Summerhall
Address: 1 Summerhall, Edinburgh, EH9 1PL
Summerhall is a vibrant arts centre in the city’s Southside. It is housed in the former college building for the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, which was founded by William Dick and based in the building from 1916 to 2011. It retains many original features, from lecture theatres to old laboratories, giving a fascinating glimpse into its academic past. Today, these spaces have been transformed into galleries, performance halls, studios and event rooms. It hosts a packed programme of art exhibitions, theatre performances, film screenings and live music.
There is an onsite pub, The Royal Dick, which serves craft beers, cocktails and pub food, and has its own microbrewery, Barney’s Beer. There is also a gin distillery within the building, Summerhall Distillery, which produces Pickering’s Gin, and a themed escape rooms, Locked In Edinburgh, which uses its historic setting to set challenging puzzles and games. Every August, Summerhall becomes one of the key venues for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, buzzing with performers and audiences from around the world.
5 things to do at Summerhall
- View the latest arts exhibitions from Summerhall Arts.
- Relax with craft beers or cocktails in the Royal Dick pub.
- Take a gin tour with Summerhall Distillery.
- Solve puzzles within the historic rooms of the former college with Locked In Edinburgh.
- Attend a Fringe show during August, where you’ll find a mix of theatre, art, comedy and music shows.
