Underbelly George Square (Venue 300)
WHERE
Edinburgh
What it’s like
An outdoor festival site of circus, comedy, theatre and cabaret shows, with street food and bars to hang about in between.
This is a cluster of venues rather than one show, so the actual plan for the day is to pick a performance and build the rest around it. Circus, comedy, theatre, cabaret and music all run here, and between shows there are outdoor bars and food stalls to loiter at, from local street food to a proper burger. It's more of a festival atmosphere than a single attraction, which suits older kids who can sit through a show, less so a toddler who needs to run about.
Buggies are the first snag. They're not allowed in the auditoria at all, so you'll be leaving it in the buggy park outside and carrying anyone who's not walking. Babies under two go free for family events specifically, but they're not permitted in the wider programme, so check what you're actually booking before you turn up with a baby in a sling expecting to get into anything and everything.
After 9pm nobody under 18 is allowed on site unless they've got a ticket for a show starting after that time and are with an adult, which rules out a late wander for families anyway. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, which stings if plans change. Wheelchair access is ramped throughout the site and into every venue, and companions can get a complimentary ticket if needed.
Parking on site is tight. On-street pay and display is limited, and the nearest multi-storey is Q-Park Quartermile, which does have accessible bays if that matters to you. Booking ahead is recommended, though walk-up tickets are sold on the day if a show hasn't sold out.
Facilities
Need to know
- Booking
- Advance booking recommended. Walk-up tickets available on the day subject to availability
- Parking
- Limited on-street pay and display parking on Buccleuch Place
- Food
- Outdoor bars and food stalls at the George Square venue, with local street food and gourmet burgers available
- Pushchairs
- Buggy park available outside the venue
- Wheelchairs
- Underbelly George Square has ramped access throughout the site and into all performance venues
- Getting there by bus or train
- Closest taxi pick-up and drop-off point at the junction of Crighton Street and Chapel Street
- Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, so be sure of your date before booking.
- Ramped access runs throughout the site and into every venue.
- Carers or personal assistants can get a complimentary companion ticket.
- Nearest taxi pick-up and drop-off is at Crighton Street and Chapel Street.
Plan your visit
Do we need to book ahead?
It's recommended, yes. You can buy on the day at the box office but popular shows do sell out.
Can we bring a buggy?
Not into the auditorium. There's a buggy park outside, though anything left there is at your own risk.
Is it OK to bring a baby?
Under-twos go free at family events specifically. Babies aren't allowed into the wider programme of shows, so it depends what you're booking.
What about parking?
On-street parking nearby is limited. The closest multi-storey is Q-Park Quartermile, which has accessible bays.
What food is available?
Outdoor bars and food stalls on site, including local street food and gourmet burgers.
Can teenagers stay late?
After 9pm, under-18s need a pre-booked ticket for a show starting after that time and must be with an adult.
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