Scotland
- Sightseeing - Sightseeing in Edinburgh
Areas and Squares
The Royal Mile
The
Royal Mile is the main thoroughfare through Edinburgh's Old Town
and probably the oldest street in Edinburgh. The mile long stretch
of cobble stones runs from the Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of
Holyroodhouse and is divided into four sections; Castlehill, Lawnmarket,
High Street and Canongate.
Calton
Hill
Calton Hill sits on one of Edinburgh's main hills in the city
centre. It’s grassy slopes sport two observatories and the
famous if unfinished replica of the Parthenon in Athens. Visiting
the park is a welcome break from the busy streets of the city and
it offers beguiling views over Edinburgh.
Guided
Tours
Edinburgh Architecture Tour
Walking
Tours of the city's architecture with separate tours through the
Old Town, Lothian Road, New Road, Leith, Edinburgh Park, modern
buildings and historical sites.
Tel:
+44 01620 829 739
Email: mail@edinburgharchitecture.co.uk
Website: Edinburgh
Architecture
Mercat
Tours
Award
winning Mercat Tours is organised and conducted by university-trained
historians who offer tours called; Secrets of the Royal Mile, Ghouls
and Ghosts, and Hidden Underground Vaults.
Tel:
+44 0131 557 6464
Website:
Mercat Tours
Saints & Sinners Walking & Jogging Tours
Provide tours that entertain and inform in a way that
brings the history and characters of this ancient city
alive.
Tel: +44 (0)7803 475688
Email: Phamrun@aol.com
Website: Saints
& Sinners Walking & Jogging Tours
Scotch
Whisky Heritage Centre
The Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre visitor attraction brings 300
years of Scotch Whisky history to life. Discover the history of
whisky, how it is made and take part in tastings.
354 Castlehill
Royal Mile
Tel: +44 0131 220 0441
Email: info@whisky-heritage.co.uk
Website: Scotch
Whisky Heritage Centre
Witchery
Tours
As
you might guess from the name Witchery Tours offer tours like "Ghost
and Gore" and "Murder and Mystery".
Booking essential.
Tel: +44 0131 225 6745
Website: Witchery
Tours
Walkabout Scotland
Daily guided hill walking tours from Edinburgh to show visitors
the beautiful mountainous countryside of the Scottish Highlands
- all within two and a half hours from Edinburgh.
2 Rossie Place
Edinburgh EH7 5SG
Tel: +44 0131 661 7168
Historical Buildings
Edinburgh
Castle
Edinburgh's
history is inextricably intertwined with the imposing castle which
watches over the modern city from Castle Rock. The vantage point
has been inhabited since 800 BC and the Castle which was built upon
it has become a symbol of Scotland's nationhood.
Castlehill
Tel: +44 0131 225 9846
Fax: +44 0131 220 4733
Palace
of Holyroodhouse
Founded
as a monastery in 1128, the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh
is The Queen's official residence in Scotland. Situated at the opposite
end of the Royal Mile from the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse
is just as closely associated with Scotland's history. Holyrood
Abbey, historic apartments, state rooms and Mary Queen of Scots
chambers are open to visitors but check opening hours before going.
Canongate
Royal Mile EH8 8DX
Tel: +44 0131 556 7371
Fax: +44 0131 557 5256
Lauriston Castle
16th Century tower house with 19th century extensions, standing
in tranquil grounds overlooking the Firth of Forth. Rich collections
of furniture and decorative art give a peek at Edwardian life in
a Scottish country house. Visits by guided tour only.
Cramond Road South
Davidson's Mains
Edinburgh EH4 5GD
Tel: +44 0131 336 2060
Fax: +44 0131 312 7165
Monuments
The
Scott Monument
Built
in the memory of the Scottish writer, Sir Walter Scott, the Scott
Monument has an internal spiral staircase of nearly 300 steps. From
the top you can enjoy a splendid view of Edinburgh. The monument
has 64 niches, each of which houses a statuette of a character from
the works of Scott.
Princes Street
Edinburgh EH2 2EJ
Tel: +44 01315 294 068
Rosslyn Chapel
Rosslyn Chapel was founded in 1446 by Sir William St Clair.
The Chapel is a stunning example of 15th century gothic architecture.
Famous for the beauty of its unusual carvings and masonic symbolism.
Roslin
Midlothian EH25 9PU
Parks and
Gardens
Royal
Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Established in 1670 and known locally as the 'Botanics', Scotland's
Premier Garden is one of the UK's favourite attractions. Originally
founded as a physic garden in Holyrood, the Garden finally settled
and developed in Inverleith in 1820. Today the gardens are home
to over 6% of all known plants and the garden is acknowledged to
be one of the finest in the world.
Inverleith Row & Arboretum Place
20A Inverleith Row
Edinburgh EH3 5LR
Tel: +44 0131 552 7171
Fax: +44 0131 248 2901
E-mail: info@rbge.org.uk
Malleny
Garden
Three acre walled garden dominated by four 400 year old yew trees.
Fine herbaceous borders, large collection of roses. Houses the national
bonsai collection for Scotland. Appointments required for groups.
Balerno
Edinburgh EH14 7AF
Tel: +44 0131 449 2283
Holyrood Park
Visiting Holyrood Park is like visiting the Highlands, even though
it is just a little out of the city centre. The
park covers 650 acres and contains two of Edinburgh's most impressive
natural features, Arthur's Seat and the Salisbury Crag's. Arthur's
seat is the remains of an ancient (and extinct) volcano 823 feet
above sea level. It commands an inspiring view over Edinburgh and,
on a good day, along the Firth of Forth.
