Riddle’s Court
INTRODUCTION
Riddle’s Court is a picturesque Category A-listed merchant’s tenement situated on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Each room reveals a different chapter of its 500-year history, from a painted ceiling installed for a royal banquet to one created for students to dine under. It is a building as beautiful as it is intriguing and one whose story is intimately connected with that of Edinburgh Old Town.
From 2015 to 2017, the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT) undertook a major conservation and regeneration project at Riddle’s Court, which saw over £6 million invested into the building to bring it back to life and secure its future. Riddle’s Court has now reopened as a unique venue for exceptional events. The building is also home to SHBT’s Head Office and is integral to running our public knowledge-sharing events.
HIRE
Riddle’s Court is full of authentic period features and genuine charm, including exquisite painted and plastered ceilings, working fireplaces and panelled rooms. Modern interventions have transformed its atmospheric historic spaces into a state-of-the-art venue, with full lift access and 21st century technology. Its location could not be more central: from the arched entrance of Riddle’s Court, it is only a five minute walk to Edinburgh Castle.
The newly-refurbished historic rooms are available for weddings, meetings and conferences, arts and festival uses, talks and workshops, craft and food markets, striking photo shoots, unforgettable parties and private dining. For more information on each of the available spaces, please get in touch.
OUR EVENT GUIDES
Conferences and Meetings
Riddle’s Court’s central location, our competitive pricing and variety of spaces make it the perfect venue for your meeting or conference.
With four atmospheric rooms with capacity for up to 60 delegates in the largest, and several small cosy meeting rooms to welcome from 4 to 50, we can accommodate most needs.
Parties, Family Occasions and Private Dining
The grandeur of the original dining and drawing rooms with their stunning elaborate ceilings make Riddle’s Court the perfect setting for your special occasion. Enjoy a taste of history by celebrating in a building which across the years has hosted kings, queens, dukes and philosophers, writers and actors, and many others from Edinburgh’s rich and colourful past.
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Special Events and Experiences
From the beautiful sound of a string quartet creating a light and soothing atmosphere to magicians conjuring
gasps and amazement, to more bespoke talks or gin and whisky tastings, we can cater to you or your client’s interests and needs. The following are some examples of what is on offer, but at Riddle’s Court we will happily create a bespoke experience for you.
VISIT
SHBT is delighted to offer pre-arranged group visits for interested parties to see around the building and understand its history and restoration. If this is something you would be interested in, please get in touch. Alternatively, we have a range of virtual tours giving information about the building’s spaces and history available online.
our onsite restaurant
Located in the lower ground level of the building, Scotts Kitchen is the perfect place to eat, drink and socialise. Open daily for breakfast, coffee, lunch and dinner, each dish is crafted using the freshest ingredients sourced as close to home as possible.
As soon as you walk through the door you’ll be met with fantastic smells and an abundance of home baking which is made on site each morning – their scones with fresh cream and jam are not to be missed!
Visitors can access Scotts Kitchen directly from the terrace above Victoria Street.
Claire Juliet Paton
RIDDLE'S COURT WEDDINGS
Riddle’s Court offers an intimate and romantic venue for exceptional weddings with a difference in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Our historic rooms can accommodate ceremonies, receptions, wedding breakfasts and even ceilidhs.
ZAC & ZAC Photography
STAY
Our onsite apartment, the King’s Chamber, offers a truly unique chance to sleep underneath striking 16th century painted ceilings created for a king, and in a building steeped in over 400 years of history. A self-contained apartment in the heart of the Old Town and newly renovated, it is a historic gem and not to be missed.
Learn
SHBT are delighted to deliver a wide range of learning events at Riddle’s Court, from talks, seminars and workshops to family events and public tours. Find out more about what events are available to book by viewing our Events Page.
OFFICE SPACE TO LET
We currently have office space available to let at Riddle’s Court in the north block of the building. From use of the entire floor (668 sq ft) to rooms from 151 sq ft. there are plenty of options to consider. Get in touch with us for more information or to organise a viewing.
INTERESTED IN THE HISTORY OF RIDDLE'S COURT?
