Riddle's Court
Riddle's Court
4.5
Historic SitesPoints of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural Buildings
About
Riddle's Court is at the top of the Lawnmarket in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, easily accessible by public transport and a 10 minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley Station. The building has considerable cultural significance with rooms containing architectural features from its 400 years of history and historic connections with King James VI and Patrick Geddes amongst many others. The rooms include the Geddes Room with a vibrant 19th century painted ceiling; the Seton Room, with a 17th century plaster ceiling; the McMorran Room with 18th century panelling, and the Library, a larger South facing flexible space on the ground floor with a capacity of up to 100 people for a reception. Each room is enhanced with working fireplaces. Riddle's Court is also available to hire as a wedding venue; a unique and secluded building in the heart of the Old Town, it is the perfect location for your special day. Riddle’s Court is a property restored and managed by Scottish Historic Buildings Trust
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Neighborhood: Old Town
Few Edinburghers live in the Old Town, but its labyrinth of dank alleys and steep streets suggests this was not always the case. Today, it’s mostly visitors, tartan-flavored souvenir shops, and pipers that you’ll find on its cobbled streets. This is the place to get a feel for Auld Reekie (Old Smelly), as the town was once nicknamed, and stroll the Royal Mile, the thoroughfare that links the castle with the royal palace – two of Edinburgh’s great set-piece attractions. But there’s lots more exploring to do here down dozens of little alleys, or wynds, while at night the city’s busiest clubs erupt along the Cowgate which is closed to traffic for this purpose.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
36 reviews
Excellent
24
Very good
10
Average
2
Poor
0
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Malgorzata
12,085 contributions
Oct 2019
Full of history and charm it is a real gem in the heart of Edinburgh's old town. A picturesque merchant's house, situated close to the Edinburgh's famous castle. Sixteenth century courtyard house which just has been wonderfully restored. A visit here is like stepping back in time. It is little tucked away, but including exquisite painted ceilings, authentic working fireplaces and panelled rooms. Definitely worth a visit.
Written September 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rosalind P
Northampton, UK30 contributions
May 2021
We had a wonderful wedding at Riddles Court. We booked the venue, unseen, in early summer 2020, and from the first enquiry the team were incredibly professional, helpful and supportive, and with a genuine warmth and enthusiasm for the success of our wedding day.
We were organising the wedding across the pandemic and the team did a wonderful job to help and support our enquiries, being very professional while always working and communicating government restrictions clearly, but being as flexible as they could be, within those rules.
The venue was beautiful and we were thrilled with the choice. It had a wonderful ambience. Our guests all commented on what a great location it is. It’s perfect to be in the centre of the city, and also very close to the registrars office for collecting and dropping of the relevant paperwork.
We stayed in the Kings Chamber on site before and after the wedding, and this was great. The apartment is decorated beautifully and it a perfect location to stay in the city. It was also very useful to have a spot on site to get ready and take deliveries, etc for the day.
We felt it was also good value for money.
We were organising the wedding across the pandemic and the team did a wonderful job to help and support our enquiries, being very professional while always working and communicating government restrictions clearly, but being as flexible as they could be, within those rules.
The venue was beautiful and we were thrilled with the choice. It had a wonderful ambience. Our guests all commented on what a great location it is. It’s perfect to be in the centre of the city, and also very close to the registrars office for collecting and dropping of the relevant paperwork.
We stayed in the Kings Chamber on site before and after the wedding, and this was great. The apartment is decorated beautifully and it a perfect location to stay in the city. It was also very useful to have a spot on site to get ready and take deliveries, etc for the day.
We felt it was also good value for money.
Written January 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather C
1 contribution
May 2018 • Couples
We stayed in the King's Chamber apartment and it was absolutely fabulous. The apartment is huge with bags of character – the painted ceilings are beautiful! The location is also amazing and very well placed right in the centre of the old town. Would highly recommend.
