Edinburgh Scotland
by Elizabeth Harrin
Scotland’s capital Edinburgh is not the largest city in the
country, but it is one of the most varied. It is also very
compact, making it excellent for a short break or a base to
tour the rest of the country. That’s not to say that there isn’t a
lot to see in the city: it is packed with historical sites,
excellent shopping and great entertainment. If you’re not
sure where to start, try here with this guide to the top
attractions.
EDINBURGH CASTLE
If you can brave the walk up the hill, the Castle is very much
worth the visit and forms part of the World Heritage Site that
makes up Edinburgh’s New and Old Towns. The tiny
chapel is still a working church, and soldiers in the
appropriate regiments can use it for wedding services. You
can see the Castle from most parts of the city, as it
dominates the skyline and many of the postcards on sale in
the surrounding streets. Listen out for the one-o-clock gun!
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE
This palace is the Queen’s official Scottish residence, and
as such it might be closed from time to time when she is
using it. Apart from those occasions, it is open to the public
for tours. It was originally a monastery that was founded in
1128 but since then it has been home to many royals. It is
on Canongate, at the end of the Royal Mile.
www.royal.gov.uk
JENNERS
Over one hundred specialist departments make this
Scotland’s premier department store, and the oldest
independent department store in the world. The building
itself is beautiful and over 100 years old, a real rival to
Harrods of London. The shop is excellently located on
Princes Street, so central and convenient. Pop in and get
lost to dodge the showers!
SCOTT MONUMENT
Coming out of Edinburgh Station you will not be able to miss
the 200 foot-high monument to Sir Walter Scott, one of
Scotland’s greatest literary figures. It was designed by
George Meikle Kemp, and opened in 1846, 12 years after
Scott died. If you climb the structure on East Princes Street
Gardens you will be able to see across the city, as well as
examine the architecture. Little statuettes of Scott’s
characters have been woven into the delicate stonework.
www.cac.org.uk
CAMERA OBSCURA
My favourite Edinburgh attraction, and one that is indoors so
can be enjoyed whatever the unpredictable Scottish weather
throws at you. The camera obscura building also holds the
World of Illusions. The displays change, but you will always
be able to see some amazing holograms and optical
illusions and hands-on displays. The camera itself is 150
years old and allows you to see (and even hold) the passers
by below without them even noticing. It really is special,
children will love it and there is even a family rate for
entrance. It’s on the way to the castle, on the Royal Mile.
www.camera-obscura.co.uk
EDINBURGH FESTIVALS
If you are lucky enough to be visiting Edinburgh during
August you will not be able to miss the festivals. The
international festival showcases drama, dance and opera
from around the world but there is also a film festival, the
military tattoo, the festival fringe and the literary festival. Don’
t worry if you can’t make it during August – there is nearly
always something going on. The science festival is in April
and the Highland Show runs through June. Check out www.
edinburgh.org/events to find out what will be happening
while you are in the city.
SCOTCH WHISKY HERITAGE CENTRE
If you want to take home some traditional Scottish products,
the Whisky Heritage Centre next to Edinburgh Castle,
Castlehill, is not a bad place to start. Whisky from Scotland
is spelled without an ‘e’ whereas Irish whiskey has an ‘e’.
Take the tour to find out why Scottish whisky has different
flavours depending on the region it comes from. Visit the
website to print off a voucher entitling you to a free sample of
malt whisky – adults only!
www.whisky-heritage.co.uk
BANK OF SCOTLAND MUSEUM
Get a glimpse behind the scenes at the Bank of Scotland’s
Head Office on The Mound and see the old maps, gold
coins, chests to hold gold and some great examples of
forgeries. The Bank is true piece of Scottish history and
celebrates 300 years of independent banknotes. Find out
why the Scottish notes have a different look to the English
notes, and why some English shopkeepers might struggle
to recognise a Scottish note.
www.scottishmuseums.co.uk
THE EDINBURGH DUNGEONS
This is a scary and spooky way to learn about Scotland’s
turbulent past. Situated underground just off the Royal Mile
at 31 Market Street, this is not an attraction for very young
children or those with a nervous disposition. The costumed
exhibits have an alarming habit of springing to life before
you!
www.thedungeons.com
THE WRITERS’ MUSEUM
There’s a lot of literature that has come out of Scotland: the
poetry of Robert Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure
Island, Arthur Conan Doyle’s creation Sherlock Holmes and
James Barrie, the author of Peter Pan, to name a few.
Celebrate Scotland’s literary history at this excellent
museum. The building that houses the museum was built
in 1622 and is Lady Stair’s House, Lawnmarket. It’s free to
get in.
www.cac.org.uk/venues/writers_museum.htm
by Elizabeth Harrin
Scotland’s capital Edinburgh is not the largest city in the
country, but it is one of the most varied. It is also very
compact, making it excellent for a short break or a base to
tour the rest of the country. That’s not to say that there isn’t a
lot to see in the city: it is packed with historical sites,
excellent shopping and great entertainment. If you’re not
sure where to start, try here with this guide to the top
attractions.
