Guide to Edinburgh

With the annual international festival and its enchanting combination of old and new, Scotland’s capital city of Edinburgh is a great choice if you’re thinking about holidays in the UK because it has so much to offer.

A festival of fun

Thousands of visitors are drawn to Edinburgh every year thanks to an incredible menu of events and special attractions. Among them are the spring International Science Festival, the Film Festival, and the Edinburgh Festival which traditionally runs from early August until early September.

Perhaps the most famous of all is the Edinburgh Fringe Festival which combines everything from theatre and dance to musicals, operas and comedy. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival for 2010, for example, includes shows such as Song of Eudocia and Metamorphoses; as well as comedy from the likes of Unbelievable Truth and Incident; and music including the Metropolitan Cathedral Organ Concerts and the Random History of Rock n’ Roll. What makes the Fringe so exciting is that every year is different and it has proven to be a hotbed for previously undiscovered but supremely talented acts.

Hogmany in Edinburgh is one of the most memorable ways to bring in the New Year. Traditionally the city has a number of street parties as well as a host of New Year’s Day events as part of a Winter Festival.

Combining the past with the present

Go sightseeing in Edinburgh and you’ll quickly discover the remnants of the city’s past combined with its exciting future.

History-buffs will flock towards Edinburgh Castle, one of the most recognisable tourist attractions in the world, situated on an extinct volcano. The streets that surround it are flooded with history too, including the area of Lawnmarket where houses were traditionally built in front of the castle; and the Royal Mile which packs in such sights as St Giles Cathedral, John Knox’s House, King Mary’s Close and the Museum of Childhood.

It’s rare to find a modern building with similar historic value, but Edinburgh boasts such a structure in the form of the Scottish Parliament. Opened in October 2004 it was designed by Catalan architect Enric Miralles and has a distinctive roof in the shape of an upturned boat.

Art lovers will be drawn towards the city’s wide range of galleries which include the National Gallery of Scotland, Dean Gallery, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. Similarly, if the weather lets you down, then it is a perfect opportunity to spend a day inside one of the city’s many museums which include the Museum of Edinburgh, the National Museum of Scotland, the National Museum of Flight and The People’s Story.

There are also a number of unique shopping opportunities in Edinburgh. Among them are the Tartan Shops where you can buy a full Bonnie Prince Charles outfit and the Whisky Shops that allow you to sample some of the best Malts and blends.

Something for everyone

While the centre of Edinburgh offers a number of attractions, if you’re staying for a week or more then you might want to expand your horizons and discover some of the surrounding area.

Edinburgh is well-situated close to some fabulous coastline and there are a number of cultural heritage sites that are well worth travelling that extra mile for. Musselburgh is famous for its harbour and race course; while Portobello is Edinburgh’s very own beach venue, just 15minutes from the centre of the town. Gullane is another attractive seaside resort, which also proves popular with golfers; while you may want to take a train from Edinburgh Waverley to Linlithgow Palace to discover the magnificent ruins set in a park beside a loch.

Fine dining and an exciting nightlife

When dusk falls in Edinburgh you will be spoiled for choice with a host of dining and nightlife opportunities.

There’s traditional pub grub at venues including The Peacock Fish Restaurant and Bar; the Old Chain Pier; and Lauriston Farm; as well as traditional Scottish fare at locations in Victoria Street, Bruntsfield and Waterloo Place. Despite the emphasis on tradition, Edinburgh boasts cuisine from around the world including a Chinese buffet restaurant, Italian and seafood restaurants.

Nights out in Edinburgh typically start early and don’t finish until dawn with something for all tastes including clubs and pubs. Following on from the tradition of the Fringe, there are several comedy clubs in Edinburgh including The Stand Comedy Club and Jongleurs. The Omni Centre offers pubs, clubs, cinemas and restaurants all in one place; while nightclub revellers will be drawn towards Liquid Rooms, Po Na Na, Cabaret Voltaire, Massa and The Bongo Club. The city is also a consistent draw for stag and hen parties, particularly Rose Street which has more pubs than any other street in the capital.

Why choose Edinburgh?

Diversity is the key to the Scottish capital. Not only does it offer a wide range of attractions – from Edinburgh Castle to the Royal Yacht Britannia – it is also within touching distance of some wide open spaces and spectacular views with expansive countryside to enjoy a picnic or just a relaxing summer’s day out.

A consistent draw for young people with its festivals, nightlife and thriving student vibe, Edinburgh also grabs the attention of older holidaymakers and families with its traditional Scottish flavour.

No matter how old or young you may be, when it comes to holidays in the UK, Edinburgh is one location you shouldn’t overlook.

This travel article has been written by Paul Lucas at UKHolidayPlaces.co.uk.

www.ukholidayplaces.co.uk website promotes all types of accommodation from cottages in tranquil villages, beach apartments by the sea to luxury hotels in city centres. Our website has been established since 2003 and has helped thousands of people find accommodation for short breaks and holidays in the UK.

Posted 22nd July 2010

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