Edinburgh a must do on any UK visit.
- Well first things first I am biased as Edinburgh ( Base Camp) is the city I live in, although I am not a original inhabitant, no I am originally from the West f Scotland much closer to Scotland's other great city Glasgow.
But Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and is much more historical and with 100's of years of Scottish history to tap into.
Have you heard of William Wallace ? ( no not the Australian actor who played him) the real one, 😀 Robert the Bruce ? Robert Burns ? Mary Queen of Scots ? Robert Louis Stevenson ? Sir Walter Scott or even James Bond himself, Sean Connery.
Well they have all been here and you can still see the streets and buildings they used and knew. The city is a history lovers paradise. The list above is just the tip of the iceberg in that respect.
How to get there
Its situated on the east coast of the country and does have a port, Leith but sadly its port is not suitable for the new large cruise ships, if they visit they tender ashore, but many small cruise ships do dock. The port is a 20 minute bus ride from the city center, and in early 2023 the tram network will also be available from there to access the city.
The other way to get here and the more popular way is to fly directly into Edinburgh International Airport which has connections across Europe, to the USA, Canada, and the Middle East via Dubai Doha & Abu Dhabi.
Once your out the airport its a 25 minute taxi ride into the city or you can use the numerous airport buses and also the modern tram system right into the heart of the city.
If you do choose to drive to Edinburgh again it is on the UK motorway network but I will be honest here driving in the city in the busy times can be frustrating remember it's a historical city so there is no easy way in or out and parking is limited.
So once you are here what are you going to see and do ?
Well the city is split into two main areas in terms of where to visit.
The Old Town which is where many of the real historical sites are, and the New Town which is not that new it was layed out and built during the late 1700's into early 1800's.
Honestly you could write a book on what to see and do rather than a blog, so what I will do is pick a few favourites out, the kind of must do's
1, Edinburgh Castle
Yes we have a castle's and what a castle !!
Probably the most famous building in Scotland and certainly the No 1 visitor attraction, its world famous and sits above the new town looking down from the top of the Royal Mile ( more on that later) in the Old Town area, it has commanding views all around the city and beyond. Truely spectacular to see and can be seen from most of the city and is a must visit. There is a entrance fee and you can get a guided tour in most languages you can also just wander inside on your own. If your there at 1 PM don't miss the one o Clock gun ceremony, where every day at that time they fire off a large cannon/gun to signal the time, this dates back 100's of years when it was done so Captains of ships at anchor in the Firth of Forth nearby could set there ships time piece.
2, Palace of Holyrood
This is the Royal palce in Edinburgh and is to this day still used by the British Royal family, particularly in August when the Queen moves there for a couple of weeks, you can however visit the Palace and it is well worth a look, again packed with many historical references in particular in relation to Mary Queen of Scots. The palce sits at the opposite end of the Royal Mile and next to Holyrood Park.
3, Royal Mile
So what is this ? well its the main road in the Old Town. Its runs downhill from the castle right to Holyrood Palace. But on the way there are so many other things to see, for example St Giles Cathedral, The Scottish Parliament ( this was the medieval site of the Parliament) there are a number of museums on the mile covering all sorts of periods in Scottish and Edinburgh history. It also has some great old style Scottish pubs and restaurants and if you visit in August it is one of the main sites that the Edinburgh Fringe Festival takes over. All the way down here there are things to see or enjoy.
4, Holyrood Park
One of the unique features of Edinburgh is the fact it has a huge park and hill right in the middle of the city, it is in fact a extinct volcano !! It was a Royal hunting park back in history but it is now a great open green area that can be accessed from all around the city and if you feel like climbing to its high point affords some great views.
5, Grassmarket
Area below the castle to the south, it was in medieval times where farmers brought there animals and produce to market !! It was also the site of public execution, its ok they don't practice that these days. Now its a great place to catch another unique view of the castle or visit Victoria Street which was apparently the inspiration for many a scene in Harry Potter which of course was written in Edinburgh by JK Rowling. There are again some tradional pubs in the area and some great restaurants and cafes. It also has a small flea market at weekends. This area can get very busy but if you have the time dont miss it.
6, Princes Street Gardens
Princess Street is Edinburgh tradional shopping Street that faces directly onto the castle and Old Town area, but between them is situated the gardens, here there is open areas and a ornamental flower clock as well as Victorian statues and garden layouts, the area nearest the shops is the setting of the Christmas Market at that time of the year, and again in the summer during the festival is taken over by performers and amusements.
