Fort Kinnaird is one of the largest outdoor retail parks in the United Kingdom and boasts over 70 retail outlets, dining establishments and a multiplex movie theater. It's a destination for shoppers and is family friendly, presenting plenty of things to do on a day out. The shops and retail outlets represent the biggest names as well as independent and boutique shops. Offerings feature everything from clothing and cosmetics to furniture and quirky wall art.

For the kids, the mall features an outdoor children's play area where they can run, swing, climb, jump and play until their hearts are content. You can easily spend all day walking through the shops, browsing your favorite brands or discovering your new must-haves. Grab a bite from the restaurants and afterward, enjoy the latest feature movie at the movie theater. With so many options, there's something that will appeal to everyone.

Fort Kinnaird in Edinburgh - one of the highlights of 14 Best Places to Go Shopping in Edinburgh (Read all about Edinburgh here)

photo by alljengi (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

Highlights and features of Fort Kinnaird

As an outdoor retail park, the primary attraction of Fort Kinnaird is its collection of major brand names, including H&M, OUTFIT, River Island, and other well-known and luxury brands. It's large enough to host 3 anchor tenants, and the total retail space encompasses almost 46,500 square meters of space. The mall also features a wide range of smaller brands where you can find everything from cosmetics and clothing to furniture and housewares.

In addition to the shops, you'll find a broad selection of eateries, from fast-food establishments to sit-down restaurants, coffee shops, pizzerias and sandwich shops. The mall offers a multiplex movie theater that shows the latest British and international hit movies in comfortable surroundings. Regular events and celebrations occur all year long, particularly around the winter vacations.

photo by Richard Webb (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

The story of Fort Kinnaird

Fort Kinnaird has the distinction of being among the largest shopping malls in the UK and is something of a crown jewel of Edinburgh. It's an ultramodern destination that opened in 1989 as Kinnaird Park. It housed the very first multiplex movie theater in Edinburgh, which operated from 1990 to 2008. Over the years, the mall expanded into the surrounding land, including a former Niddrie Brickworks site, and the new area was branded as Edinburgh Fort.

By the late 1990s, the 2 neighborhoods were merged and became Fort Kinnaird. In late 2013, the mall underwent a £24 million expansion and renovation, which brought in more restaurants, the children's playground area and a new multiplex movie theater. Today, it's a premier shopping destination that houses high-street brands, independent shops, food outlets and entertainment options for all. 

photo by Richard Webb (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

Good to know about Fort Kinnaird

Fort Kinnaird has free parking available in its vast carpark that offers over 2,600 spaces with accessibility and Blue Badge spaces for those in need. Regular rail services and public transportation can also bring visitors to the shopping mall, and there is a cycling trail for those who prefer pedal power. Mobility equipment and wheelchair hires are also available.

Accommodations can be made for those with sensory issues, ASD and other special needs, including free sensory backpacks and a visual story that they can download. Free WiFi service is available to all visitors, so you can stay connected while you shop and eat. Fort Kinnaird is dedicated to providing a safe and healthy space for all its visitors and adheres to all government requirements and guidelines.

photo by Mike Penningto (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

Fort Kinnaird in Edinburgh

Location: 32 Fleming House, Newcraighall, Edinburgh EH15 3RD, UK

Phone: +1 (0)1316 699090

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

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