Edinburgh Castle
The castle is Edinburgh's best known and most popular attraction
and one of the most visited ancient monuments in the UK.
It has breathtaking views of Edinburgh and tons to interest
young and old alike - the Great Hall and Royal Apartments,
the Crown Room, the Half Moon Battery, statues of Robert
the Bruce and William Wallace, and the Esplanade to name
but a few. The Esplanade is also the venue of the world-renowned
Military Tattoo, with its music, marching and historical
re-enactments. The castle is home to Scotland's most famous
cannon - a 15th century monstrosity called Mons Meg, which
is fired every day (except Sunday) at precisely 1pm - be
warned, it's deafening! In a more sombre corner of the castle
is the Witches' Well where over 300 women were burned between
1492-1722. Prepare to be enlightened by the past.
Arthur's Seat
Visit Edinburgh's volcano and walk over its lava flows—there
is no danger as its been extinct for 350 million years.
The name may refer to 6th century Arthur of Strathclyde
or be a derivative of the Gaelic ard-na-said, meaning height
of arms. The highest point in Holyrood Park at 822 feet,
on a clear day you can see for 100km from the mound—across
Edinburgh city, along the coast to East Lothian and out
to the Forth to Fife.
Royal Botanic Garden
The Glasshouse includes cycads (plants from the dinosaur
era) and Britain's tallest palm trees. In the rock garden,
there are marsh orchids, campanulas and lilies. The Pringle
Chinese Collection, an unrivalled assembly of wild-origin
Chinese plants, grow in a wild water ravine. Other delights
include the Azalea Lawn, the Alpine Collection, and the
silver-shimmery winter garden. Founded in the 17th century,
the Royal Botanic Garden started life the size of a tennis
court; it now extends to 31 hectares.
Deep Sea World
Combine a trip across the Forth Rail Bridge with a visit
to the second most popular attraction in Scotland. This
is suitable for all but the youngest kids. Hold your breath
as you walk through a 71m transparent tunnel surrounded
by Sand Tigers and other fearsome sea creatures. Some of
the less dangerous fish can be stroked in a pool while the
staff supervise. From a safer distance, visitors can witness
the snapping jaws of piranha who prowl a tropical reconstruction
of an Amazonian habitat. There are also sessions where you
can get acquainted with snakes and amphibians. Take the
chance to experience a scuba dive amongst the wriggling
fauna - rub shoulders with Lemon and Nurse sharks, Stingrays,
and shoals of snapper, jacks and grunts. Take a breather
in the very good SplashOut cafe and gift shop.
Edinburgh International Festival
The Edinburgh International Festival is one of six arts
festivals which, together, make up The Edinburgh Festival.
The focus of the event is to "provide the world with
a centre where, year after year, all that is best in music,
drama and the visual arts can be seen and heard in ideal
surroundings." Edinburgh is indeed ideal: the beauty
of the surrounding landscape provides the perfect backdrop
for the music and drama of the International Festival. From
opera, to ballet, to symphony concertsperformances take
place in most of the larger venues around the city.
Holyroodhouse Palace
Built by James IV, Holyrood has traditionally been a favourite
stopping-off point for monarchs travelling to and from Balmoral.
The Monarch most strongly associated with the Palace is
Mary Queen of Scots, and you can view her private apartments
here. It was at Holyrood that (allegedly) she watched helplessly
as her friend, David Rizzio, was murdered by noblemen. She
was oblivious to the fact that her husband, Lord Darnley,
had given his consent to this foul deed. There are many
other intriguing stories in the Palace's history and plenty
more things to see including the Great Gallery, which is
adorned with over 100 paintings by Dutch portrait artist
Jacob de Wit.
National Gallery of Scotland
This collection of works stretches from the Italian Renaissance,
through French Impressionism (including a chap called Monet)
to more modern Scottish works of the 18th and 19th centuries—in
fact, the entire lower gallery is given over to the Scots.
Other artists' work exhibited include Degas, Van Gogh and
Rembrandt. The National Gallery is richly endowed with paintings,
sculpture and furniture. While you are on the culture trail,
you must visit the Royal Scottish Academy next door.
St Giles' Cathedral
Although there has been a church on this site since 854,
the earliest remains to be found in St Giles' Cathedral
are four pillars which date from about 1120. In 1385 the
church was destroyed by an English army but soon afterwards
was rebuilt in greater splendour. In 1460 the roof was raised
and the main body of the church extended eastwards. The
famously elaborate crown spire was completed in 1495 and
St Giles' was made a Presbyterian cathedral by Charles I
in 1633. There is a contemporary contribution to the cathedral
- in 1992, the organ was installed and you can view its
mechanisms from a glass panel in the back. The Chapel of
the Knights of the Thistle, built in 1911 for the Order
of the Thistle, is particularly beautiful: each Knight's
stall is carved in wood with an impressively intricate touch.
Tartan Weaving Mill
This is one of the better and more interesting traditional
crafts showcases available. Once inside the Weaver's Cottage,
you can try your hand at weaving Scotland's national textile.
The exhibition tells the story of the cloth from sheep to
kilt and you can see the powerful working mill in action.
Learn about the history of this emblematic Scottish textile
and its oldest example, the Falkirk Tartan that dates from
250AD. Afterwards, there is the chance to get kilted-up
in the colourful Tartan Shop.
Royal Observatory (The)
The Observatory was originally moved to its current location
(then outside the city) to avoid the distorting effects
of pollution - but the city has now grown to meet this 1894
built structure. It offers great views of the city as well
as the sky from the platform and through the telescopes.
Primarily a research centre for astronomers, the Observatory's
exhibitions include interactive games and videos. They are
informative and accessible regardless of your prior knowledge
of the constellations. As the universe is stretched out
before you, the intricacies of stars, supernovas and black
holes are illuminated.
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