Where to Stay for EWGT 2025: A Delegate’s Guide
The EWGT 2025 Conference will take place at Craiglockhart Campus, Edinburgh Napier University, from 1 to 3 September 2025. Social events will be hosted at Ghillie Dhu and Edinburgh City Chambers, both centrally located. Most delegates will arrive via Edinburgh Airport or Waverley Station.
This guide provides recommendations on where to stay in Edinburgh, tailored to different preferences and budgets, with information on public transport and walking distances.
Features of Accommodation in Edinburgh
Edinburgh offers a broad mix of accommodation types, from traditional guesthouses and student halls to boutique hotels and modern serviced apartments. During late summer, many university halls become available for short-term stays at competitive rates — ideal for students or those on tighter budgets. Airbnb options are plentiful, especially in residential areas like Morningside and Merchiston, while the city centre caters more to hotels, both chain and independent. Bed and breakfasts are common in quieter areas and can offer excellent value with a local touch.
Regardless of the type, accommodation in Edinburgh is known for being clean, safe, and generally well-reviewed. Most places provide free Wi-Fi, and many include breakfast or kitchen facilities. Booking early is advised, as September can still be busy due to festivals and late-season tourism.
Recommended Neighbourhoods
1. Bruntsfield / Morningside
- Vibe: Leafy, relaxed, with cafés and bookshops
- Postcodes/Keywords: EH10, EH9 | Search for “Bruntsfield”, “Morningside”
- Distance to Campus: ~25 min walk or 10 min bus
- Transport: Buses 10, 27, 45 (to Craiglockhart); 11, 16 (to city centre)
- Pros: Quiet and safe; walkable to campus
- Cons: Limited hotel availability (mostly B&Bs, Airbnb)
- Best for: Academics wanting a peaceful setting close to the venue
2. Haymarket / West End
- Vibe: Central, professional, well-connected
- Postcodes/Keywords: EH3 | Search for “Haymarket”, “West End”
- Distance to Campus: ~15–20 min by bus or 10–12 min taxi
- Transport: Direct tram from airport; buses 4, 10, 27 to Craiglockhart
- Pros: Ideal for travellers; walkable to Ghillie Dhu
- Cons: Can be busy and pricier during peak times
- Best for: Delegates flying in or valuing city convenience
3. Tollcross / Fountainbridge
- Vibe: Lively and youthful
- Postcodes/Keywords: EH3, EH1 | Search for “Tollcross”, “Fountainbridge”
- Distance to Campus: ~25–30 min by bus
- Transport: Buses 10, 27
- Pros: Budget options; walkable to social venues
- Cons: Farther from campus; potentially noisy at night
- Best for: Students and early-career researchers on a budget
4. City Centre (Old Town / New Town)
- Vibe: Historic and bustling
- Postcodes/Keywords: EH1, EH2 | Search for “Royal Mile”, “Princes Street”
- Distance to Campus: ~30–40 min by bus
- Transport: Easy access to all venues and stations
- Pros: Iconic setting; close to social events
- Cons: Expensive; tourist-heavy
- Best for: Expensive; tourist-heavy
5. Slateford / Merchiston
- Vibe: Quiet and residential
- Postcodes/Keywords: EH11, EH10 | Search for “Slateford”, “Merchiston”, “Gorgie”
- Distance to Campus: ~10–20 min walk
- Transport: Buses 4, 10
- Pros: Closest to the campus; budget-friendly
- Cons: Fewer restaurants and nightlife options
- Best for: Those prioritising proximity to the venue
6. Leith
- Vibe: Lively, diverse, with a creative and maritime edge
- Postcodes/Keywords: EH6 | Search for “Leith”, “The Shore”
- Distance to Campus: ~40–45 min by public transport
- Transport: Bus 10 (direct to Craiglockhart); tram to city centre
- Pros: Affordable; excellent food scene; lots of availability
- Cons: Longer commute; not walkable to venue or social events
- Best for: Budget-conscious delegates who don’t mind commuting and want to explore a different side of Edinburgh
Public Transport Options
Lothian Buses is the primary provider. The following services link different areas of the city to the Craiglockhart campus. Maps are available here, timetables at
- Bus 4: City Centre → Craiglockhart (via Haymarket, Merchiston)
- Bus 10: Leith → Craiglockhart (via Bruntsfield)
- Bus 27: Silverknowes → Craiglockhart (via Tollcross)
- Bus 36: Ocean Terminal → Craiglockhart (via Haymarket)
- Bus 45: King’s Road → Craiglockhart (via Slateford)
Tram: Direct link from Edinburgh Airport to Haymarket and Princes Street. From there, switch to one of the buses listed above.
Walking: Craiglockhart Campus is walkable from Slateford, Merchiston, Bruntsfield, and parts of Morningside (20–30 mins).
Platforms to Use
Smart Search Tips
- Use map view to check walking distance to Craiglockhart Campus
- Filter by public transport access and budget
- Check reviews and cancellation options
- Consider student summer lets for affordable longer stays
Final Advice
- If you are travelling from abroad, you may want to Check if you need a UK visa
or an electronic travel authorisation to enter the UK. Contact [email protected] if you need an invitation letters, and official documentation. - Buy a Lothian Buses day ticket (~£5) for unlimited travel
- Be aware of hilly terrain if walking to the venue
- Book early – September is still busy in Edinburgh