Edinburgh Castle

Sitting high above the city in a very dominating manner is Edinburgh Castle. One of the biggest attractions in Scotland, this fortress sits on an extinct volcano.

Many things are on offer at the castle, you really need most of a day dedicated to the castle itself. There is so much for you to take in here. You should make sure you’re near the front of the castle for 1 o’clock when the gun is fired. You can visit St Margaret’s Chapel the oldest building in Edinburgh dating to the 1100s.

You can also see the Scottish Crown Jewels and the famous Stone of Destiny. The National Museum’s of Scotland also have a museum within the castle dedicated to Wars.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

From its 11 century roots as a Monastery we now have the very grand Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. Holyroodhouse stands majestically at the end of the famous Royal Mile. Mary, Queen of Scots lived here between 1561 and 1567 and as such this Royal Residence can be associated with a lot of Scotland’s turbulent past. The Palace is used mainly for State ceremonies and official entertaining in the capital.

The Royal Mile

The Royal Mile runs from the entrance of Edinburgh Castle, all the way down the hill to the gates of Holyrood Palace (a mile away of course) - hence it's name. Known as the main street in Mediaeval Edinburgh, in the Old Town, the Royal Mile has many famous landmarks other than the Castle and the Palace. The Scottish Parliament is located towards the bottom end while shortly up the road walking towards the castle you will pass the 15th century house of John Knox, the

Royal Botanical Gardens

Botanic Gardens always provide an excellent place to go to just relax. The ultimate in escapism the botanic gardens in the city of Edinburgh will relax and refurbish the most stressed among us! Blissfully unaware that the heaving city is out there you can wander round the gardens for hours upon hours. You can cycle, walk, sleep, have lunch or even read a book and kill some time. Personally I adore places like this, its like stepping into a freeze framed moment where you can wander aimlessly and loose yourself completely.

You can wander through the greenhouse, get guided tours round the gardens or just wander yourself or in a small group and soak up the atmosphere.

Royal Yacht Britannia

For 44 years the Royal Yacht Britannia served the Royal Family taking them to over 900 destinations and to such as far away places as the Antarctic. Her last voyage was in 1997 and after which they decommissioned her ceremoniously before deciding that for the rest of her days, she should live in Edinburgh. You can find the Royal Yacht in the historical port of Leith where she accepts many visitors who want to find out what "classy" surroundings the Royals enjoyed on their quests across the seven seas.

Museum of Scotland

Located in the historic Old Town area of the city, the Museum of Scotland gives the complete story of Scotland in one magnificent building. You can trace the history of Scotland from the very beginning - from when it was created and how the land was shaped, to it's culture, empire, industry and people - and how they grew and changed into the Scotland we all know and love today!

The Museum is split over 5 levels and contains literally hundreds of permanent as well as changing displays and exhibitions. Free Entry.

Edinburgh Dungeon

Visit if ye dare! If you are fond of murder, torture, mutilations and executions then you are in for a treat! Beneath the city streets of Edinburgh lie many dark and mysterious caverns known as the "dungeons" of Edinburgh. Many sinful souls were thrown down here never to see the light of day again, and today, you can experience the sights and sounds of a very dark period in Scottish history. This attraction is not for the faint hearted... or claustrophobic for that matter, but definitely worth it for that all-important scare factor.

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art & The Dean Gallery

The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art has a fabulous collection of 20th century master pieces from paintings and bronzes to sculptures and video. Such artists featured here are Bacon, Kirchner, Lichenstein and Picasso as well as many important Scottish artists such as Bellany and Gillies.

Just next door, the Dean Gallery plays host to some Dada and Surrealist exhibitions as well as hosting some changing exhibitions.

In the past the Dean Gallery has seen collections from Salvador Dali, The Scottish Colourists and Rene Magritte. Both galleries are located just outside the city centre and can be visited easily by bus or a 20 minute walk along the scenic Water of Leith Walkway.

The Scottish Parliament

Scotland went to the polls in 1997 and as a country voted to have a devolved government with our own tax powers. This was set to be the first Scottish parliament since 1707.

Once the Scotland Bill was passed in 1998 work began on the run up to the opening of the parliament. In 1999 Donald Dewar (1937-2000) became MSP for Glasgow Anniesland and was elected a week later as the First Minister.

Dewar started work along with a huge committee on the actual building of the parliament. Tenders were then sent out and the architectural design was chosen. After the untimely death of Donald Dewar in 2000 a new first minister had to be chosen, this fell on the shoulders of Henry McLeish (Central Fife). Due to arguments over his sub-letting of constituency office Mr McLeish stood down as first minister and the man who fell second to him in 2000 was and is now Scotland’s first minister, Jack McConnell (Motherwell & Wishaw). Holyrood has not always had an easy travel, major arguments finishing in an inquiry by Lord Fraser into spiralling costs found no single person to blame for the £431 million pound building. In 2006 the building took another huge blow as a main support beam came loose above the debating chamber. The parliament is currently closed and MSP’s are currently located at The Hub near to the castle. They expect to back in the main chamber mid-end may.

A very interesting building where you can visit and tour the parliament and see how the devolved government works.

Edinburgh Zoo

The largest wildlife attraction in Scotland with in excess of 120 animals to meet at Edinburgh Zoo you better dedicate several hours if not a whole day to wander round.

The Zoo is owned by The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and they are dedicated to the welfare of all of the animals here. You can apply to sponsor the animals you see at this Zoo or the facility itself.

You can see anything from ever popular King Penguins to Lions, Panthers and Polar Bears. It is a wonderful experience to see these well looked after animals and is only of the only ways most of us can learn about these creatures as we are not likely to see a Polar Bear in its natural terrain!!

Fairly new to the zoo is a little taste of Australia, you can meet the adorable bundles of fluff known as Chumbee and Jannali, the Koala bears.

The Zoo itself is set into the hill side and can prove to be a little bit of a hike up to the African Plains at the top. If walking up quite steep hills is not your thing enquire at reception when you go in as the society provides mini bus type trips to the top.

The Scotch Whisky Society & Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society's official home is at "The Vaults" here in Edinburgh. Over 20 years ago, a group of whisky lovers "chipped in" to buy a cask of fine malt whisky. 20 years later and 3 member's venues, the "Society" now celebrate a club with over 20,000 members across the world!

Located by Edinburgh Castle, the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre brings you the whole story of the nations favourite drink. You will be able to here the whole history of whisky, find out how it is brewed as well as learning some secrets of the trade.