Edinburgh Information

The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is steeped in the past yet bang up to the date with modern business, industry and attractions. It has festivals galore throughout the year, including the famous Hogmany celebrations at Christmas, and the Festival and Fringe in August, all of which attract people from all over the world, renowned as they are for unique entertainment, including opera, drama, music, ballet and comedy.
The city is divided roughly into two sections, the Old Town, which is full of nooks and crannies, lots of history, and the scene for the mysterious and scary Ghost Walking Tour, and the New Town, designed by James Craig on a grid system, with wide streets and open squares.

There are spooky old dungeons and castles to explore. Fascinating art galleries and museums. Atmospheric ancient streets and alleys (known as ‘wynds'). Beautiful Georgian architecture to admire. Up to date shopping with upmarket and unique shops. World class restaurants, exciting bars, and nightclubs to rival any the world over. Plus theatres, cinemas, a wonderful zoo which takes conservation and animal welfare as its watchwords, and world famous sporting venues including Murrayfield rugby ground. There are vast open skies and a wild coast., and within easy reach of the city you will find glorious hills and countryside, superb golf courses, sandy beaches and even a dry ski centre.

Essential attractions that today's visitor must not miss include Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh was born in the 5th century, when the Picts built a fort on the volcanic crag, now the site of the Castle, to protect Scotland from the invading Angles of Northumberland. The castle was built in the 11th century by Michael Canmore. It towers over the city, dominating its skyline, and is a castle not to be missed. You can see the Scottish Crown Jewels here, and explore inside its walls, and hear the famous one o'clock gun.
The docks at Leith have been developed into a tourist centre with some good shopping and it is the berth of the Royal Yacht Britannia – go aboard and see the Queen's holiday yacht.

The Royal Mile is a cobbled road which leads up a hill to the castle, and it is lined with cafes, shops and interesting attractions such as the Toy Museum. Next to the castle is Camera Obscura, with a fascinating pinhole camera from which you can spy on the people in the city below. And treat yourself to a wee dram at the Whisky Museum.

The National Gallery of Scotland houses many famous works, and is a wonderful place to pass an afternoon. Its building was inspired by ancient Greece, as were many other classically built buildings in the city, and it is thanks to these that Edinburgh became knows as the ‘Athens of the North'.

The Royal Botanic Gardens are a peaceful place in the city, with many species of unusual plant. Visit the Japanese area for a bit of eastern beauty, and throw bread for the ducks on the lake.

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