Edinburgh is a city with a wonderful ambiance and balance of the traditional
and the contemporary. The harmony of the contrasting Medieval old town and
the Georgian new town give the city its unique character. Award-winning architecture,
winding streets, elegant terraces and an abundance of shops, bars and restaurants
sparkle in the highland gloom. Edinburgh has more restaurants per head of
population than anywhere else in the UK.
The Royal Mile dominates the old
town, stretching from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyrood House and
the new Scottish Parliament buildings. Home to the Crown Jules and the Stone
of Destiny, the castle is built into the rugged rock on Castle Hill overlooking
Princes Street Gardens and the Edinburgh cityscape. Cross market, in the shadow
of Edinburgh Castle, was once a medieval market place and the site for public
executions, now it is home to some delightfully unique independent stores
teeming with character.
In the New Town, George Street and Princes Street are
the spine of a stylish area bustling with fashionable boutiques, bars and
restaurants. Georgian architecture brings the area alive with its own identity.
The cobbled streets of the West End, just a few minutes from Princes Street,
offer more of the same but independent stores move away from their mainstream
neighbours in William Street and Stafford Street. If there is tim to avert
your eyes from shopping at the George and Hanover Street crossroads, there
are breathtaking views over the Firth of Forth bridge into the Kingdom of
life.
Discover the secrets of Scotland's 'water of life'
on a Scotch Whisky expedition next to Edinburgh Castle. If you're feeling
a 'wee' bit light headed, the Amber restaurant at the expedition offers some
of Scotland's more substantial finest produce. The traditionally Scottish
pubs of Leith serve freshly caught fish from the waters they overlook.
Fantastic views can be obtained from the perch of Arthurs seat, the city’s highest peak. The path up the extinct volcano only takes around 30 minutes from Holyrood Park. The Nelson Monument at the top of Calton Hill is an upturned telescope designed by Robert Burn from which panoramic views across the cityscape are best. Nightclubs, live music, comedy shows and theatre are just a part of the rich and varied Edinburgh party loving scene.
Touch Down
One of the UK's fastest growing airports is regularly
the destination for flights all over Europe. Excellent railway links make
Edinburgh very accessible from England, France and Wales. Coach is the cheapest
way to travel from London, Birmingham and other major towns and cities in
England and Wales. Scotland's south west ports of Stranraer and Cairnryar
can be reached by ferry from Ireland.