7, Royal Yacht Britannia
This was the ship used by the British Royal family for state visits abroad, up until its decommissioning, it has played host to many famous historical leaders, and was a real favourite of the Royal Family, it has been fully restored and is now moored in Leith if you visit you get a great insight into the private life of the royals. It really is well done and worth a visit.
What else ;
So that is some of the attractions the city has to offer but there are many many more, from Edinburgh Zoo, to Sir Walter Scott's monument to Carlton Hill or a visit the the new Scottish Parliament.
Also if you are a fan of a certain boy wizard, Harry Potter, there is a full tour taking in many of the sites that inspired settings in the books/films as well as the cafe large parts of the books were written in.
Festivals
I think no review of Edinburgh cannot be completed without references to the three following events because they really are fantastic and enjoyable busy occasions that truely show off the Scottish like of having a great time
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe
This is the World's leading Arts festival and takes over the city for 4 weeks in August, it is made up of a number of events from drama, to dance to musical, book festival and the really famous comedy shows, there is not a square meter of space in the city not used for some sort of show/performance, it really is something well worth experiencing and I cannot recommend this any higher.
The Edinburgh Military Tattoo
This again is world famous and like the Fringe takes place in August now its setting is truely spectacular on the concourse of the castle with the castle as its backdrop, its filled with nostalgia and some amazing mass bands from across the world as well as its spectacular climax with the mass pipe bands. Tickets for this go extremely quickly and can be booked online in December but they are like gold dust.
Hogmanay
OK I can hear some say What ?
Simply New Year here is called Hogmanay, now tradionally in Scotland the big holiday at that time of year was not Christmas... it was Hogmanay and the passing of the old year into the new. So now there is always a huge Street party in Edinburgh on December 31st, with live bands etc, and at midnight there is a spectacular fireworks show above the castle. But that is only part of it the city in fact has a 3 day Winter festival at this time starting with the Torch Procession on the 30 December when thousands of people march throught the city carrying lighted fire torches. There is also numerous music and cultural events over these 3 days so it is a special time to visit the city.
Finally
Scots do love to eat and drink, and the city is full with some really great spots for that, both modern and traditional. So you will not be short of choice if you want to try a local whisky or gin both distilled here in the city, or enjoy some good food.
I will finish this with some personal recommendations for eating out and a couple of different tours you may consider.
Eating Out.
Dishoom Restaurant
Situated on St Andrews Square in the new town Indian style food but really great experience. It is based on Mumbai Street food in a colonial British Raj setting and is well worth a visit of you like you food with spice.
Check it out here: Dishoom
The Sheeps Heid Inn
Situated just outside Holyrood Park, very traditional Scottish pub and food, you may also catch a well known visitor, as Queen Elizabeth is known to make surprise unannounced visits to this bar. It is situated in a very historic part of the city again well worth a visit.
Check it out here: The Sheep Heid Inn
The Witchery
Top end food in a very exclusive intimate setting directly next to the castle in the Old Town, if your looking for top class food and a special setting on that special occasion then this is the one. Great to try.
Check it out here: The Witchery
The Elephant House
Finally in the eating department a coffee shop/ cafe but no ordinary one, the one where Harry Potter came to life, in that it is where JK Rowling wrote the books, not far from the Royal Mile this is a very popular spot particularly with fans of a certain Wizard.
Check it out here: The Elephant House
Now for a couple of different experiences/ tours that we have done and they really are fun different and worth it.
1, Edinburgh Gin Tasting
There has been a explosion of intrest and drinking of Gin across the UK and Europe in the last few years and Scotland has been at the front of that trend. We now have a multitude of small batch Premium Gin's produced here. One such brand is Edinburgh Gin produced right here in the city. So you can visit and learn how its made as well as sample some of the produce right in the city center.
Check it out here: Edinburgh Gin
2, Ghost Tour
This tour at night takes you into the darker places of the old town where you hear first hand of some of the more gruesome history of the city and you may just meet a ghost !! Having done this tour with friends visiting the city I can say it is a fun experience and does give you a flavour of the cities history.
Check it out here; City of the Dead Tours
If you have some time to spend in the city you could also spend some of that at a good old British Beach resort ?? Yes why not visit Edinburgh by the beach otherwise known as Portobello it is something different and worth a look as you can see if you click here Edinburgh by the Beach
Conclusion
So thats my introduction to my Base Camp... Edinburgh a historical city that I has much to offer and I have only really scratched the surface of what is available so all you need do now is visit its highlly recommended.
I hope you have enjoyed my suggestions and recommendations if you have please feel free to share the blog on Social Media or like and follow my page on Facebook at Travel the world and Smile Happy travelling with Davie
