Edinburgh

EDINBURGH – WHY GO?

With its scenic setting and rugged castle set high on a hilltop, Edinburgh is one of Europe’s most alluring cities. Crowds flock here in summer for the famous Edinburgh Festival, and for the New Year Hogmanay celebrations – but the Scottish capital is a winner any time of year.

MUST SEE, MUST DO

Royal Mile
Stretching from Edinburgh Castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Mile is stuffed with attractions. Discover its many little alleyways and mews, turrets and towering chimneys, plus some interesting small museums. Towards the bottom, you’ll see the remarkable Scottish parliament building.

Edinburgh Castle
See the midday cannons go off from the battlements of Edinburgh Castle and take in the city views from its lofty ramparts. This is the setting for the summertime Edinburgh Tattoo. Inside, see the
Scottish crown jewels and the infamous Stone of Scone.

New Town
Don’t be thrown by the name – the Scottish capital’s New Town is a piece of history dating back to the 1770s. You’ll find graceful streets and wide crescents here – archetypal Edinburgh.

Museum of Scotland
This boldly contemporary glass and sandstone building follows the story of Scotland. Don’t miss lunch in the rooftop restaurant, and the airy Victorian hall in the Royal Museum next door.

Greyfriars Bobby
See the statue of the tenacious little terrier who kept watch on his master’s grave for years at Greyfriars Kirk. You’ll find the wee dog’s statue at the top of Candlemaker Row, just outside a pub named in his honour.

Walking tours
There are plenty of ghost tours of Edinburgh by night, packed with grisly tales and ghoulish goings-on.

Leith
A few miles from the city centre is the seaport of Leith. Get a fascinating insight into the lives of the British royal family on board the royal yacht Britannia, followed by dinner at one of the many seafood restaurants.

Edinburgh Festival
Edinburgh becomes the cultural capital of Europe every August when the famous Festival swings into life. There are literally hundreds of acts to see, as well as plenty of street entertainment.

MAKE A DATE

August
The world famous Edinburgh Festival is a riot of comedy, art, street entertainment and must-see acts – be sure to book early.

New Year
Experience Edinburgh’s legendary Hogmanay with fireworks, music and night-long revelry.

EDINBURGH ROMANCE

Hold hands on a chilling after-dark ghost tour, then cuddle up afterwards with a wee dram in one of the city’s many cosy pubs.