Day Trip to Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the majestic but compact capital city of Scotland (pop.-f C. 650,000). It has 4 Universities and has a welcoming cosmopolitan ambiance. As a tourist you will find that you can only do justice to Edinburgh in a 3-4 day visit. Inevitably you will be drawn to Edinburgh Castle and The Honours of Scotland (the oldest crown jewels in europe) The Royal Mile Camera Obscura (and its world of Illusions) St. Giles High Kirk, The New Parliament of Scotland and Holyrood Palace. Holyrood is Queen Elisabeth’s Edinburgh residence and the home of the old court of Scotland. Other attractions in The Royal Mile include Gladstone’s Land, the Museum of Childhood and Our Dynamic Earth by the Parliament building. A ghost tour or an underground tour to Mary King’s Close can be great fun. There are lots of places to eat and drink and shop for that gift from Scotland on the royal mile.You will find an excellent Edinburgh Tourist attraction summary information ( opening times prices etc.) at Edinburgh Online. The Scotch Whiskey Heritage Centre provides a wonderful interactive learning experience on how Scotlands favourite tipple is made.

You will inevitably wish to explore the Medieval Old Town and the Georgian New Town. There are citytourbuses by Waverley Train station. High on the options list for most would be the Museum of Scotland ,the Greyriars Bobby centre by Greyfriars kirk, the National Art Galleries of Scotland, The Georgian House and 28 Charlotte Square

A climb or drive to the top of Arthur's Seat for the spectacular views of the City and the surrounding counties is highly recommended. The Royal Observatory (Edinburgh is the center for UK astronomy research) and a visit to the former Royal Yacht Britannia (enables you to see how the Queen lived on the yacht...and then step out into a large shopping mall) Craigmillar Castle is 3 miles from the central Edinburgh and is worth a visit. Near to the Royal Yacht you'll find the Water of Leith providing beautiful walks along the river bank. Make sure to visit the Royal Botanical Gardens for a lovely day out for all the family.

Why not enjoy at a show at one of Edinburgh's theatres or cinemas. Visit one of the following for details: Royal Lyceum, Kings Theatre, Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Dominion Cinema or Cameo Cinema

See our other Edinburgh Links:

National Trust for Scotland - www.nts.org.uk

The Gems favourite attractions include:

Visit Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street

Visit John Knox House and go shopping on Royal Mile

Enjoy an evening out at the Kings Theatre or the Edinburgh Festival Theatre

Relax in the Royal Botanical Gardens

Dynamic Earth is a must for all the Family and close to Holyrood Palace

Rainy day? Why not visit National Museum of Scotland & the Museum of Childhood

Enjoy total self indulgence at the Dalhousie Spa and Orangery Restaurant