Edinburgh

Michael_sgrant
Jun 24
8 min read

The Capital of Scotland, and Scotland's gateway to the world...

Edinburgh is often voted one of the very best places in the world to live, work and visit. The capital is an extremely walkable city and has one of the best transport networks in the country with Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams offering round the clock accessible transport at an affordable price. From the majestic heights of Arthur's Seat, to the windswept cobblestone streets of the Old and New Town, stretching down to Leith and the arms of the Firth of Forth, it's no wonder that Edinburgh welcomes millions of visitors each year.

(Left) The Playfair Donaldson, (Centre Left) Princes Street, (Centre Right) University of Edinburgh, (Right) St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral

Edinburgh Castle:

The most popular attraction without a doubt is Edinburgh Castle: discover a world famous icon. Perched on top of a volcanic plug, Edinburgh Castle is home to the nation's Crown Jewels and the One o'clock Gun - the famous time signal that has been firing since 1861. Visit the grandeur of the Great Hall, dating back to the 1500s. Step inside St. Margaret's Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh. See Mons Meg, one of Europe's oldest siege guns. Above all, come and see the spectacular views across the capital. One of the strongest fortresses in the kingdom, Edinburgh Castle has been at the centre of Scottish life for more than 900 years. It has served as a royal palace, arsenal, gun foundry, state prison, palace of safe-keeping for the Crown Jewels, and as an infantry barracks. Tickets cost £21.50 and you can pre-book yours now at: Tickets | Edinburgh Castle

Whilst you're here make sure you visit:

The Gatehouse
Royal Palace
Great Hall
Scottish National War Memorial
Museum of the Royal Regiment of Scotland
The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Regimental Museum
National War Museum
The Royal Scots Regimental Museum
Edinburgh Castle Hospital
One O’Clock Gun
Mill’s Mount Battery

Princes Street Gardens & Ross Fountain:

At the foothills of the castle you'll find yourself in Princes Street Gardens. In the summer it's full of different types of flowers - make sure to check out the famous Edinburgh Flower Clock. In the winter you'll find it full of Christmas Markets, a reason why a lot of tourists travel here during the holiday season. But all year round you'll be able to find the Ross Fountain (pictured left): a cast-iron fountain from 1872. In the gardens itself you'll also find St. John's Scottish Episcopal Church and The Parish Church of St Cuthbert. Scott Monument is at the top of the gardens: it's a spirelike Victorian memorial in honour of the writer Sir Walter Scott, with 287 steps to the top.

The Scotch Whisky Experience: GOLD TOUR (75mins)

It wouldn't be a trip to Scotland without sampling real Scottish whisky now would it! Discover the true art of Scotch whisky making as we take you through the process. From the origins of water and barley, to a magical view form inside the cask. Explore 5 Scotch whisky producing regions, from Islay, Cambeltown, Speyside, Highlands & Lowlands, and learn how the geography and weather combine to create regional characteristics, shaping a single malt whisky's unique flavour. Learn the history and alchemy of blending, showing you how the art of creating a perfectly balanced Scotch whisky came about. Enjoy a guided tasting of your chosen whisky within one of the world's largest collection of Scotch whisky. Plan your visit at the Scotch Whisky Experience, I highly recommend buying the Gold Tour package; it lasts approx 75mins and you can sample 5 different whiskies. Tours cost just £38.50 per person.

(Left) Tasting whisky, (Centre Left) Chess Piece Whisky, (Centre Right) the oldest Whisky in the collection from 1897 & 1904, (Right) famous Johnnie Walker Whisky

You'll find two streets are the most visited; one being the Royal Mile and the other being Victoria Street. The Royal Mile runs all the way from the entrance to Edinburgh Castle up until the Palace of Holyroodhouse, stretching for obviously 1 mile. Along the way this is where you can find the Scotch Whisky Experience, Tolbooth Kirk, St Giles' Cathedral, Museum of Edinburgh, the Scottish Parliament Buildings, as well as many many quaint shops and pubs. Victoria Street is a colourful winding street just off of the Royal Mile where you'll be able to find many popular places such as the ones shown below.

(Left) The Last Drop pub - where convicts were sent for their last drink before getting hung, (Centre Left) Victoria Street (Centre Right) Harry Potter shop (Right) the Elephant House - the café where J.K. Rowling wrote some of the Harry Potter books

St Giles' Cathedral:

On the Royal Mile you'll find St Gile's Cathedral, a grand, Gothic medieval building & Presbyterian place of worship where John Knox used to preach. It has been a working church for over 900 years. A backdrop to Scotland’s turbulent religious history, it has seen the seeds of civil war sown and been John Knox’s parish church during the Reformation. Entrance is completely free although a donation is preferred. You can find more information about the cathedral here at: St Giles' Cathedral

Holyrood Park & Arthur's Seat: (251m, 45mins hike)

After the Castle, this is my second favourite thing to do. Edinburgh's landscape was forged in fire and carved by ice. The hard rock from which Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat were formed once flowed inside an ancient volcano that erupted 350 million years ago. It was shaped by great movements in the Earth's crust and sculpted by the power of the Ice Age glaciers and erosion. The remarkable landscape that was left behind has provided a home for many people over the last 10,000 years. Hunter-gatherers scattered flint arrow heads across the park, Iron Age tribes raised great hill forts on its peaks, medieval farmers cut terraces and furrows into its flanks and the stone for many of the city's buildings was hewn from its quarries. The park is now surrounded by the city, providing Edinburgh's citizens with a much loved escape from urban life. Holyrood Park is a rare example of unimproved grassland. Effectively unchanged since its enclosure as a Royal Park in the 1500s, it is rich in plant species and also provides a home to a variety of important vertebrate, amphibians, mammals and bird species. To find such a wildlife haven in the heart of a capital city is remarkable.

