Edinburgh Waverley Visitor Guide 2024: Everything you need to know

Located right in the heart of the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, Waverley Station is one of the biggest in the nation. It’s also the only railway station in the world named after a novel. First opened in 1846, Waverley has been a vital part of Edinburgh’s transportation infrastructure for well over a century. And it remains a key part of the city today.

Thanks to a central location, Waverley is close to all the many attractions the Scottish capital has to offer. All you need to do is take a few steps out of the station to immerse yourself in Scottish culture and history. But you’ll have a much easier time if you leave your unneeded bags behind at a luggage storage near Edinburgh Waverley station. The lighter you travel, the easier it will be to get around and see as much of the city as possible.

Edinburgh Waverley bag policy

Waverly has no explicit rules against bags. You can bring as many bags to the station as you can carry. You will find luggage carts that will make it easier to carry your belongings through the station. You’ll also find a baggage storage facility, or left luggage as it’s called in the UK. This can be handy, but given how busy the station gets, it can be tricky to find an available locker. Plus, storing your bags at the station itself isn’t always the best idea. It may be more convenient while you explore the city to have your belongings stored at a suitcase storage near Edinburgh Waverly but not actually inside the station. Luckily, there are plenty to choose from.

Edinburgh Waverley food policy

You can bring just about any food you like to Waverley station. There are no rules against having a picnic on one of the benches in the station or bringing food onto a train. You can even have open containers of alcohol, but know your limits. Public intoxication will not be tolerated.

If you didn’t bring food with you, there’s no need to worry. You’ll find plenty of places to eat and drink nearby. The station itself has grab-and-go food outlets like WH Smith and Pret a Manger. If you’re looking to kill a little more time, there’s also a Wetherspoon’s pub in Waverley station. And thanks to the station’s central location in the heart of Edinburgh, some of the best restaurants in the city, if not the country, are only steps away.

Edinburgh Waverley camera policy

Cameras are allowed at Edinburgh Waverley station, and you’re welcome to take photos of this historic site. However, there are some rules regarding photography in the station. Flash photography is not allowed as it can distract train drivers. Commercial photography is prohibited, and that includes professional lighting rigs. Tripods are allowed but are discouraged, and if you use one for a long time, you may be asked to put it away.

You can make things easier on yourself by dropping off bulky camera equipment at a luggage locker near Edinburgh Waverley. That way, your belongings will be safe while you travel, ready to be picked up.

Edinburgh Waverley rules

• For security reasons, don’t leave bags unattended. Any unattended bags may be destroyed by security staff.
• Don’t take photos of secure areas of the station, security staff, or security equipment such as CCTV cameras. This can arouse suspicion.
• Smoking is not allowed anywhere inside Waverley station. To smoke, you’ll need to go outside and maintain a good distance from doorways.

Edinburgh Waverley lockers 

Edinburgh Waverly’s central location makes it easy to explore. And from the moment you arrive, you’ll probably be itching to do just that. Edinburgh is a city rich in history and culture, and has plenty to offer visitors. So it’s tempting to plunge right into the city and see what it has to offer.

You can do yourself a favor by tracking down a luggage storage service near Edinburgh Waverley station. Traveling light means you can cover more ground and see more of the city’s numerous attractions. Knowing your bags are being safely looked after while you explore will be a weight off your mind as well as a load off your back. So drop off anything you don’t need and get ready to encounter Edinburgh.