, Leith
Suitable choral and instrumental music is welcome at this inclusive parish church.
Image: © Paul Gillett / geograph.org / cc-by-sa/2.0
St Colomba’s Cathedral, Oban
Visiting choirs and instrumental ensembles can perform concerts at this coastal Cathedral on occasion.
Image: © David Dixon / geograph.org / cc-by-sa/2.0
Stirling Castle, Stirling
All types of music group can perform at this important historic location, in return for free visitor admission.
Top visits
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is a powerful national symbol, and part of Edinburgh’s World Heritage site. Here, you can see the Honours (Crown Jewels) of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, Mons Meg, and the One O’Clock Gun. You can even visit the National War Museum of Scotland and experience life as a POW in 1781.
The Real Mary King’s Close
Just off the historic Royal Mile, at the Real Mary King’s Close, your students will see an historically accurate interpretation of life in Edinburgh from the 16th to the 19th centuries. You’ll get to witness the highs and lows of 16th century living, visit the home of a grave digger’s family to discover the truth about the plague epidemic of 1644-46, and enjoy ghost stories as your guide reveals dramatic episodes and extraordinary apparitions from the past.
Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh Zoo is the largest and most exciting wildlife attraction in Scotland. In just one day, pupils can meet over 1,000 wonderful animals in a beautiful parkland setting. A visit to Edinburgh Zoo isn’t complete without a trip to see the giant pandas!
Royal Yacht Britannia
Discover what life was like on board The Queen's floating Royal residence. Your group will first explore the Britannia’s Visitor Centre, before stepping aboard. Here your group can learn about the history of Royal Yachts, view displays and historical photographs of Britannia's captivating past.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Learn about the palace’s history, from its medieval foundations to its present day use by the Royal Family. Following an introductory talk, find out about the lives of famous residents including Mary Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie and Queen Victoria. Workshops are available for KS2 / P4-7 too.
Ghosts & Gore Tour
The Ghosts & Gore Tour is a gentle stroll through the Old Town, with Alexander Clapperton (deceased) joined by a number of quirky local ghosts, infamous 'jumper-ooters', who will tell you hair-raising tales of plague, punishment and persecution.
On tour support
Get even more from your trip with a Music Tour Manager! Call us for details.
On-tour support includes...
- Pre-booked meals at great group prices
- Pre-booked packed lunches for your group throughout your stay
Accommodation
Popular options in Edinburgh
Claremont Hotel
A centrally located, one-group hotel offering comfortable accommodation and good facilities. Alex, the owner, is very experienced in accommodating youth groups whom are assured of a warm welcome.
Claremont Hotel
A centrally located, one-group hotel offering comfortable accommodation and good facilities. Alex, the owner, is very experienced in accommodating youth groups whom are assured of a warm welcome.
Expert's comment
'Although Edinburgh itself is best suited to choral groups, there are some magnificent locations such as Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh Castle and nearby Stirling Castle that welcome a range of musical ensembles.'
Giving you full support throughout
Before your tour
- Dedicated NST expert from day one
- Responsive, flexible communication - Teams, phone, or email
- Same-day quotes
- Trips tailored to your budget, with transparent pricing
- Straightforward planning - we handle the details
- Step-by-step risk assessment guidance
- Free accommodation for group leader preview visits
- Curriculum-driven, enriching experiences across 100s of locations
- Unrivalled local knowledge & expertise
Whilst you're away
- Our travel app keeps all your info in one place
- On-tour support from our reps on the ground
- Support & assistance from our specialists
- 24/7 helpline and support
- Extensive group travel insurance
- Group-friendly accommodation
- Free educational resources
On your return
- Priority rebooking services
- Loyalty reward scheme for valued customers
- You say, we act - we're committed to continuously improving our tours