Edinburgh Castle
Many people think Edinburgh Castle could well be far more interesting than the Tower of London. They could well be right. Maybe it’s the way the Castle sits all dark and brooding at the top of Castle Rock that makes it’s so compelling. Or it could be the way history has been preserved; there’s something very real and haunting about the Castle. And without the crowds you get at the Tower, you have the time and space to stop and soak up the atmosphere. Scottish Castle and Ruins tours are enjoying a re-emergence in popularity, so if you’ve taken the car hire or campervan hire option and are heading out to tour Scotland’s amazing historical sites, this is definitely the place to start.
Arthur’s Seat
This extinct volcanic peak is high but not that high – after all, it’s not in the Scottish way to be too grand and immodest about things. Make the easy climb to the top of Arthur’s Seat and the view of Edinburgh is still breathtaking. Why climb any higher if you dinna need to?
Festivals
Edinburgh is Festival City. At last count, Edinburgh hosts at least 23 festivals, ranging from the world famous International Festival and Fringe Festival to lesser known events including the Festival of Politics and Edinburgh Swing Festival. Most events are held during the relatively warm summer months, and draw crowds from all over the world.
The Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Another crowd pleaser. Your chances of scoring a ticket to the Military Tattoo are as good as your chance of getting sunburnt in the Scottish capital. They go like hot oat cakes. But if you can get a ticket, you’ll enjoy a spectacle of military precision like no other, with magnificent Edinburgh castle as the backdrop.
Greyfriars Bobby
No one, no matter how tough or cold hearted, can listen to the story of Greyfriars Bobby without feeling a wee lump in the throat. This Skye terrier guarded the grave of his owner for 14 years before dying himself. Greyfriars Bobby isimmortalisedin statue form on Edinburgh’s Candlemaker Row. You’ve got to love that Scottish loyalty.
Mary King’s Close
Rather spooky but jolly good fun. Mary King’s Close is a chance for you to see how people lived under Edinburgh’s Old Town between the 16th and 19th centuries. You’ll hear tales of the plague; you’ll feel the spirits of the long-dead all around you and if you’re lucky you might just see the odd ghost or two. A great way to remind you that life in the 21st century is not so bad after all.
Rainy days
Not that you want a week of them, but a rainy day gives Edinburgh a special glow. Whether it’s the sheen on the granite, or the eerie silhouette of the Castle against a grey sky, there’s something about a rainy day in Edinburgh that is quite magical. Even better if you can witness it while staying dry in a cosy Edinburgh pub.
Holyrood Palace
The official Scottish residence of the monarch, and not a bad second or third home it is. A magnificent building in beautiful grounds at the end of the Royal Mile, within the shadows of Arthur’s Seat – Holyrood Palace has everything going for it. It even has its own ghost. You’re unlikely to be invited in for a cup of tea the next time Her Royal Majesty is in town but the view and the experience on the other side of the fence makes it well worth a visit.
The Royal Mile
A stroll down The Royal Mile, from the Castle to Holyrood Palace is a stroll down (ancient) memory lane. Not much in the way of chrome and glass in this part of the Old Town – The Royal Mile looks and feels like it was way back then, with the granite and magnificent old buildings adding to the Gothic feel. Some brightly coloured doors along the way add some levity, but this is Edinburgh architecture at its imposing best.
The Food
You must try the haggis – and not because it’s the only thing on the menu. Dining options in Edinburgh are expanding at a great rate of knots, with hundreds to choose from and all tastes catered for. Some of the UK’s finest restaurants are found in Edinburgh, with the Grassmarket area in the CBD the home to many of them. But you must try the haggis. When in Rome and all that…
[box]About The Author: Richard Eastes runs a successful travel company and specialises in road trips to far flung and fabulous destinations. Being one of the premiere driving destinations on earth, holidaying in Scotland is one of his very favourite topics. [/box]