The hike up to the 823ft (251m) summit of Arthur's Seat takes approximately 45mins, a round trip taking around 1hr 30mins. I recommend taking the summit path up to the top, then on the way down hike towards Salisbury Crags, a huge ridge with more fantastic views of the city. For more information visit: Visit Holyrood Park | Scotland's Historic Environment

Royal Palace of Holyroodhouse:

At the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile stands the Palace of Holyroodhouse against the spectacular backdrop of Arthur's Seat. Explore the palace's close associations with some of Scotland's most well known historical figures such as Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, and learn how it is used by the Royal family today. Visit the State Apartments, filled with extraordinary works of art from the Royal Collection including an unrivalled collection of tapestries, these rooms reflect the changing tastes of successive monarchs. Today they are used by the Royal Family for official ceremonies as well as for private events. Holyroodhouse is the official residence of His Majesty King Charles III when in Scotland. One of the most famous monarchs to stay here was Mary Queen of Scots who lived in the rooms between 1561 and 1567. Climb the steps of the north-west tower and enter a world of intrigue and tragedy. Tickets are £20 if you book in advance, and you can do so here: Palace of Holyroodhouse

Carlton Hill:

The final hill of significant importance is Carlton Hill, a prominent hill with neoclassical monuments & sweeping views of the city skyline & Edinburgh Castle. Here you'll find many monuments such as Nelson's Monument and the one listed below...

(Left) Dugald Stewart Monument, (Centre) View of St James Quarter Shopping Mally, (Right) National Monument of Scotland

National Museum of Scotland:

It's easy for the hours to fly past as you explore the wide variety of museums and galleries that Edinburgh has to offer, and even more so when the majority of them are free! Enjoy a world of discovery at the National Museum of Scotland, the UK's most popular museum outside of London. The diverse collections takes visitors on an inspirational journey through the history of Scotland and the wonders of nature and different cultures. Highlights include the world famous Dolly the Sheep, jewellery belonging to Mary Queen of Scots, Vivienne Westwood's iconic tartan suit, and a towering skeleton cast of a Tyrannosaurus Rex. Take a look at all the exhibits such as :

Natural World
World Cultures
Collecting Stories
Art, Design & Fashion
Science & Technology
Scotland
And make sure you visit the rooftop terrace!

Greyfriars' Bobby & Cemetery:

Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery is home to the famous Greyfriars' Bobby as well as J.K. Rowling's inspiration to many of her characters. Bobby was a Skye Terrier and was looked after by a local policeman John Gray for the last two years of his life. After John Gray’s death Bobby reportedly guarded his grave in the Kirkyard for fourteen years. Tom Riddel during his lifetime was nobody special but became famous through his death; his grave was the one that inspired J.K. Rowling to be one of the most famous villains in modern children’s literature: Voldemort. You can find other family names here such as the Black family (the inspiration for Sirius Black), the McGonagall grave (Professor McGonagall), and many more.

(Left) Greyfriar's Bobby Memorial, (Centre) Thomas Riddle's Grave, (Right) Greyfriar's Bobby Pub

Dean Village:

A few little excursions coming up now. Head to the village within a city, Dean Village is a picturesque little village, a beautiful oasis right by the Water of Leith. Dean Village was previously where milling of water mills took place, of which remains of this can still be seen by visitors. Hidden in the village, you will come across a variety of mill stones and stone plaques decorated with baked bread and pies. The Dean Bridge can also be found if you walk along the walkway following the Water of Leith.

Queensferry Forth Bridges: (1.5hrs)

Head to Queensferry to see the famous Forth Rail Bridge and whilst you're there why not hop on a cruise under the bridges and enjoy breathtaking views of Edinburgh and Fife from a panoramic deck. Listen to full commentary on the rich history and wildlife. Look out for seals together with a wide range of seabirds throughout the season, including the ever popular puffins. Whether you decide to hop on a boat, go for a stroll along the beach, or grab and ice cream and some fish and chips, you'll definitely enjoy the views.

(Far Left & Far Right) Forth Rail Bridge (Centre Left) Queensferry Harbour (Centre Right) Forth Road Bridge

National Galleries:

At the National Galley, explore the new Scottish galleries for the very best Scottish art from 1800 to 1945. Then soak up works by Vermeer, Titian, Rembrandt, Velazquez and the Impressionists. The Modern Gallery, hosts two sculpture parks and two galleries. The best Scottish and international contemporary art is here, as is a recreation of local here Eduardo Paolozzi's art studio. The Portrait Gallery is filled with famous faces and highlights from the photography collection which tells the story of Scotland's past and present.

Royal Botanic Garden:

The Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh is a highlight of any visit to the Scottish capital. Walk around 72 acres of beautiful landscape and a world famous living collection comprising of nearly 60,000 plants from across the world, many endangered in the wild. Learn about the garden's fascinating history dating back more than 350 years and take in fantastic views of the capital's skyline featuring Edinburgh Castle. Walk along the 165m Herbaceous Border and enjoy the spectacular Beech Hedge which runs along its length.

The Royal Yacht HMS Britannia: (2hrs)

Come aboard Queen Elizabeth II's former floating palace and explore the Royal Yacht's 5 main decks, from the State Apartments to the crew's quarters. See where glittering state banquets and official receptions were held, welcoming kings and queens, world leaders and celebrities from President Nelson Mandela to Frank Sinatra. For Great Britain, Britannia was a majestic ambassador for the Commonwealth, the the Royal Family and 220 dedicated crew members, it was a home.