Written June 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ptrav9
629 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
Just off Royal Mile, at the end of a small alleyway. 16th century Riddle’s Court is one of Edinburgh’s older properties. An interesting courtyard with an outside staircase built when some of the building was demolished. Was the one time residence of the famous Scottish philosopher David Hume. It later housed the first summer schools of Edinburgh University.
Written September 26, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Timbuktoo13
Edinburgh, UK1 contribution
Jan 2013 • Solo
A hidden gem that is usually overlooked as it is located at the end of a narrow allyway on the Royal Mile. The building dates back to the 16th century and thus is one of the older buildings left on 'the mile' and in Old Town. I found this place as I was going on a wander around and buzzed into the front door where a staff member met me and was happy to bring me on a tour of the house. I was told that various Scottish Kings had called the house their home. I would highly recommend this venue and call it a must see!
Written January 23, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevan H
Edinburgh, UK13 contributions
Apr 2019 • Solo
What beautiful place to visit of Lawnmarket.When you walk in to court yard and see outside off the building u know your in for a treat.Once inside the detail in the ceiling and the old ceiling beams are incredible.Kings have dined here and if u want to try renting an amazing apartment within the historic building at a very reasonable price(air b/b.Well worth visit
Written April 14, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma B
Oxford, UK9 contributions
Jun 2018 • Business
I ran an event for my work in the Library Room at Riddle's Court last weekend and was absolutely delighted with the venue. The staff were helpful and friendly, the room (and Riddle's Court as a whole) was absolutely beautiful, the catering provided was very good and everything was spotlessly clean as well (which is not always the case in historic venues). For a venue of this quality, it was also very affordably priced.
Before the event, I was a little nervous about accessibility as I've had bad experiences in the past with historic venues that claimed to be accessible, but Riddle's Court is exceptionally well set up for accessibility, with completely step-free access to the Library Room and a lift to all floors, which was fantastic.
I fully recommend Riddle's Court if you're looking for a stunning venue in Edinburgh.
Before the event, I was a little nervous about accessibility as I've had bad experiences in the past with historic venues that claimed to be accessible, but Riddle's Court is exceptionally well set up for accessibility, with completely step-free access to the Library Room and a lift to all floors, which was fantastic.
I fully recommend Riddle's Court if you're looking for a stunning venue in Edinburgh.
Written June 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dougiedad
edinburgh122 contributions
May 2018 • Business
I used the Library Room to host an event last week for 50 people . This is an impressive venue and reasonably priced for the city centre. There are a number of rooms to suit either large or smaller groups. The staff were very supportive and nothing was too much trouble. If you’re looking for a venue to impress your guest ..this is one!
Written May 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GladiatorDelWino
Glenbervie, New Zealand367 contributions
Like Gladstone Land, we found this fascinating "space" by complete accident. Being the nosey bugger I am, I decided to walk into this close "just because it was there." There was no real signage or advertising at the entrance but, once in the courtyard, we came upon information regarding the history of the close, including the patronage of King James VI. We learnt that plans are afoot to fully restore this area back to it's 1600's originality...loved it.
Written October 7, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for visiting. Scottish Historic Buildings Trust is a buildings conservation trust working to save Riddle's Court, 90% raised of the £5.6m target. For more information about the project visit http://www.shbt.org.uk//index.php?cID=210 Be sure to come back and visit in 2017 once the restoration is complete.
Written October 21, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John R
Edinburgh, UK1 contribution
Apr 2014 • Family
We stumbled across Riddle's Court when a giant LEGO flagged us down on the Royal Mile! As part of the National Science Festival they are holding a LEGO exhibition just now - brilliant for the kids and great opportunity to see an amazing building. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
Written April 6, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
¿se puede visitar por dentro? ¿dónde se encuentra exactamente? en el caso de que la visita sea posible, ¿cuánto cuesta? gracias
Written January 20, 2016
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