EDINBURGH CASTLE
If you can brave the walk up the hill, the Castle is very much
worth the visit and forms part of the World Heritage Site that
makes up Edinburgh’s New and Old Towns. The tiny
chapel is still a working church, and soldiers in the
appropriate regiments can use it for wedding services. You
can see the Castle from most parts of the city, as it
dominates the skyline and many of the postcards on sale in
the surrounding streets. Listen out for the one-o-clock gun!
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE
This palace is the Queen’s official Scottish residence, and
as such it might be closed from time to time when she is
using it. Apart from those occasions, it is open to the public
for tours. It was originally a monastery that was founded in
1128 but since then it has been home to many royals. It is
on Canongate, at the end of the Royal Mile.
www.royal.gov.uk
JENNERS
Over one hundred specialist departments make this
Scotland’s premier department store, and the oldest
independent department store in the world. The building
itself is beautiful and over 100 years old, a real rival to
Harrods of London. The shop is excellently located on
Princes Street, so central and convenient. Pop in and get
lost to dodge the showers!
SCOTT MONUMENT
Coming out of Edinburgh Station you will not be able to miss
the 200 foot-high monument to Sir Walter Scott, one of
Scotland’s greatest literary figures. It was designed by
George Meikle Kemp, and opened in 1846, 12 years after
Scott died. If you climb the structure on East Princes Street
Gardens you will be able to see across the city, as well as
examine the architecture. Little statuettes of Scott’s
characters have been woven into the delicate stonework.
www.cac.org.uk
CAMERA OBSCURA
My favourite Edinburgh attraction, and one that is indoors so
can be enjoyed whatever the unpredictable Scottish weather
throws at you. The camera obscura building also holds the
World of Illusions. The displays change, but you will always
be able to see some amazing holograms and optical
illusions and hands-on displays. The camera itself is 150
years old and allows you to see (and even hold) the passers
by below without them even noticing. It really is special,
children will love it and there is even a family rate for
entrance. It’s on the way to the castle, on the Royal Mile.
www.camera-obscura.co.uk
EDINBURGH FESTIVALS
If you are lucky enough to be visiting Edinburgh during
August you will not be able to miss the festivals. The
international festival showcases drama, dance and opera
from around the world but there is also a film festival, the
military tattoo, the festival fringe and the literary festival. Don’
t worry if you can’t make it during August – there is nearly
always something going on. The science festival is in April
and the Highland Show runs through June. Check out www.
edinburgh.org/events to find out what will be happening
while you are in the city.
SCOTCH WHISKY HERITAGE CENTRE
If you want to take home some traditional Scottish products,
the Whisky Heritage Centre next to Edinburgh Castle,
Castlehill, is not a bad place to start. Whisky from Scotland
is spelled without an ‘e’ whereas Irish whiskey has an ‘e’.
Take the tour to find out why Scottish whisky has different
flavours depending on the region it comes from. Visit the
website to print off a voucher entitling you to a free sample of
malt whisky – adults only!
www.whisky-heritage.co.uk
BANK OF SCOTLAND MUSEUM
Get a glimpse behind the scenes at the Bank of Scotland’s
Head Office on The Mound and see the old maps, gold
coins, chests to hold gold and some great examples of
forgeries. The Bank is true piece of Scottish history and
celebrates 300 years of independent banknotes. Find out
why the Scottish notes have a different look to the English
notes, and why some English shopkeepers might struggle
to recognise a Scottish note.
www.scottishmuseums.co.uk
THE EDINBURGH DUNGEONS
This is a scary and spooky way to learn about Scotland’s
turbulent past. Situated underground just off the Royal Mile
at 31 Market Street, this is not an attraction for very young
children or those with a nervous disposition. The costumed
exhibits have an alarming habit of springing to life before
you!
www.thedungeons.com
THE WRITERS’ MUSEUM
There’s a lot of literature that has come out of Scotland: the
poetry of Robert Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure
Island, Arthur Conan Doyle’s creation Sherlock Holmes and
James Barrie, the author of Peter Pan, to name a few.
Celebrate Scotland’s literary history at this excellent
museum. The building that houses the museum was built
in 1622 and is Lady Stair’s House, Lawnmarket. It’s free to
get in.
www.cac.org.uk/venues/writers_museum.htm
EDINBURGH HOTELS
EDINBURGH SCOTLAND HOTELS
HOTELS IN EDINBURGH SCOTLAND
EDINBURGH HOTEL
EDINBURGH SCOTLAND HOTELS
HOTELS IN EDINBURGH SCOTLAND
EDINBURGH HOTEL
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