Gate-side WHSmith means one last book grab before boarding
WHSmith at Edinburgh Airport sits after security near several main departure gates, so you can duck in even with 15–20 minutes before boarding. It’s a standard UK airport branch: books, magazines, snacks, drinks, plus basic travel bits like plug adapters and earphones. Prices run higher than high street WHSmith, with paperbacks often around £9–£12 and bottled drinks in the £2–£3 range.
The book section leans hard on current bestsellers and crime/thriller titles, with front tables stacked by the big publishers. You’ll usually find the latest Richard Osman or other chart-toppers in multiple copies, along with 2‑for‑£X offers printed on bright yellow shelf labels. If you want niche non‑fiction or small‑press stuff, this isn’t the place; stick to mainstream charts and airport-friendly reads.
Opening hours typically track the first and last wave of flights, often from around 04:00 into late evening, so early EasyJet or Ryanair departures still have time to pick up a book. Kids’ titles and puzzle books sit close to the tills, with sticker books, activity pads, and travel games aimed at 2–10 year olds. Expect standard UK pricing, occasionally with 3‑for‑2 promos clearly tagged on the shelves.
Magazines and newspapers sit along one wall, with UK dailies like The Times and The Guardian plus glossies and crosswords. If you only have 5 minutes, head straight down the central aisle toward the “Top 10” racks and grab from the front table; that’s the fastest way in and out without getting stuck wandering the snack section.