July in Edinburgh: art, adventure & real-life English practice

🏫 Learn English in Edinburgh this summer

Studying English doesn’t have to mean sitting in a classroom all day.

At ECS Scotland, we offer short English courses for adults that combine practical language learning with cultural discovery outside the classroom. Our small group lessons focus on real communication — speaking, listening and growing your confidence in everyday situations. Our Experience Edinburgh short courses combine working in the classroom in the morning followed by using your English out and about in the city with your teacher in the afternoon.

🎨 Scotland is your classroom: art, culture & creativity

This summer, immerse yourself in Scotland’s creative spirit — and practise English while you do it.

🎷 What’s on in Edinburgh this July?

There’s no shortage of things to do this month — and every activity is a chance to practise English in real life:

• Jazz & Blues Festival (11–20 July) – Improve your listening skills through music and soak up relaxed festival vibes

• Edinburgh Castle Concerts – Big-name performances in a magical setting: Ludovico Einaudi, Kaiser Chiefs and more

• Magic Festival – Watch illusions and pick up fun performance-related vocabulary

• Highland Games – Visit towns across Scotland to see traditional sports, dancing and bagpipes

• Photography & Art Walks – Join a local tour or explore solo with your sketchbook or camera

💬 Language Tip: Try using spoken English first before using the translate function on your phone when out and about.

💬 Language Focus: Festival Season Vocabulary

Whether you’re at a concert, a comedy show or a ceilidh, here are some natural expressions to try:

• “Let’s grab a drink after the show.” – a very casual way to socialise

• “What did you think of it?” – great for starting conversations

• “I didn’t get all the jokes, but the atmosphere was brilliant.” – honesty + fluency

• “It was a buzzing / packed / hilarious / moving / thought-provoking show”

– useful adjectives to describe shows and events

📓 Challenge: Use 3 new adjectives to describe something you did this week — in your journal, sketchbook or conversation class.

🌿 Slow Travel = Deep Learning

This month we’re highlighting the concept of slow travel — the idea that going slowly helps you learn more, notice more and connect more deeply.

Watching this video helps you to:

• 🗣️ Hear real Scottish accents and storytelling

• 🌄 Learn novel vocabulary for nature and travel

• ✍️ Practise describing what you see and hear in natural English

📚 July Book Recommendation:

“Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman

Set in Glasgow, this novel is suitable for learners who enjoy reading in English. It is written in contemporary English about contemporary themes including being lonely, being kind and friendship.

📝 Language tip: Highlight interesting expressions and try writing a few sentences in a character’s voice to build your confidence. Or join an online book group. Speak to teacher Lindsay for more information about online book groups.

🎧 Podcast of the Month

Word of Mouth – BBC Radio 4

Hosted by Michael Rosen, this insightful podcast explores the way we use language — from slang and storytelling to dialects and cultural identity.

🔊 Recommended episode:

“The Scots Language” – Discover how Scots is used today, how it differs from standard English, and why it’s so important in Scottish culture. A perfect companion to Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, which includes Scottish speech rhythms and phrases.

🗣️ In this way you can:

• Build up your understanding of regional language

• Improve your listening skills

• Learn about cultural differences

▶️ Listen on BBC.com

Links to places where you can listen outside the U.K. here.

🤓 Did You Know?

Edinburgh is built on seven hills — just like Rome is.

These include Arthur’s Seat, Calton Hill and Castle Rock. Each one offers spectacular views and a great chance to practise descriptive English and get some fresh air after class.

🗣️ Vocabulary to try:

panoramic, breezy, volcanic, ancient, sun-dappled

🏛️ Looking Ahead: Doors Open Days in September

Mark your calendar. In September, Edinburgh’s Doors Open Days let you explore historic buildings that are usually closed to the public — think secret vaults, government offices and hidden mansions.

It’s a brilliant way to practise your English with locals and guides while discovering Edinburgh’s fascinating history.